Crapo, Murkowski, Schatz Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Expand and Modernize Native Housing Programs

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawai?i) introduced the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Modernization Act of 2026 (NAHASDA), comprehensive legislation to reauthorize and modernize federal housing programs serving American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians.

The bipartisan legislation would update and reauthorize NAHASDA, the primary federal law governing housing assistance in Indian Country, through 2033. It includes key reforms that would increase flexibility for Tribes, streamline federal requirements and expand access to safe, affordable housing.

"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.

"For more than a decade, I've worked on NAHASDA and heard directly from Native families about how the lack of safe, affordable housing affects every part of 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," said Murkowski. "I'm proud to have worked alongside Tribal leaders and stakeholders in Alaska and across the country to identify practical solutions. By cutting red tape and providing greater flexibility, we can help communities provide housing that fits their unique needs and supports long-term stability."

"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," said Schatz. "Our bill reflects what Native communities asked for: better tools and flexibilities to make homeownership and stable housing a reality for more families. I thank Chairman Murkowski for her partnership and all the Native leaders and organizations who helped make this bipartisan legislation even stronger."

"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 to govern themselves and build the homes their communities urgently need. NCAI and the Tribal leaders we represent are fully mobilized to support the House and Senate working together to find compromise. Tribal Nations will not stop until Congress gets this done," said Mark Macarro, President of the National Congress of American Indians.

Original co-sponsors of the legislation include U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-Montana), Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii).

Representatives Troy Downing (R-Montana) and Janelle Bynum (D-Oregon) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Key provisions of the legislation:

• Reauthorizes the Indian Housing Block Grant and the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant through 2033 to provide long-term stability and certainty for Tribal housing and Native Hawaiian housing programs
• Streamlines environmental reviews, reporting and federal requirements to reduce delays and accelerate housing development in Tribal and Native Hawaiian communities
• Expands eligibility and flexibility for Tribal Housing programs, including allowing increased income eligibility for homeownership and enabling pathways such as lease-to-own
• Codifies the Tribal HUD-VASH program and ensures dedicated resources for Native veterans experiencing or at-risk of homelessness
• Enhances Tribal self-determination by providing greater control over procurement, rent policies, program design and use of funds
• Enhances access to private financing by reauthorizing and improving Section 184 and 184A loan guarantee programs and expanding lender participation
• Expands Tribal access to federal homelessness programs, including the Continuum of Care program and new Tribal and rural housing initiatives
• Establishes targeted pilot and demonstration programs to provide housing assistance and supportive services for Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians experiencing homelessness

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