President Barack Obama signed the Indian Veterans Housing Opportunity Act into law on Tuesday.

The new law ensures that Indian veterans who receive federal disability and survivor benefits are not denied support under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act. Such benefits have been considered "income" under NAHASDA even though the Internal Revenue Service doesn't treat them in the same manner.

"On behalf of the NAIHC Board of Directors and membership, I extend sincere gratitude to President Obama for signing the bill into law and recognizing that our native veterans deserve the opportunity for safe and affordable housing," Cheryl A. Causley, the chair of the National American Indian Housing Council said in a press release. "I also want to thank Congress for its bi-partisan efforts to introduce and pass this legislation. It is with their leadership that this bill is able to help many veterans and their families."

H.R.3553 passed the House in April with broad bipartisan support. The Senate passed the measure by a voice vote on September 27.

Get the Story:
Indian vets score a win in Congress (Indian Country Today 10/14)

Related Stories:
Indian Veterans Housing Opportunity Act heads to White House (9/28)
Senate Indian Affairs Committee approves Indian housing bills (7/1)
House passes Indian Veterans Housing Opportunity Act (4/22)
Field hearing focuses on Indian housing, veterans issues (4/2)