Lee Metcalf: “recently I have introduced H.R. 2663, the Native American Housing and Self-Determination Act amendments, to strengthen…”

“recently I have introduced H.R. 2663, the Native American Housing and Self-Determination Act amendments, to strengthen the Native American housing bill passed in the 104th Congress. Since the passing of this legislation, we have become aware of abuses and mismanagement in the Department of Housing and Urban Development and their Native American Housing Program. Throughout the events leading up to the disclosure of abuses, it is evident that HUD has been slow in acting, slow in responding, and slow in taking corrective measures. Consequently, Federal funds which should have been spent on low- income tribal members were spent for extravagant housing or projects not approved by the grant. Where was HUD when these abuses were occurring? Why was not HUD watching for abuses? These were some of the questions at a joint hearing held by the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs earlier this year. In reality HUD could have done considerably more to prevent the abuses from occurring in the first place. HUD could have imposed greater sanctions and HUD could have stopped construction of some of the projects. My legislation will strengthen the new law by requiring greater public accountability, increasing auditing capabilities, and ensuring that Federal funds are used appropriately.”