The National American Indian Housing Council says it will work with the House and the Senate to ensure the Native American Housing and Self-Determination Act gets to President Bush.

The Senate passed S.2062, a bill to reauthorize NAHASDA, on May 22. The House passed its version, H.R.2768, last fall.

"The Senate's passage of our reauthorization bill brings this vital legislation one giant step closer to the President’s desk during this second session of the 110th Congress,” said NAIHC Chairman Marty Shuravloff. "We greatly appreciate the Senate’s recognition of the need to enhance the flexibility of tribal housing authorities which, day in and day out, meet the dire housing needs of Indian Country."

But Shuravloff has expressed concerns about the bill's future. The House's version includes provisions that address the Cherokee Freedmen dispute, while the Senate's version does not.

The differences will have to be worked out by a joint House-Senate conference committee. Shuravloff said NAIHC will work with members of both parties to ensure passage.

"The NAHASDA reauthorization is a top priority for developing and sustaining safe and affordable housing for low income American Indian and Alaska Native families," he said.

Related Stories:
Senate approves housing reauthorization bill (5/23)
Cherokee Freedmen dispute a threat to NAHASDA (4/24)
House approves NAHASDA reauthorization (9/7)