Top Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 03/16/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity.

Bill Text
To preserve affordable housing opportunities for low-income families, and for other purposes. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Stabilizing Affordable Housing for the Future Act - Amends the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997 and the Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1978 to: (1) repeal certain conditions on the authority of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to manage multifamily projects; and (2) authorize the Secretary to provide grants (including up-front grants) and loans from the General Insurance Fund when managing and disposing of such properties. Instructs the Secretary to maintain rental assistance payments for dwelling units in any multifamily property program administered by the Secretary. Amends the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 to redefine loan market value and property market value with respect to physically distressed properties sold by HUD in discount [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 09/29/2007 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
Making continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 2008, and for other purposes. 9/29/2007--Public Law.    (There are 3 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on September 26, 2007. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Makes continuing appropriations for FY2008. (Sec. 101) Appropriates amounts for continuing operations, projects, or activities which were conducted in FY2007 and for which appropriations, funds, or other authority were made available in: (1) the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2007 (division A of Public Law 109-289); (2) the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2007 (Public Law 109-295); and (3) the Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2007 (division B of Public Law 109-289, as amended by Public Law 110-5). (Sec. 102) Prohibits the use of appropriations, funds, or authority granted under this joint resolution for the Department [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 03/16/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity.

Bill Text
To assist teachers and public safety officers in obtaining affordable housing.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

Community Partners Next Door Act of 2007 - Amends the National Housing Act to provide: (1) a 50% discount for teachers, teacher assistants, administrators, and public safety officers purchasing certain eligible asset properties for use as their primary residence; (2) a $100 downpayment on any related insured mortgage; and (3) a higher Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan limit for such purchases in high-cost areas.

Authorizes such sales directly to a qualifying individual or to a unit of local government or a nonprofit organization for resale to such individual.

Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to carry out a program to inform teachers and public safety officers about such program.

Latest Action: 04/11/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity.

Bill Text
To confirm the jurisdiction of the Consumer Product Safety Commission with respect to releasing systems on residential window bars and to establish a consumer product safety standard ensuring that all such bars include a quick-release mechanism. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Safe Access in Fire Emergencies Act of 2007 - Requires the Consumer Products Safety Commission to establish a consumer product safety standard for window bars that: (1) requires all window bars manufactured or installed in the United States to incorporate releasing systems that meet minimum standards; and (2) addresses such systems for interior and exterior based bars. Provides that the minimum standards shall require that such systems provide for: (1) egress when actuated; and (2) manual activation from inside a residence allowing escape through a protected opening. Requires compliance enforcement under the Consumer Products Safety Act. Directs the Commission to require each manufacturer to include [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 01/18/2007 - Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 8.

Bill Text
To authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to continue to insure, and to enter into commitments to insure, home equity conversion mortgages under section 255 of the National Housing Act.

1/16/2007--Passed House without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary)

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to continue, until February 15, 2007, to insure, and to enter into commitments to insure, home equity conversion mortgages for elderly homeowners under the National Housing Act, without regard to the maximum aggregate number of mortgages insured or maximum dollar amount of insurance benefits specified in such Act.

Latest Action: 04/11/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity.

Bill Text
To amend section 255 of the National Housing Act to remove the limitation on the number of reverse mortgages that may be insured under the FHA mortgage insurance program for such mortgages.

1/18/2007--Introduced.

Reverse Mortgages to Help America's Seniors Act - Amends the National Housing Act to remove the aggregate and insurance benefit limitations on the number of home equity conversion (reverse) mortgages for elderly homeowners that may be insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).

Latest Action: 02/28/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S2363)

Bill Text
A bill to reauthorize the programs for the Department of Housing and Urban Development for housing assistance for Native Hawaiians.

2/28/2007--Introduced.

Hawaiian Homeownership Opportunity Act of 2007 - Amends the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 and the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to extend through FY2012 the authorization of appropriations for housing assistance for Native Americans and loan guarantees for Native Hawaiian housing.

Amends the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 to: (1) make the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands of the state of Hawaii eligible for loan guarantees; and (2) extend through FY2012 the authorization of appropriations for the credit subsidy to cover the costs of federal guarantees for financing for tribal housing activities.

Latest Action: 09/26/2007 - Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Reported by Senator Dodd without amendment. Without written report.

