Bill Reauthorizing NAHASDA Sent to President

Looks like federal lawmakers did not spend the entire weekend working on the $700 billion bailout proposal. As announced this morning by the National American Indian Housing Council, it found the time to complete work on H.R. 2786, a bill reauthorizing the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act, and it is now on its way to the president.

H.R. 2786, introduced by Congressmen Dale Kildee, D-Mich., last year, authorizes $2.2 billion in federal dollars for tribal housing from FY 2008 to FY 2012. The bill contains several new provisions, including language to ensure the continued provision of NAHASDA programs/services to the Cherokee Freedmen.

"Dilapidated and over-crowded houses lead to weak performance in school, poor heath, and contribute to a hopelessness that few Americans witness as part of their daily lives. By reauthorizing NAHASDA, Congress has demonstrated incredible dedication to improve the dire housing conditions that Native Americans face," said Marty Shuravloff, NAIHC Chairman.

Freedmen Issue Dogs Cherokee Nation

According to Indianz.com the members of the Congressional Black Caucus have told Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid that they will block reauthorization of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act until the citizenship status of the Freedmen is addressed. An amendment to the legislation prohibits giving federal funds to the Cherokee Nation unless it restores the Freedmen to citizenship. In addition, last week at the Federal Bar Association’s Indian Law Conference, Allison Binney, the staff director for the Senate Indian Affairs Committee said the House is considering adding a similar provision to its version of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act.