Rep. Melanie Stansbury Continues Work for NM-01 During Shutdown, Introducing Landmark Legislation on Tribal Housing to Strengthen, Modernize, and Expand Affordable Housing in[...]

WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury (NM-01) introduced two major pieces of legislation during the pro forma session in the House during the shutdown today - the Tribal Affordable Housing Act and the Tribal Housing Innovation Act - to strengthen, modernize, and expand access to safe, affordable, and sustainable housing in Tribal and Pueblo communities across New Mexico and nationwide.

Together, these bills reaffirm the federal government's trust and treaty responsibilities to our Tribal Nations by investing in critical housing infrastructure and supporting Tribal sovereignty and self-determination, affordability, and sustainability.

"As our communities are facing a housing crisis, we must continue to do the work to invest in safe and affordable housing," said Rep. Stansbury. "Far too long, Tribal communities have faced barriers to investment in housing. These bills are about keeping our promises-investing in the future of Tribal Nations by ensuring that every family has a home that is safe, sustainable, and built to last. As housing costs continue to skyrocket, these investments are urgently needed to protect and strengthen communities and make it possible for families to thrive."

In addition to introducing these two bills, Congresswoman Stansbury also celebrated the opening of a new Early Childhood Education Center at the Pueblo of Sandia today, for which she helped secure $850,000 in federal funding to support. Congresswoman Stansbury also addressed her work to protect food assistance for families during the shutdown, including legislation she will be introducing in the coming days to protect the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC), which the Administration has threatened to cut off to families in November under a continued shutdown.

Watch a recording of the press call here.

The Tribal Affordable Housing Act
The Tribal Affordable Housing Act, endorsed by the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), creates a competitive grant program within HUD to expand access to affordable housing in Tribal communities.

Key provisions include:

• Authorization of $150 million annually for Tribes to build new homes or upgrade existing housing.

• Competitive grants providing flexibility for Tribes to determine how best to meet their unique housing needs.

• Dedicated funding stream to help close the housing gap that has long left Tribal communities under-resourced.

This legislation ensures that Tribes have equitable access to federal housing resources and the flexibility to tailor solutions that meet the needs of their citizens.

The Tribal Housing Innovation Act
The Tribal Housing Innovation Act establishes a new grant program within the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to help Tribes remodel existing homes or build new sustainable housing.


Key provisions include:

• $150 million annually beginning in FY2025 to fund sustainable and resilient housing projects.

• Grants for constructing new homes or retrofitting existing ones with features that improve energy efficiency, air quality, and resilience.

• Eligible features include solar panels, insulation, energy-efficient appliances, fire-resistant materials, and measures to reduce allergens, mold, or pollutants.

• Applicants must submit detailed plans demonstrating capacity to carry out proposed projects.

The bill empowers Tribal Nations to improve housing durability, safety, and energy efficiency - while promoting environmental justice and sustainability.

"These bills will empower Tribal Nations to build their futures and strengthen the health, well-being, and opportunities of their communities," Rep. Stansbury added. "They ensure that federal housing programs truly meet the needs of Tribal Nations by centering Tribal leadership, sustainability, and local decision-making.

Larry Wright Jr., Executive Director of the National Congress of American Indians said, "We wholly endorse the Tribal Affordable Housing Act introduced by Representative Stansbury. This critically important legislation addresses a longstanding gap in federal housing support by specifically targeting tribes and tribally designated housing entities. In an environment where multiple families routinely reside in a single structure, this legislation protects tribal families by providing for a most basic need-a safe place to live with a roof over their heads.

The $150 million annual authorization also represents a significant investment in tribal sovereignty and self-determination, providing tribes the ability to build new homes and improve existing housing stock according to their own community needs and priorities. This legislation recognizes that modern, safe, affordable housing is fundamental to healthy tribal communities and economic development. We strongly encourage Congress to not only enact this legislation, but also appropriate funding needed to carry out the provisions within the Tribal Affordable Housing Act."

Background
Tribal communities face some of the most acute housing shortages and infrastructure challenges in the United States. Many face shortages in housing stock, lack updated and modern infrastructure, need abatement to ensure housing is safe, and are vulnerable to changing conditions.

The Tribal Affordable Housing Act and Tribal Housing Innovation Act respond directly to these challenges - advancing equitable, sustainable, and community-driven housing solutions that uphold Tribal sovereignty and self-determination.

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