Bill Text
To reauthorize the programs of the Department of Housing and Urban Development for housing assistance for Native Hawaiians. 9/26/2007--Reported to Senate without amendment, 2nd committee reporting.    (There are 3 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)Hawaiian Homeownership Opportunity Act of 2007 - Amends the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 and the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to extend through FY2012 the authorization of appropriations for housing assistance for Native Americans and loan guarantees for Native Hawaiian housing.Amends the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 to: (1) make the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands of the state of Hawaii eligible for loan guarantees; and (2) extend through FY2012 the authorization of appropriations for the credit subsidy [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 03/21/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

Bill Text
A bill to modernize the Federal Housing Administration to meet the housing needs of the American people. 3/21/2007--Introduced. 21st Century Housing Act - Amends the Housing Act of 1948 to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), in carrying out any program through the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to: (1) appoint and fix the compensation of Administration personnel; and (2) use premium-generated income for information technology upgrades. Amends the National Housing Act to: (1) extend the maturity term for insured mortgages; (2) revise mortgage insurance eligibility criteria and requirements for premium charges; (3) authorize waiver of certain requirements for new product initiatives; (4) increase the maximum mortgage amount limit for multifamily housing in high-cost areas; (5) increase the FHA single family housing maximum mortgage limit; and (6) increase the capital ratio for the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund. Increases prerequisites [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 03/23/2007 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

Bill Text
To assist in the provision of affordable housing to low-income families affected by Hurricane Katrina. 3/21/2007--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Gulf Coast Hurricane Housing Recovery Act of 2007 - Prohibits the use of any funds authorized by this Act to lobby or retain a lobbyist for the purpose of influencing a federal, state, or local governmental entity or officer. Title I: Community Development Block Grants - (Sec. 101) Prohibits the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from prohibiting or restricting the use by the state of Louisiana of specified amounts targeted under its Road Home Program for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, based upon a program requirement or condition that: (1) limits or reduces the amount made available to an eligible homeowner who does not agree to remain an owner and occupant of a home in Louisiana; or (2) waives the applicability of certain limitations or reductions [...]

show full description

Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 09/18/2008 - Received in the Senate. Read the first time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Read the First Time.

Bill Text
To advance the national security interests of the United States by reducing its dependency on oil through renewable and clean, alternative fuel technologies while building a bridge to the future through expanded access to Federal oil and natural gas resources, revising the relationship between the oil and gas industry and the consumers who own those resources and deserve a fair return from the development of publicly owned oil and gas, ending tax subsidies for large oil and gas companies, and facilitating energy efficiencies in the building, housing, and transportation sectors, and for other purposes. 9/15/2008--Introduced. Comprehensive American Energy Security and Consumer Protection Act - Prohibits oil and gas preleasing or leasing of any area of the Outer Continental Shelf that was not available for oil and gas leasing as of July 1, 2008, unless that action is expressly authorized by this Act or a statute enacted by Congress after the date of enactment of this Act. [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 09/12/2008 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Bill Text
To authorize major medical facility projects and major medical facility leases for the Department of Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2009, to extend certain authorities of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. 9/8/2008--Introduced. Veterans' Programs Extension and Construction Authorization Act of 2008 - Authorizes specified major medical facility projects and leases for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for FY2009. Revises amounts of certain previously-authorized projects. Requires reports from the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on VA facilities administration and outpatient clinics. Extends for specified periods, or makes permanent, certain VA programs and activities, including: (1) recovery audit authority; (2) health care for veterans who participated in certain chemical and biological tests conducted by the Department of Defense (DOD); (3) third-party insurance provider collection authority; (4) required nursing home care [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 05/05/2008 - Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Financial Services. H. Rept. 110-619.

Bill Text
To create a voluntary FHA program that provides mortgage refinancing assistance to allow families to stay in their homes, protect neighborhoods, and help stabilize the housing market. 5/5/2008--Reported to House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) FHA Housing Stabilization and Homeownership Retention Act of 2008 - Title I: Homeownership Retention - (Sec. 102) Amends the National Housing Act (NHA) to create the Refinance Program Oversight Board, which shall establish and oversee a program for insuring homeownership retention mortgages. Instructs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to insure any homeownership retention mortgage covering a one- to four-family residence made to pay or prepay outstanding obligations under an existing mortgage on the residence. Sets forth mortgagor eligibility criteria, including mortgagor certification that: (1) the residence is the only residence in which the mortgagor has any present [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 03/10/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S1814)

Bill Text
A bill to amend section 202 of the Housing Act of 1959 to improve the program under such section for supportive housing for the elderly, and for other purposes. 3/7/2008--Introduced. Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Act of 2008 - Amends the Housing Act of 1959 regarding project rental assistance for supportive housing for the elderly. Changes from discretionary to mandatory the authority of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to adjust the annual amount of a contract for project rental assistance to provide for reasonable project costs. Directs the Secretary to delegate review and processing of selected capital advance projects to a state or local housing agency meeting specified criteria. States that owner deposits shall be used only to cover operating deficits during the first three years of operations and shall not be used to cover construction shortfalls or inadequate initial project rental assistance amounts. Allows [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 03/11/2008 - Star Print ordered on the bill.

