S. 710, the Reauthorization of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 2015 (Nahasda)

Description

S. 710, the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act of 2015 or NAHASDA is similar to past bills introduced since NAHASDA’s reauthorization ended in 2013. Reauthorization of NAHASDA has been an important priority for Indian Country. The United States is responsible for improving Indian people’s housing conditions. Improved housing conditions empower tribes to take greater responsibility for their own economic condition. In 1996, NAHASDA consolidated Federal Indian housing programs into one law. NAHASDA also furthered principles of self-governance through tribal administration of Federal Indian housing programs. Although NAHASDA has empowered tribes to tackle their own housing needs, there is still a need for housing in Indian Country. Housing is vital to Indian communities across the United States. When we discuss the state of Indian housing, we must describe it in the term of crisis. The statistics concerning housing conditions in Indian Country are staggering. Homes that do exist are in disrepair and we are nowhere close to meeting the immense need for housing throughout Indian Country.