By Matthew Holloway |
Arizona Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ-02) and Kansas Democratic Rep. Sharice Davids introduced bipartisan legislation this week to help tribal communities access unused federal housing vouchers for Native American veterans.
The Tribal Veterans Voucher Flexibility Act would establish a voluntary process for returning and reallocating assistance through the Tribal Housing and Urban Development–Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program, known as Tribal HUD-VASH.
According to Crane’s announcement, tribes and tribally designated housing entities could notify HUD of vouchers they expect to leave unused during the following fiscal year. Returning vouchers would not affect their consideration for future allocations. Communities needing additional assistance could request available vouchers.
HUD would have 180 days after enactment to establish the process and submit a congressional report examining unused vouchers, reallocations, shortages, and whether the overall supply should increase. Participants could report unused assistance electronically, by telephone, or through the mail.
“Some Tribes have leftover vouchers they cannot use while others lack the resources to take care of our veterans,” Crane said. “Our legislation aims to resolve this longstanding issue by getting unused vouchers into the hands of Tribes that can put them to use. This is a sensible approach that makes better use of existing support without expanding the size and scope of the federal government.”
The existing program provides rental assistance for eligible Native American veterans experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless. HUD’s program guidance explains that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) determines initial veteran eligibility, including requirements involving access to VA health care and a need for case management.
Tribal housing providers determine whether participating households meet income requirements. HUD’s guidance generally sets the income threshold at 80% of the applicable area median income and excludes certain VA disability and survivor benefits from that calculation.
Rental assistance can support several housing arrangements, including single-family homes, apartments, shared housing, and residential treatment housing. Associated medical expenses must be covered through other funding sources.
The proposal follows earlier cooperation between Crane and Davids on tribal economic-development legislation.
Crane has been heavily involved in tribal health care initiatives. In December, Ak-Chin Indian Community leaders credited his support for the tribe’s selection for an Indian Health Service partnership supporting a new health center. In August, Crane joined Rep. Greg Stanton and Gila River Indian Community officials to mark a University of Arizona partnership establishing a medical school branch on tribal land in Sacaton.
In June, the House unanimously passed the Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act, which the lawmakers supported alongside Republican Rep. Jake Ellzey of Texas and Democratic Rep. Kelly Morrison of Minnesota.
That legislation would place the Small Business Administration’s Office of Native American Affairs into statute and define its responsibilities, including outreach involving business development, contracting, and access to capital. An earlier version passed the House during the previous Congress but stalled in the Senate.
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