Bill Text
A bill to aid families and neighborhoods facing home foreclosure and address the subprime mortgage crisis. 3/7/2008--Introduced. Security Against Foreclosures and Education Act, or the SAFE Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow proceeds of qualified mortgage bonds to be used to refinance certain residential subprime loans. Requires the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation to continue to award expeditiously certain funds already provided for mortgage foreclosure counseling. Amends the Code to allow purchasers of certain single-family principal residences a one-time tax credit. Amends the Truth in Lending Act to: (1) revise creditor mortgage loan disclosure requirements; and (2) increase civil damages for noncompliance with such Act. Amends the Code to: (1) allow a five-year carryback of net operating losses for certain taxable years; and (2) suspend through taxable year 2009 the 90% of alternative minimum taxable income limit for certain [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 12/19/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S16014-16015)

Bill Text
A bill to establish the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund in the Treasury of the United States to provide for the construction, rehabilitation, and preservation of decent, safe, and affordable housing for low-income families. 12/19/2007--Introduced. National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007 - Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to establish in the Treasury a National Affordable Housing Trust Fund available to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to provide assistance to states, Indian tribes, insular areas, and participating local jurisdictions to increase the supply of decent quality affordable housing, especially for low-income, extremely low-income, and very poor families. Prohibits the use of appropriations to the Fund for a fiscal year unless the amount equal to the net increase in the negative credit subsidy for specified mortgage insurance programs is first made available for: (1) single family housing mortgage [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 04/30/2008 - Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

Bill Text
To amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements in the home loan guaranty programs administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. 12/19/2007--Introduced. Helping Our Veterans to Keep Their Homes Act of 2008 - Increases from 90% to 100% of the reasonable value of a veteran's dwelling or farm residence the amount of the loan to be guaranteed or made in the case of a loan to refinance certain loans. Repeals the current fee schedule with respect to veterans' housing and small business loans. Changes the loan fee for such loans to 1% of the total amount of the loan guaranteed, insured, or made, or in the case of a loan assumption, the unpaid principal balance of the loan on the date of the transfer of the property. Extends the demonstration projects involving: (1) adjustable rate mortgages through FY2018; and (2) hybrid adjustable rate through FY2012. Increases the maximum loan guaranty amount of the Federal Home [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 12/12/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S15235-15236)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Truth in Lending Act to provide protection to consumers with respect to certain high-cost loans, and for other purposes. 12/12/2007--Introduced. Home Ownership Preservation and Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to redefine high-cost mortgages and attendant lending practices. Sets forth a new formula for points and fees for open-end loans, and provides for bona fide discount points. Prohibits: (1) prepayment penalties; (2) balloon payments; (3) yield spread premiums; (4) acceleration or debt; (5) evasions, structuring of transactions, and reciprocal arrangements; and (6) modification and deferral fees. Prohibits creditors from financing, in connection with a high-cost mortgage, any prepayment fee or penalty, or any points or fees. Prohibits an originator from making or arranging a high-cost mortgage loan that involves a refinancing of a prior existing home mortgage loan unless the new loan will provide a net tangible [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 01/11/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity.

Bill Text
To require all newly constructed, federally assisted, single-family houses and town houses to meet minimum standards of visitability for persons with disabilities. 11/15/2007--Introduced. Inclusive Home Design Act of 2007 - Requires, with exceptions, newly constructed, federally assisted single family houses and town houses to include at least one level that complies with the following accessibility features for persons with disabilities: (1) accessible entrance; (2) accessible interior doors; (3) accessible environmental controls; and (4) accessible habitable space and an accessible bathroom. Requires: (1) each applicant for federal financial assistance to submit compliance assurances to the relevant federal agency; and (2) each person who arranges for design or construction of a covered dwelling to submit architectural and construction plans for state or local approval. Prohibits federal financial assistance to a state or local government unit unless the recipient [...]

show full description
Latest Action: 11/08/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

Bill Text
A bill to modernize and update the National Housing Act and enable the Federal Housing Administration to use risk-based pricing to more effectively reach underserved borrowers, and for other purposes. 11/8/2007--Introduced. Expanding American Homeownership Act of 2007 - Amends the National Housing Act to: (1) modify guidelines governing the maximum principal loan obligation; (2) extend the mortgage term; and (3) revise requirements for cash payment by the mortgagor in the eligibility criteria for mortgage insurance. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to reinstate the current downpayment requirement in the event of increased defaults. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a mortgage insurance premium structure involving a single premium payment collected prior to the insurance of the mortgage that may vary during the mortgage term as long as the basis for determining the variable rate is established before the execution of the mortgage.[...]

show full description