H.R. 8092

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 8092 Introduced in House (IH)]

<DOC>

119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 8092

To reauthorize the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-
Determination Act of 1996, and for other purposes.

_______________________________________________________________________

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

March 26, 2026

Mr. Downing (for himself, Ms. Bynum, Mr. Cole, Mr. Lucas, Mr. Huizenga, 
Mrs. Wagner, Mr. Meuser, Mr. Haridopolos, Mr. Lawler, Ms. De La Cruz, 
Mr. Barr, Mr. Steil, Mr. Davidson, Mr. Stutzman, Mr. Loudermilk, Mr. 
Zinke, Mr. Bacon, Mr. Fleischmann, Mr. Johnson of South Dakota, Mrs. 
Fedorchak, Mr. Simpson, Mr. Liccardo, Ms. Moore of Wisconsin, Ms. 
Davids of Kansas, Ms. Craig, Mr. Davis of North Carolina, Mr. Vasquez, 
Mr. Larsen of Washington, Mr. Stanton, Mr. Keating, Ms. Leger 
Fernandez, Ms. Pingree, Ms. Stansbury, Mr. Bentz, and Mr. Nunn of Iowa) 
introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on 
Financial Services

_______________________________________________________________________

A BILL

To reauthorize the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-
Determination Act of 1996, and for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Native American 
Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Modernization Act of 2026''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as 
follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; Table of contents.
Sec. 2. Consolidation of environmental review requirements.
Sec. 3. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 4. Student housing assistance.
Sec. 5. Clarification of application of rent rule only to units owned 
or operated by Indian Tribe or tribally 
designated housing entity.
Sec. 6. Deadline for action on request for approval regarding exceeding 
TDC maximum cost for project.
Sec. 7. Homeownership or lease-to-own low-income requirement and income 
targeting.
Sec. 8. Lease requirements and tenant selection.
Sec. 9. Statutory authority to suspend grant funds in emergencies.
Sec. 10. Reports to Congress.
Sec. 11. 99-year leasehold interest in trust or restricted lands for 
housing purposes.
Sec. 12. Reauthorization of housing assistance for Native Hawaiians.
Sec. 13. Community-based development organizations and special 
activities by Indian Tribes.
Sec. 14. Housing counseling certification waiver.
Sec. 15. Eligibility for housing counseling grants.
Sec. 16. Section 184 Indian home loan guarantee program.
Sec. 17. Loan guarantees for Native Hawaiian housing.
Sec. 18. Rental assistance for homeless or at-risk Indian veterans.
Sec. 19. Continuum of care.
Sec. 20. Streamlining reporting requirements.
Sec. 21. Application of Build America, Buy America requirements.

SEC. 2. CONSOLIDATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW REQUIREMENTS.

