Downing, Bynum, Schatz, Murkowski Introduce Landmark Bill to Modernize the Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representatives Troy Downing (R-MT) and Janelle Bynum (D-OR), alongside U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), introduced the NAHASDA Modernization Act of 2026. Two versions of the legislation have been introduced – one in the House and one in the Senate. While there are differences in the specific provisions included in each bill, the majority of the legislation is substantially aligned and focused on streamlining program administration and expanding tools to improve housing affordability in Indian Country. A section-by-section comparison of both versions is available on the NAIHC website.
Since its enactment on October 26, 1996, the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA) has served as a cornerstone of federal housing policy in Indian Country. The law consolidated multiple federal housing programs into a streamlined block grant system, including the Indian Housing Block Grant and the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant, enabling Tribal Nations to design and implement housing solutions that meet their unique needs. NAHASDA was last authorized in 2008 and expired in 2013.