Downing Introduces Native American Housing, Self-Determination Modernization Act
Last week, Congressman Troy Downing (MT-02) introduced the Native American Housing and Self-Determination Modernization Act. This legislation modernizes and reauthorizes NAHASDA, including the Indian Housing Block Grant program, through 2032 to better assist the housing needs of Indian Country by providing targeted regulatory relief.
The primary law governing federal support for housing in Indian Country, the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (NAHASDA), has not been updated since 2008. Although Congress continues funding, its programs have not been authorized since 2013.
Sens. Lisa Murkowski (RAK) and Brian Schatz (D-HI) are leading substantially similar legislation in the Senate. Rep. Janelle Bynum (OR-05) is the House Democrat co-lead.
Supporting organizations include the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians Bipartisan Policy Center Action, Habitat for Humanity International, Housing Assistance Council, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, National American Indian Housing Council, National Congress of American Indians, National NeighborWorks Association, Native CDFI Network, Northwest Indian Housing Association, Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council, South Dakota Native Homeownership Coalition, Enterprise Community Partners, and United Native American Housing Association.
Key provisions in the bill include:
• Consolidating environmental reviews required for federally funded tribal housing projects.
• Exempting tribal housing projects from Build America, Buy America requirements to lower costs.
• Promoting tribal sovereignty by allowing tribes to set maximum rent policies.
• Modernizing the Section 184 lending program to expand private financing options.
• Supporting tribal veterans by codifying the existing Tribal HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program.
“Homeownership is the foundation of the American dream–that doesn’t stop with Americans in our tribal communities,” said Downing. “Indian Country needs the stability of reauthorization to responsibly plan, finance, and maintain housing investments, along with modernized rules, regulations, and policies that unlock tribes’ ability to adapt to changing economic, construction, and community realities. I am incredibly grateful to my colleagues in both chambers and on both sides of the aisle for their outpouring of support for this effort to ensure that housing is affordable for all Americans.”
“For too long, tribal communities have not had the tools they need to build and maintain affordable housing,” Rep. Janelle Bynum said. “They deserve access to resources that provide long-term stability and expand pathways to homeownership, which is exactly what my bill does. I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to strengthen access to affordable housing across every community.”
“Many decades ago, the United States government made the commitment to tribes to help those who are living in Indian Country without adequate housing,” said House Committee on Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole. “Yet, the primary law that carries out this commitment has not been authorized since 2013 or updated since 2008. As a member of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma and the longest serving Native American in the House, it is a priority of mine to ensure tribal nations are represented here in Congress. This is why I co-sponsored the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Modernization Act of 2026, which will modernize and reauthorize the program after all these years. I would like to thank Representatives Downing and Bynum for their work on this pivotal legislation. It is long-passed time for Congress to reauthorize these programs to address the housing needs of Indian Country.”
“I am delighted to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in introducing the NAHASDA reauthorization,” said Congresswoman Gwen Moore. “I applaud Reps. Downing and Bynum’s leadership on this important legislation, which is an essential part of Congress’s duty to honor the constitutional trust obligation to tribes.”
“The United Native American Housing Association applauds Rep Downing as a new leader in modernizing Indian housing programs,” said Sharon Vogel, president, United Native American housing Association. “The proposed Modernization of NAHASDA Act is legislation that will provide a stable environment for Indian housing development which will have a positive impact on meeting the needs of our tribal communities and families.”
“The introduction of the NAHASDA Modernization Act marks a pivotal moment for Indian Country,” said NAIHC’s executive director Rudy Soto. “As federal housing policy undergoes its most significant transformation in decades, it is deeply encouraging to see strong bipartisan leadership from Representatives Troy Downing and Janelle Bynum. This legislation ensures Tribal Nations have both a seat at the table and the tools to lead. As we honor the 30th anniversary of NAHASDA’s original passage in 2026, their leadership offers real hope that Congress can come together to deliver lasting, meaningful impact for Native communities for generations to come.”
“For decades, NAHASDA programs have effectively served American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities by expanding access to safe, accessible, and affordable housing. BPC Action applauds Reps. Troy Downing (R-MT) and Janelle Bynum (DOR) for introducing the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Modernization Act.
Although Congress has continued to fund NAHASDA programs, this long-overdue legislation will reauthorize them for the first time since authority lapsed in 2013 and ensure that these communities have consistent funding to fully and flexibly address their housing needs,” says Michele Stockwell, president of Bipartisan Policy Center Action.