Section 105 of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-
Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4115) is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)(2) by adding after ``other officer of 
the Tribe'' the following: ``, or a tribally designated housing 
entity official designated by the Tribe,'';
(2) in subsection (d)--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (4) as 
subparagraphs (A) through (D), respectively;
(B) by striking ``The Secretary may'' and inserting 
the following:
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Waiver request.--The Secretary shall act upon a 
waiver request submitted under this subsection within 60 days 
after receipt of such request.''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new subsections:
``(e) Consolidation of Environmental Review Requirements.--For 
assistance provided under this Act, including under title VIII of this 
Act, and grants to Indian Tribes issued under title I of the Housing 
and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.), the 
Indian Tribe or the Director of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands 
shall be deemed to be in compliance with the environmental review 
requirements under this section or section 806 of this Act, title I of 
the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, and the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), with regard 
to such project and to discharge any applicable environmental review 
requirements that might apply to Federal agencies with respect to the 
use of additional Federal funding sources for that project, if--
``(1) a recipient is using 1 or more sources of Federal 
funds in addition to grant amounts under this Act or in 
addition to a grant made to an Indian Tribe under title I of 
the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974;
``(2) such other sources of Federal funds do not exceed 49 
percent of the Federal share of the project cost; and
``(3) the recipient's Indian Tribe or the Director of the 
Department of Hawaiian Home Lands has assumed all of the 
responsibilities for environmental review, decision-making, and 
action pursuant to this section, section 806 of this Act, or 
title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974.
``(f) Environmental Streamlining.--For activities assisted under 
this Act, including title VIII of this Act, or assisted with a grant to 
an Indian Tribe under title I of the Housing and Community Development 
Act (42 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.), each of the following apply:
``(1) General exemption.--Notwithstanding any other 
provision of law, activities are exempt from any environmental 
review requirements where--
``(A) similar statutory exemptions apply to 
comparable activities of other Federal agencies;
``(B) the activity is an affordable housing 
activity having a total cost of not more than $250,000;
``(C) the activity is acquisition of property, 
including long-term equipment, funded using non-Federal 
sources; or
``(D) the activity involves the rehabilitation of a 
structure and--
``(i) the cost of the rehabilitation is 
less than fifty percent of the market value of 
the structure before rehabilitation; and
``(ii) the rehabilitation involves no 
ground disturbance, footprint change, or 
historic structure.
``(2) Radon exemption.--Notwithstanding any other provision 
of law, the Secretary may not require recipients (including the 
Director under title VIII of this Act) and Indian Tribes to 
consider or test for radon in the environmental review. Nothing 
in this provision shall be construed to limit the authority of 
a recipient (including the Director under title VIII of this 
Act) and an Indian Tribe to consider, test for, and mitigate 
radon.
``(3) Lead testing.--
``(A) Testing.--Lead paint testing of target 
housing that is in a remote area, and that is being 
rehabilitated, renovated, repaired, or painted in a 
manner that will repair or disturb building components 
that are painted or coated, must be conducted via--
``(i) paint chip testing, lead-based paint 
inspection, visual assessment for deteriorated 
paint, or a lead risk assessment for lead-based 
paint hazards, as applicable in accordance with 
section 1012 of the Residential Lead-Based 
Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992; or
``(ii) visual assessment for deteriorated 
paint and use of EPA-recognized lead test kits 
in accordance with sections 402 or 404, as 
applicable, of the Toxic Substances Control Act 
(15 U.S.C. 2682, 2684) on each building 
component that is painted or coated and is to 
be disturbed.
``(B) Definitions.--In this paragraph:
``(i) Remote area.--The term `Remote Area' 
means as the area of a United States Postal 
Service ZIP Code that has a level 1 Frontier 
and Remote Area code as most recently posted on 
the website of the Department of Agriculture.
``(ii) Target housing.--The term `Target 
Housing' has the meaning given the term in 
section 1004(27) of the Residential Lead-Based 
Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 
4851b(27)) assisted under the Native American 
Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act 
of 1996.
``(4) Siting of hud projects near explosive and flammable 
hazards.--
``(A) In general.--Recipients carrying out 
activities under this Act (including the Director under 
title VIII of this Act) or Indian Tribe carrying out 
activities under title I of the Housing and Community 
Development Act shall be exempt from the Secretary's 
acceptable separation distance requirements and 
mitigation for residential tanks when the tank--
``(i) has a capacity of 1,320 gallons or 
less;
``(ii) is intended to contain common liquid 
fuels such as gasoline, fuel oil, kerosene, 
diesel, liquified petroleum gas (propane), or 
crude oil;
``(iii) is sited on land or property that 
contains a one- to four-family dwelling;
``(iv) is intended to be used solely by 
residents of such dwelling; and
``(v) is intended to be used by residents 
of such dwelling exclusively for non-
commercial, non-industrial purposes.
``(B) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this 
provision shall be construed to limit the authority of 
a recipient (including the Director under title VIII of 
this Act) or an Indian Tribe to consider acceptable 
separation distance or implement mitigation measures.
``(C) Application.--The Secretary's acceptable 
separation distance requirements between a residential 
structure assisted with funds under this Act (or 
assisted with funds under a grant to an Indian Tribe 
under title 1 of the Housing and Community Development 
Act) and an above-ground storage tank used to store 
hazardous substances as defined in subpart C of part 51 
of title 24, Code of Federal Regulations, or successor 
regulation, including mitigation measures, do not apply 
if the Indian Tribe or recipient (including the 
Director under title VIII of this Act) determines 
that--
``(i) inapplicability of the requirements 
is necessary to address the housing needs of 
the Indian Tribe or recipient (including the 
Director under title VIII of this Act);
``(ii) the use of an alternative standard, 
or the absence of a standard, does not present 
an unacceptable risk to the health or safety of 
residents; and
``(iii) the Indian Tribe or recipient 
(including the Director under title VIII of 
this Act) has provided notice and an 
opportunity for comment to residents of the 
affected area regarding the inapplicability of 
the requirements, and has developed a safety 
and response plan.
``(5) Streamlining wetland requirements.--The Secretary may 
not apply additional requirements involving protection of 
wetlands in instances where an affected wetland requires a U.S. 
Army Corps of Engineers General, Regional, or individual permit 
and the Indian Tribe or recipient (including the Director under 
title VIII of this Act) complies with permit conditions.''.

SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

Section 108 of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-
Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4117) is amended, in the first 
sentence, by striking ``2009 through 2013'' and inserting ``2026 
through 2032''.

SEC. 4. STUDENT HOUSING ASSISTANCE.

Section 202(3) of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-
Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4132(3)) is amended by inserting 
``including college housing assistance,'' after ``self-sufficiency and 
other services,''.

SEC. 5. CLARIFICATION OF APPLICATION OF RENT RULE ONLY TO UNITS OWNED 
OR OPERATED BY INDIAN TRIBE OR TRIBALLY DESIGNATED 
HOUSING ENTITY.

