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Week Ending November 11, 2005

HR 797 to improve housing programs for Indians.

BRIEF

   Sovereign Indian tribes are exempt from Civil Rights rules that are obstacles to improving their access to housing grants provided they are governed by the Indian Civil Rights Act (1968) or the tribe is acting under affordable housing provisions of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act (1996).

   The bill amends current law allowing for the tribes, tribally designated entities or agencies that primarily serve Indians to be eligible for grants to build what bill supporters described as much needed housing. Reportedly one in five native American residences are without basic facilities.

Sponsor: Representative Rick Renzi (R-AZ-1^st)

Vote: Passed House by voice vote (April 6, 2005) Passed Senate by Unanimous Consent November 7, 2005.

Cost to the taxpayers: No discernible cost. Grant funds must be appropriated.

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