President Bush is proposing to cut a major housing program that has provided funds to tribes and Indian organizations and shift it to the another department

Administration officials said they plan to consolidate 18 local assistance programs at the Department of Housing and Urban Development, including the $4.7 billion Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. The programs will be moved to Commerce Department.

But when they are moved, they will see a 33 percent cut, The New York Times reported. Bush will only request $5.6 billion for the entire group of programs. Also on the chopping block is the $24 million Rural Housing and Economic Development program.

Tribes and Indian organizations have benefited from the CDBG program and the rural program. In the 2005 budget, Congress set aside $69 million in CDBG funds for Indian Country.

Get the Story:
Bush Officials Spell Out Cuts in Money for Housing (The New York Times 2/4)
pwnyt
Bush Budget to Curb Domestic Spending (AP 2/4)

Relevant Links:
National American Indian Housing Council - http://naihc.net
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Programs - http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/
communitydevelopment/programs

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