Section 203(a) of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-
Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4133(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``owned or operated by a 
recipient and'' after ``residing in a dwelling unit''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Self-determination.--Notwithstanding paragraph (2), 
recipients may establish their own policies governing maximum 
and minimum rents and homebuyer payments for dwelling units 
assisted under this Act, provided such policies are written and 
made publicly available.''.

SEC. 6. DEADLINE FOR ACTION ON REQUEST FOR APPROVAL REGARDING EXCEEDING 
TDC MAXIMUM COST FOR PROJECT.

(a) Approval.--Section 103 of the Native American Housing 
Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4113) is 
amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(f) Deadline for Action on Request To Exceed TDC Maximum.--
``(1) Deadline.--A request for approval by the Secretary to 
exceed by more than 10 percent the total development cost 
maximum cost for a project shall be approved or denied during 
the 60-day period that begins on the date that the Secretary 
receives the request.
``(2) No response by secretary.--If the Secretary does not 
respond to a request in the 60-day period described in 
paragraph (1), the request shall be deemed approved.''.
(b) Definition.--Section 4 of the Native American Housing 
Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4103) is 
amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraph (22) as paragraph (23); and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (21) the following new 
paragraph:
``(22) Total development cost.--The term `total development 
cost' means, with respect to a housing project, the sum of all 
costs for the project, including all undertakings necessary for 
administration, planning, site acquisition, demolition, 
construction or equipment and financing (including payment of 
carrying charges), and for otherwise carrying out the 
development of the project, excluding off-site water and sewer. 
The total development cost amounts shall be based on a 
moderately designed house and determined by averaging the 
current construction costs as listed in not less than two 
nationally recognized residential construction cost indices.''.

SEC. 7. HOMEOWNERSHIP OR LEASE-TO-OWN LOW-INCOME REQUIREMENT AND INCOME 
TARGETING.

Section 205 of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-
Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4135) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(1)--
(A) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``and'' at the 
end; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(E) notwithstanding any other provision of this 
paragraph, in the case of rental housing that is made 
available to a current rental family for conversion to 
a homebuyer or a lease-purchase unit--
``(i) that the current rental family can 
purchase through a contract of sale, lease-
purchase agreement, or any other sales 
agreement; and
``(ii) the housing is made available for 
purchase only by the current rental family, if 
the rental family was a low-income family at 
the time of their initial occupancy of such 
unit; and''; and
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) by striking ``The provisions'' and inserting 
the following:
``(1) In general.--The provisions''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Applicability to improvements.--The provisions of 
subsection (a)(2) regarding binding commitments for the 
remaining useful life of property shall not apply to 
improvements of privately owned homes if the cost of the 
improvements do not exceed 10 percent of the maximum total 
development cost for the home.''.

SEC. 8. LEASE REQUIREMENTS AND TENANT SELECTION.

Section 207 of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-
Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4137) is amended by adding at the 
end the following:
``(c) Notice of Termination.--The notice period described in 
subsection (a)(3) shall apply to projects and programs funded in part 
by amounts authorized under this Act.''.

SEC. 9. STATUTORY AUTHORITY TO SUSPEND GRANT FUNDS IN EMERGENCIES.

Section 401(a)(4) of the Native American Housing Assistance and 
Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4161(a)(4)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``may take an action 
described in paragraph (1)(C)'' and inserting ``may immediately 
take an action described in paragraph (1)(C)''; and
(2) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the 
following:
``(B) Procedural requirements.--
``(i) In general.--If the Secretary takes 
an action described in subparagraph (A), the 
Secretary shall provide notice to the recipient 
at the time that the Secretary takes that 
action.
``(ii) Notice requirements.--The notice 
under clause (i) shall inform the recipient 
that the recipient may request a hearing by not 
later than 30 days after the date on which the 
Secretary provides the notice.
``(iii) Hearing requirements.--A hearing 
requested under clause (ii) shall be 
conducted--
``(I) in accordance with subpart A 
of part 26 of title 24, Code of Federal 
Regulations (or successor regulations); 
and
``(II) to the maximum extent 
practicable, on an expedited basis.
``(iv) Failure to conduct a hearing.--If a 
hearing requested under clause (ii) is not 
completed by the date that is 180 days after 
the date on which the recipient requests the 
hearing, the action of the Secretary to limit 
the availability of payments shall no longer be 
effective.''.

SEC. 10. REPORTS TO CONGRESS.

Section 407 of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-
Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4167) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``Congress'' and 
inserting ``Committee on Indian Affairs and the Committee on 
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the 
Committee on Financial Services of the House of 
Representatives''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(c) Public Availability.--The report described in subsection (a) 
shall be made publicly available, including to recipients.''.

SEC. 11. 99-YEAR LEASEHOLD INTEREST IN TRUST OR RESTRICTED LANDS FOR 
HOUSING PURPOSES.

