American Indian legislators called on the state's congressional delegation to help fix a growing problem with mold in Blackfeet Reservation housing.

The group pointed to a new report that found the mold is still extensive, and likely getting worse.

Rep. Shannon Augare, D-Browning, and Sen. Carol Juneau, D-Browning, said they want the congressional delegation to seek money to fix as many as 200 houses infected with potentially toxic mold.

The issue stretches back years and has been the focus of an ongoing federal lawsuit over liability issues. The lawmakers, with the support of most Democratic members of the Legislature, sent a letter to the congressional delegation saying its time for the federal government to fix the problem.

''These families live in housing infested with mold and the toxins that mold generates,'' Juneau said.

The homes were built in Browning and in small developments across the reservation with Housing and Urban Development money in the late '70s and early '80s. Most residents bought the houses under a rent-to-own agreement with the tribal housing authority.

Augare says the community is now ''making a desperate call for help.''

''Our federal government has not taken action on this horrific issue.''

A public health study done late last year by University of Montana professor Robin Saha found many of the same problems chronicled over the last decade in different studies.

He said about half of the homes have more than 100 square feet of mold evident. Toxic mold was in 74 percent of the homes.

Saha said residents are reporting symptoms consistent with mold exposure, including breathing problems and chronic headaches. He said the rate of asthma in children in the homes is three times the national average.

U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg's office said the congressman has been an advocate for Indian housing issues.

''He would certainly be more than willing to try and help the Blackfeet tribe on any housing issues they might have,'' spokesman Bridger Pierce said. ''He looks forward to reviewing the letter once he receives it.''

U.S. Sen. Jon Tester said recent legislation, the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, at least shows Congress is taking Indian issues more seriously.

''But we have a long way to go,'' Tester said. ''It's no secret that housing in Indian Country is inadequate. I think reauthorizing the Native American Housing Act would be a good first step and I hope that the Senate acts on it soon.''

Baucus said the case, in the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, could provide some answers.

''My heart goes out to the members of the Blackfeet Reservation,'' he said. ''The bottom line is, we have folks who need new homes. Regardless of the outcome of the case, I will start to look for avenues to help obtain additional funding for new housing.''