H.R. 2786 is the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act (NAHASDA) of 2007.
Boren's effort was in response to an amendment offered during floor debate on the act that would have prohibited the Cherokee Nation from receiving any funding through program authorized by the bill due to the Freedmen issue, according to a press release from Boren's office.
In March, a tribal vote ousted many Freedmen from the tribe who were not listed on the Dawes Rolls, but were listed on the Freedmen rolls of the tribes. Since the vote, the Freedmen have sought to nullify the vote through the court system - a legal battle that is ongoing. A California legislator introduced legislation that would pull the tribe's funding if it doesn't allow Freedmen to stay in the tribe.
"As I have maintained throughout the proceedings concerning the Cherokee Freedmen issue, it is more appropriate to discuss congressional action after current court procedures are complete," Boren said.
Boren engaged the proponents of the amendment to deny the Cherokee Nation federal funding on the House floor, which led to the passage of Boren's amendment.
Boren's amendment states that, should the tribal courts rule in favor of the Freedmen, then the tribe would not be removed from the NAHASDA programs. However, since both amendments passed the House, a court ruling in favor of the tribe's efforts would allow an amendment restricting the tribe from NAHASDA to take effect. The tribe would then be restricted from receiving any NAHASDA funding.
"This is a very complex issue, and it is my hope that a consensus can be reached that is suitable for all parties," Boren said.
Boren reminded the House that currently a court-ordered stay has granted full benefits and rights to the Freedmen.
H.R. 2786 reauthorizes NAHASDA for five years and amends the law to address housing needs in Indian country. It was first approved in 1996 and is an attempt to encourage tribes to participate in low-income housing tax credit projects, a loan guarantee program, and to compete for various funds. H.R. 2786 also creates a program to allow tribes to make independent decisions regarding the use of a portion of their NAHASDA grant to acquire, rehabilitate and construct housing.