Section 702 of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-
Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4211) is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by striking ``50-year'' and 
inserting ``99-year'';
(2) in subsection (b), by striking ``50 years'' and 
inserting ``99 years''; and
(3) in subsection (c)(2), by striking ``50 years'' and 
inserting ``99 years''.

SEC. 12. REAUTHORIZATION OF HOUSING ASSISTANCE FOR NATIVE HAWAIIANS.

Section 824 of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-
Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4243) is amended by striking ``for 
each of fiscal years 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005'' and inserting 
``each of fiscal years 2026 through 2032.''.

SEC. 13. COMMUNITY-BASED DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATIONS AND SPECIAL 
ACTIVITIES BY INDIAN TRIBES.

Section 105 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 
(42 U.S.C. 5305) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(i) Indian Tribes, Tribally Designated Housing Entities, and 
Tribal Organizations as Community-Based Development Organizations.--
``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
``(A) Tribally designated housing entity.--The term 
`tribally designated housing entity' has the meaning 
given the term in section 4 of the Native American 
Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 
(25 U.S.C. 4103).
``(B) Tribal organization.--The term `Tribal 
organization' has the meaning given the term in section 
4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education 
Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).
``(2) Qualification.--An Indian Tribe, a tribally 
designated housing entity, or a Tribal organization shall 
qualify as a community-based development organization for 
purposes of carrying out new housing construction under this 
subsection for a grant made under section 106(a)(1).
``(j) Special Activities by Indian Tribes.--An Indian Tribe (or a 
Tribal organization or Tribally designated housing entity designated by 
such Indian Tribe) receiving a grant under section 106(a)(1) shall be 
authorized to directly carry out activities described in subsection 
(a)(15).''.

SEC. 14. HOUSING COUNSELING CERTIFICATION WAIVER.

Subtitle A of title II of the Native American Housing Assistance 
and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4131 et seq.) is amended 
by adding at the end the following new section:

``SEC. 211. HOUSING COUNSELING CERTIFICATION WAIVER.

``Notwithstanding section 106(g)(1) of the Housing and Urban 
Development Act of 1968 (12 U.S.C. 1701x(g)(1)), Indian Tribes, Tribal 
organizations, tribally designated housing entities and the Department 
of Hawaiian Homelands carrying out homeownership counseling or rental 
housing counseling under section 105(a)(20) of the Housing and 
Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5305(a)(20)) and sections 
202(3) and 810(b)(2)(A) of the Native American Housing and Self-
Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4132(3), 4229(b)(2)(A)), may not 
be required to comply with any housing counseling certification 
requirements established by the Secretary. Nothing in this provision 
shall be construed as limiting such recipients' ability to obtain a 
housing counseling certification from the Secretary.''.

SEC. 15. ELIGIBILITY FOR HOUSING COUNSELING GRANTS.

Section 106(a)(4) of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 
(12 U.S.C. 1701x(a)(4)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A)--
(A) by striking ``and'' and inserting a comma; and
(B) by inserting before the period at the end the 
following: ``, Indian Tribes, and tribally designated 
housing entities'';
(2) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``, Indian Tribes, 
and tribally designated housing entities'' after 
``organizations)'';
(3) by redesignating subparagraph (F) as subparagraph (G); 
and
(4) by inserting after subparagraph (E) the following:
``(F) Definitions.--In this paragraph, the terms 
`Indian Tribe' and `tribally designated housing entity' 
have the meanings given those terms in section 4 of the 
Native American Housing Assistance and Self-
Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4103).''.

SEC. 16. SECTION 184 INDIAN HOME LOAN GUARANTEE PROGRAM.

