U.S. Senators Mike Crapo, Lisa Murkowski, and Brian Schatz introduced the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Modernization Act of 2026 on March 30. The bipartisan legislation aims to reauthorize and update federal housing programs for American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians through 2033.
The bill seeks to address long-standing housing challenges in Native communities by increasing flexibility for Tribes and streamlining federal requirements. Lawmakers say these changes will help expand access to safe and affordable homes.
“The Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Modernization Act would finally cut through bureaucratic barriers and empower Tribes with the flexibility they need to deliver safe, affordable homes for Native families in Idaho and nationwide,” said Crapo.
Murkowski said that after more than a decade working on NAHASDA she has heard from many Native families about how the lack of safe housing affects daily life. “As Congress continues its efforts to address housing challenges around the country, we cannot leave Native communities behind. The federal government has a trust responsibility to ensure Tribes have the tools to meet the housing needs of their people,” she said. She added that by cutting red tape and providing greater flexibility, communities can provide housing tailored to their unique needs.
Schatz noted NAHASDA’s impact over three decades: “Over the past 30 years, NAHASDA has delivered billions of dollars in federal funding to improve Native housing in Hawai‘i and across the country.” He thanked partners who contributed ideas for improving homeownership opportunities under this new bill.
Mark Macarro, President of the National Congress of American Indians, said: “After thirteen years of expired authorization, Tribal Nations across Indian Country have never been more unified or more ready — and our message to Congress is clear: the time to reauthorize and modernize NAHASDA is now. This legislation honors the legal federal trust responsibility while empowering Tribal Nations…Tribal Nations will not stop until Congress gets this done.”
Key provisions include reauthorizing Indian Housing Block Grants; streamlining environmental reviews; expanding eligibility for homeownership; codifying support programs for veterans at risk of homelessness; enhancing self-determination over program design; improving loan guarantee programs; expanding access to homelessness initiatives; and establishing pilot assistance projects.
Original co-sponsors are Senators Steve Daines (R-Montana), Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii). Representatives Troy Downing (R-Montana) and Janelle Bynum (D-Oregon) introduced companion legislation in the House.
Crapo serves as chair of the Senate Committee on Finance according to his official website. He advocates for responsible forest management as well as tax reform policies according to his official biography. Crapo grew up in Idaho Falls where he raised five children with his wife Susan according to his official website, served three terms representing Idaho’s Second Congressional District in Congress according to his official website, earned degrees from Brigham Young University and Harvard Law School according to his official website, assists Idahoans with federal agencies issues according to his official biography, advocates natural resource protection according to his official biography.
