Political Quotes

“This bill will provide an important and long overdue reauthorization of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act, or NAHASDA. Through NAHASDA, the Federal Government provides housing assistance to Native Americans and Native Hawaiians, two groups that not only experience some of the poorest housing conditions in the Nation, but also face unique barriers to housing due to the legal status of tribal lands. Through block grants and loan guarantees, NAHASDA ensures Federal assistance is tailored to address their needs while respecting their right to self-determination. I am encouraged that my Republican colleagues have finally agreed to include a provision to reauthorize Native Hawaiian programs. As a supporter of the reauthorization of NAHASDA, I did not object to the bill before us today moving forward under suspension; however, this is one of those times, while you understand very well why reauthorization is necessary, I must go on record to continue to support a fight and a struggle that I have been involved in with some of my colleagues for many years. The bill will do nothing to protect the Cherokee Freedmen-- descendants of former African American slaves of the Cherokee--who are facing possible expulsion by the Cherokee Nation. The ancestors of the Freedmen marched with the Cherokee on the Trail of Tears; yet, today, their tragic history continues as the Freedmen face ongoing discrimination from the tribe that they call their own.…”