(a) In General.--Section 184 of the Housing and Community 
Development Act of 1992 (12 U.S.C. 1715z-13a) is amended--
(1) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
``(a) Authority.--To provide access to sources of private financing 
to Indian families, Indian housing authorities, and Indian Tribes, who 
otherwise could not acquire housing financing because of the unique 
legal status of Indian lands and the unique nature of Tribal economies, 
and to expand homeownership opportunities to Indian families, tribally 
designated housing entities, Indian housing authorities and Indian 
Tribes on fee simple lands, the Secretary may guarantee not to exceed 
100 percent of the unpaid principal and interest due on any loan 
eligible under subsection (b) made to an Indian family, tribally 
designated housing entities, Indian housing authority, or Indian Tribe 
on trust land and fee simple land.'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
``(2) Eligible housing.--The loan shall be used to 
construct, acquire, refinance, or rehabilitate 1- to 4-family 
dwellings that are standard housing.'';
(B) in paragraph (4)--
(i) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) 
through (D) as clauses (i) through (iv), 
respectively, and adjusting the margins 
accordingly;
(ii) by striking ``The loan'' and inserting 
the following:
``(A) In general.--The loan'';
(iii) in subparagraph (A), as so 
redesignated, by adding at the end the 
following:
``(v) Any entity certified as a community development financial 
institution by the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund 
established under section 104(a) of the Riegle Community Development 
and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994 (12 U.S.C. 4703(a)).''; and
(iv) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) Direct guarantee process.--
``(i) Authorization.--The Secretary may 
authorize qualifying lenders to participate in 
a direct guarantee process for approving loans 
under this section.
``(ii) Indemnification.--
``(I) In general.--If the Secretary 
determines that a mortgage guaranteed 
through a direct guarantee process 
under this subparagraph was not 
originated in accordance with the 
requirements established by the 
Secretary, the Secretary may require 
the lender approved under this 
subparagraph to indemnify the Secretary 
for the loss, irrespective of whether 
the violation caused the mortgage 
default.
``(II) Fraud or 
misrepresentation.--If fraud or 
misrepresentation is involved in a 
direct guarantee process under this 
subparagraph, the Secretary may require 
the originating lender approved under 
this subparagraph to indemnify the 
Secretary for the loss regardless of 
when an insurance claim is paid.
``(III) Implementation.--The 
Secretary may implement any requirement 
described in this subparagraph by 
regulation, notice or Dear Lender 
Letter.
``(C) Review of mortgagees.--
``(i) In general.--The Secretary may 
periodically review the mortgagees originating, 
underwriting, or servicing single family 
mortgage loans under this section.
``(ii) Requirements.--In conducting a 
review under clause (i), the Secretary--
``(I) shall compare the mortgagee 
with other mortgagees originating or 
underwriting loan guarantees for Indian 
housing based on the rates of defaults 
and claims for guaranteed mortgage 
loans originated, underwritten, or 
serviced by that mortgagee;
``(II) may compare the mortgagee 
with such other mortgagees based on 
underwriting quality, geographic area 
served, or any commonly used factors 
the Secretary determines necessary for 
comparing mortgage default risk, 
provided that the comparison is of 
factors that the Secretary would expect 
to affect the default risk of mortgage 
loans guaranteed by the Secretary;
``(III) shall implement such 
comparisons by regulation, notice, or 
Dear Lender Letter; and
``(IV) may terminate the approval 
of a mortgagee to originate, 
underwrite, or service loan guarantees 
for housing under this section if the 
Secretary determines that the mortgage 
loans originated, underwritten, or 
serviced by the mortgagee present an 
unacceptable risk to the Indian Housing 
Loan Guarantee Fund established under 
clause (i)--
``(aa) based on a 
comparison of any of the 
factors set forth in this 
subparagraph; or
``(bb) by a determination 
that the mortgagee engaged in 
fraud or misrepresentation.''; 
and
(C) in paragraph (5)(A), by inserting before the 
semicolon at the end the following: ``except, as 
determined by the Secretary, when there is a loan 
modification under subsection (h)(1)(B), the term of 
the loan shall not exceed 40 years'';
(3) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``Before'' and inserting 
the following:
``(A) In general.--Except as provided in 
subparagraph (B), before''; and
(ii) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) Exception.--Subparagraph (A) shall not apply 
when the Secretary exercises their discretion to 
delegate direct guarantee endorsement authority to 
eligible lenders under subsection (b)(4)(B)(i).'';
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by striking ``The Secretary'' and 
inserting the following:
``(A) In general.--Except as provided in 
subparagraph (B), the Secretary''; and
(ii) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) Exceptions.--When the Secretary exercises its 
discretion to delegate direct guarantee endorsement 
authority to eligible lenders under subsection 
(b)(4)(B)(i)--
``(i) subparagraph (A) shall not apply; and
``(ii) the direct guarantee endorsement 
lender may issue a certificate under this 
paragraph as evidence of the guarantee in 
accordance with requirements established by the 
Secretary.''; and
(C) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``, or where 
applicable, the direct guarantee endorsement lender,'' 
after ``Secretary'' in each place that term appears; 
and
(4) in subsection (l)--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (8) and (9) as 
paragraphs (9) and (10), respectively; and
(B) by inserting after paragraph (7) the following:
``(8) The term `tribally designated housing entity' has the 
meaning given the term in section 4 of the Native American 
Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 
U.S.C. 4103).''.
(b) Loan Guarantees for Indian Housing.--Section 184(i)(5) of the 
Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (12 U.S.C. 1715z-
13a(i)(5)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (B), by inserting after the first 
sentence the following: ``There are authorized to be 
appropriated for those costs such sums as may be necessary for 
each of fiscal years 2026 through 2032.''; and
(2) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``2008 through 2012'' 
and inserting ``2026 through 2032''.

SEC. 17. LOAN GUARANTEES FOR NATIVE HAWAIIAN HOUSING.

