Senator Lisa Murkowski, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and Senator Brian Schatz, Vice Chairman, introduced the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Modernization Act of 2026 on Mar. 27. The legislation aims to reauthorize and update federal housing programs for American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians through 2033.
The bill is significant because it addresses long-standing challenges in Native communities regarding access to safe and affordable housing. It proposes reforms that increase flexibility for Tribes and Native Hawaiians while streamlining federal requirements.
“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 Chairman Murkowski. Vice Chairman Schatz said: “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. Our bill reflects what Native communities asked for: better tools and flexibilities to make homeownership and stable housing a reality for more families.”
Other senators also expressed support for the measure. Senator Steve Daines said it will help ensure tribal communities have resources needed to address shortages in Indian Country. Senator Ben Ray Luján emphasized that reauthorizing NAHASDA will strengthen self-determination while expanding access to housing.
The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs plays a key role by supporting self-determination through policy development according to its official website. The committee oversees legislation related to education, health care, economic development, as well as addressing affairs in Alaska and U.S. insular regions according to its official website. It influences federal policy concerning tribal sovereignty as detailed on its official site.
Rudy Soto from the National American Indian Housing Council described this legislative moment as pivotal for Indian Country: “Modernizing NAHASDA is not just about updating a program; it is about strengthening sovereignty...and building a housing future that reflects the needs of our communities.” Mark Macarro from the National Congress of American Indians added: “After thirteen years of expired authorization...the time to reauthorize and modernize NAHASDA is now.”
The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs became a permanent standing committee in 1984 after forming as a select committee in 1816 as noted on its official website. This context underscores its ongoing influence over policies impacting Tribal Nations.
