Bruce F. Vento: “Mr. Chairman, I appropriately recognize the amendments and changes made have improved this amendment. I suggest to my…”

“Mr. Chairman, I appropriately recognize the amendments and changes made have improved this amendment. I suggest to my colleagues who are interested in Native American housing the severe problems we have in this area. I hope this block grant approach accomplishes the noble objectives that are expressed. I have my doubts considering the infrastructure and other threshold issues that we face, but look forward to working to see the positive goals become a reality. We have a significant Native American population in the State that I represent. I would like nothing better than to see them get better housing. Some of the worst housing we have in this Nation is occupied by Native Americans, and the commensurate problems that occur with it greatly concern me as it relates to our direct and joint responsibilities, the Secretary of HUD, the Bureau of Indian Affairs and, of course, this Congress. With that said, Mr. Chairman, I will now support the amendment.”