Section 184A of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 
(12 U.S.C. 1715z-13b) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b), by inserting ``, and to expand 
homeownership opportunities to Native Hawaiian families who are 
eligible to receive a homestead under the Hawaiian Homes 
Commission Act, 1920 (42 Stat. 108) on fee simple lands in the 
State of Hawaii'' after ``markets'';
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
``(2) Eligible housing.--The loan shall be used to 
construct, acquire, refinance, or rehabilitate 1- to 4-family 
dwellings that are standard housing.'';
(B) in paragraph (4)--
(i) in subparagraph (B)--
(I) by redesignating clause (iv) as 
clause (v); and
(II) by adding after clause (iii) 
the following:
``(iv) Any other lender that is supervised, 
approved, regulated, or insured by any agency 
of the Federal Government, including any entity 
certified as a community development financial 
institution by the Community Development 
Financial Institutions Fund established under 
section 104(a) of the Riegle Community 
Development and Regulatory Improvement Act of 
1994 (12 U.S.C. 4703(a)).''; and
(ii) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) Direct guarantee endorsement and 
indemnification.--
``(i) In general.--If the Secretary 
determines that a loan guaranteed under this 
section was not originated in accordance with 
the requirements established by the Secretary, 
the Secretary may require the lender approved 
under this paragraph to indemnify the Secretary 
for the loss or potential loss, irrespective of 
whether the violation caused or will cause the 
loan default.
``(ii) Direct guarantee endorsement.--The 
Secretary may, dependent on the availability of 
systems development and staffing resources, 
delegate to eligible lenders the authority to 
directly endorse loans under this section.
``(iii) Fraud or misrepresentation.--If 
fraud or misrepresentation is involved in a 
loan guaranteed under this section, the 
Secretary may require the originating lender 
approved under this subparagraph to indemnify 
the Secretary for the loss regardless of 
whether there was a payment made by the 
Secretary under the guarantee.
``(iv) Implementation.--The Secretary may 
implement any requirements described in this 
subparagraph by regulation, notice, or Dear 
Lender Letter.
``(v) Review of lenders.--
``(I) In general.--The Secretary 
may periodically review the lenders 
originating, underwriting, or servicing 
single family mortgage loans under this 
section.
``(II) Requirements.--In conducting 
a review under paragraph (1), the 
Secretary--
``(aa) shall compare the 
lender with other lenders 
originating or underwriting 
loan guarantees for Indian 
housing and Native Hawaiian 
housing based on the rates of 
defaults and claims for 
guaranteed loans originated, 
underwritten, or serviced by 
that lender; and
``(bb) may compare the 
lender with such other lenders 
based on underwriting quality, 
geographic area served, or any 
commonly used factors the 
Secretary determines necessary 
for comparing mortgage default 
risk, provided that the 
comparison is of factors that 
the Secretary would expect to 
affect the default risk of 
mortgage loans guaranteed by 
the Secretary.''; and
(C) in paragraph (5)(A), by inserting before the 
semicolon at the end the following: ``except, as 
determined by the Secretary, when there is a loan 
modification under subsection (i)(1)(B), the term of 
the loan shall not exceed 40 years'';
(3) in subsection (d)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking 
``Before'' and inserting ``Except as provided 
in subsection (C), before'';
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking 
``If'' and inserting ``Except as provided under 
subparagraph (C), before''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) Exception.--When the Secretary exercises its 
discretion to delegate direct guarantee endorsement 
authority pursuant to subsection (c)(4)(C)(ii), 
subparagraphs (A) and (B) of this paragraph shall not 
apply.'';
(B) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
``(2) Standard for approval.--
``(A) Approval.--Except as provided in subparagraph 
(B), the Secretary may approve a loan for guarantee 
under this section and issue a certificate under this 
subsection only if the Secretary determines that there 
is a reasonable prospect of repayment of the loan.
``(B) Exceptions.--When the Secretary exercises its 
discretion to delegate direct guarantee endorsement 
authority pursuant to subsection (c)(4)(C)(ii)--
``(i) subparagraph (A) shall not apply; and
``(ii) the direct guarantee endorsement 
lender may issue a certificate under this 
paragraph as evidence of the guarantee in 
accordance with requirements prescribed by the 
Secretary.''; and
(C) in paragraph (3)(A), by inserting ``or, where 
applicable, the direct guarantee endorsement lender,'' 
after ``Secretary''; and
(4) in subsection (j)(5)(B), by inserting after the first 
sentence the following: ``There are authorized to be 
appropriated for those costs such sums as may be necessary for 
each of fiscal years 2026 through 2032.''.

SEC. 18. RENTAL ASSISTANCE FOR HOMELESS OR AT-RISK INDIAN VETERANS.

Section 8(o)(19) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 
U.S.C. 1437f(o)(19)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(E) Indian veterans housing rental assistance 
program.--
``(i) Definitions.--In this subparagraph:
``(I) Eligible indian veteran.--The 
term `eligible Indian veteran' means an 
Indian veteran who is--
``(aa) homeless or at risk 
of homelessness; and
``(bb) living--

``(AA) on or near a 
reservation; or

``(BB) in or near 
any other Indian area.

``(II) Eligible recipient.--The 
term `eligible recipient' means a 
recipient eligible to receive a grant 
under section 101 of the Native 
American Housing Assistance and Self-
Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 
4111).
``(III) Indian; indian area.--The 
terms `Indian' and `Indian area' have 
the meanings given those terms in 
section 4 of the Native American 
Housing Assistance and Self-
Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 
4103).
``(IV) Indian veteran.--The term 
`Indian veteran' means an Indian who is 
a veteran.
``(V) Program.--The term `Program' 
means the Tribal HUD-VASH program 
carried out under clause (ii).
``(VI) Tribal organization.--The 
term `Tribal organization' has the 
meaning given the term in section 4 of 
the Indian Self-Determination and 
Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 
5304).
``(ii) Program specifications.--The 
Secretary may not use less than 5 percent of 
the amounts made available for rental 
assistance under this paragraph to carry out a 
rental assistance and supported housing 
program, to be known as the `Tribal HUD-VASH 
program', in conjunction with the Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs, by awarding grants for the 
benefit of eligible Indian veterans.
``(iii) Model.--
``(I) In general.--Except as 
provided in subclause (II), the 
Secretary shall model the Program on 
the rental assistance and supported 
housing program authorized under 
subparagraph (A) and applicable 
appropriations Acts, including 
administration in conjunction with the 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
``(II) Exceptions.--
``(aa) Secretary of housing 
and urban development.--After 
consultation with Indian 
Tribes, eligible recipients, 
and any other appropriate 
Tribal organizations, the 
Secretary may make necessary 
and appropriate modifications 
to facilitate the use of the 
Program by eligible recipients 
to serve eligible Indian 
veterans.
``(bb) Secretary of 
veterans affairs.--After 
consultation with Indian 
Tribes, eligible recipients, 
and any other appropriate 
Tribal organizations, the 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
may make necessary and 
appropriate modifications to 
facilitate the use of the 
Program by eligible recipients 
to serve eligible Indian 
veterans.
``(iv) Eligible recipients.--The Secretary 
shall make amounts for rental assistance and 
associated administrative costs under the 
Program available in the form of grants to 
eligible recipients.
``(v) Funding criteria.--The Secretary 
shall award grants under the Program based on--
``(I) need;
``(II) administrative capacity; and
``(III) any other funding criteria 
established by the Secretary in a 
notice published in the Federal 
Register after consulting with the 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
``(vi) Administration.--Grants awarded 
under the Program shall be administered in 
accordance with the Native American Housing 
Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 
(25 U.S.C. 4101 et seq.), except that 
recipients shall--
``(I) submit to the Secretary, in a 
manner prescribed by the Secretary, 
reports on the utilization of rental 
assistance provided under the Program; 
and
``(II) provide to the Secretary 
information specified by the Secretary 
to assess the effectiveness of the 
Program in serving eligible Indian 
veterans.
``(vii) Consultation.--
``(I) Grant recipients; tribal 
organizations.--The Secretary, in 
coordination with the Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs, shall consult with 
eligible recipients and any other 
appropriate Tribal organization on the 
design of the Program to ensure the 
effective delivery of rental assistance 
and supportive services to eligible 
Indian veterans under the Program.
``(II) Indian health service.--The 
Director of the Indian Health Service 
shall provide any assistance requested 
by the Secretary or the Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs in carrying out the 
Program.
``(viii) Waiver.--
``(I) In general.--Except as 
provided in subclause (II), the 
Secretary may waive or specify 
alternative requirements for any 
provision of law (including 
regulations) that the Secretary 
administers in connection with the use 
of rental assistance made available 
under the Program if the Secretary 
finds that the waiver or alternative 
requirement is necessary for the 
effective delivery and administration 
of rental assistance under the Program 
to eligible Indian veterans.
``(II) Exception.--The Secretary 
may not waive or specify alternative 
requirements under subclause (I) for 
any provision of law (including 
regulations) relating to labor 
standards or the environment.
``(ix) Renewal grants.--The Secretary may--
``(I) set aside, from amounts made 
available for tenant-based rental 
assistance under this subsection and 
without regard to the amounts used for 
new grants under clause (ii), such 
amounts as may be necessary to award 
renewal grants to eligible recipients 
that received a grant under the Program 
in a previous year; and
``(II) specify criteria that an 
eligible recipient must satisfy to 
receive a renewal grant under subclause 
(I), including providing data on how 
the eligible recipient used the amounts 
of any grant previously received under 
the Program.
``(x) Reporting.--Not later than 1 year 
after the date of enactment of this 
subparagraph, and every 5 years thereafter, the 
Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary 
of Veterans Affairs and the Director of the 
Indian Health Service, shall--
``(I) conduct a review of the 
implementation of the Program, 
including any factors that may have 
limited its success; and
``(II) submit a report describing 
the results of the review under item 
(aa) to--
``(aa) the Committee on 
Indian Affairs, the Committee 
on Banking, Housing, and Urban 
Affairs, the Committee on 
Veterans' Affairs, and the 
Committee on Appropriations of 
the Senate; and
``(bb) the Subcommittee on 
Indian and Insular Affairs of 
the Committee on Natural 
Resources, the Committee on 
Financial Services, the 
Committee on Veterans' Affairs, 
and the Committee on 
Appropriations of the House of 
Representatives.
``(xi) Impact on formula current assisted 
stock.--For a given fiscal year's allocation 
formula of the Native American Housing Block 
Grants program, as authorized under title I of 
the Native American Housing Assistance and 
Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4111 
et seq.), the number of qualifying low-income 
housing dwelling units under section 302(b)(1) 
of the Native American Housing Assistance and 
Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 
4152(b)(1)) may not be reduced due to the 
placement of an eligible Indian veteran 
assisted with amounts provided under the 
Program within such qualifying units.''.

SEC. 19. CONTINUUM OF CARE.

Title IV of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 
11360 et seq.) is amended--
(1) in section 401 (42 U.S.C. 11360)--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (32) through (35) 
as paragraphs (33) through (36), respectively; and
(B) by inserting after paragraph (31) the 
following:
``(32) Tribally designated housing entity.--The term 
`tribally designated housing entity' has the meaning given the 
term in section 4 of the Native American Housing Assistance and 
Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4103).'';
(2) in section 423(g) (42 U.S.C. 11383(g)), by inserting 
``Indian Tribe, tribally designated housing entity,'' after 
``private nonprofit organization,''; and
(3) in section 435 (42 U.S.C. 11389)--
(A) by striking ``(as defined in section 4 of the 
Native American Housing Assistance and Self-
Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4103))'';
(B) by striking ``Notwithstanding'' and inserting 
the following:
``(a) Eligible Entities.--Notwithstanding''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(b) Civil Rights Exemptions.--With respect to grants awarded to 
carry out eligible activities under this subtitle, title VI of the 
Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.) and title VIII of 
the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3601 et seq.) shall not apply 
to applications or awards for projects to be carried out--
``(1) on or off reservation or trust lands for awards made 
to Indian Tribes or tribally designated housing entities;
``(2) on reservation or trust lands for awards made to 
eligible entities; or
``(3) with respect to a project in which amounts provided 
under this Act will be used specifically to benefit Tribal 
communities or Tribal members, in formula areas (as such term 
is defined in section 1000.302 of title 24, Code of Federal 
Regulations, or any successor regulation) for the Indian 
Housing Block Grant.
``(c) Certification.--Notwithstanding section 106 of the Cranston-
Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12706) and section 
403 of this Act, with respect to applications for projects to be 
carried out on reservations or trust land using grants awarded under 
this subtitle--
``(1) the applications shall contain a certification of 
consistency with an approved Indian housing plan developed 
under section 102 of the Native American Housing Assistance and 
Self-Determination Act (25 U.S.C. 4112); and
``(2) Indian Tribes and tribally designated housing 
entities that are recipients of awards for projects on 
reservations or trust land from such funds shall certify that 
they are following an approved housing plan developed under 
section 102 of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-
Determination Act (25 U.S.C. 4112).
``(d) Consolidated Plan Exemption.--A collaborative applicant for a 
Continuum of Care whose geographic area includes only reservation or 
trust land is not required to meet the requirement described in section 
402(f)(2).
``(e) Waiver Authority for Tribal Participation.--In administering 
the amounts made available under this Act, the Secretary may waive, or 
specify alternative requirements for, any provision of any statute or 
regulation that the Secretary administers in connection with the 
obligation by the Secretary or the use by the recipient of these 
amounts (except for requirements related to labor standards and the 
environment), if the Secretary finds that good cause exists for the 
waiver or alternative requirement and such waiver or alternative 
requirement is necessary to modify any requirements preventing the 
participation of Indian Tribes or tribally designated housing entity in 
the Continuum of Care Program, or would expedite or facilitate the use 
of funds.''.

SEC. 20. STREAMLINING REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.

Section 404 of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-
Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4164) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e); and
(2) by inserting after subsection (c) the following:
``(d) Consolidated Reporting.--Notwithstanding any other provision 
of law, the Secretary shall develop policies and procedures that 
authorize interested Indian Tribes and tribally designated housing 
entities receiving grant amounts under this Act to submit to the 
Secretary, at their discretion, one consolidated annual performance 
report covering all grants the Indian Tribe or tribally designated 
housing entity receives from other grant programs administered by the 
Secretary.''.

SEC. 21. APPLICATION OF BUILD AMERICA, BUY AMERICA REQUIREMENTS.

The requirements under the Build America, Buy America Act (41 
U.S.C. 8301 note) and any implementing regulations or guidance shall 
not apply to any housing activities carried out using any Federal 
financial assistance provided to Indian tribes, tribally designated 
housing entities, tribal organizations, and other Tribal entities 
(including the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands) under any Federal 
program.
<all>