Latest Action: 09/04/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

Bill Text
To ensure the fair treatment of a member of the Armed Forces who is discharged from the Armed Forces, at the request of the member, pursuant to the Department of Defense policy permitting the early discharge of a member who is the only surviving child in a family in which the father or mother, or one or more siblings, served in the Armed Forces and, because of hazards incident to such service, was killed, died as a result of wounds, accident, or disease, is in a captured or missing in action status, or is permanently disabled, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the dollar limitation on contributions to funeral trusts, and for other purposes.
Latest Action: 07/22/2008 - Committee on Appropriations. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Johnson. With written report No. 110-428.

Bill Text
An original bill making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. 7/22/2008--Reported to Senate without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2009 - Title I: Department of Defense - Appropriates funds for FY2009 for the Department of Defense (DOD) for: (1) military construction for the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, and Air Force (military departments), DOD, the Army and Air National Guard, and the Army, Navy, and Air Force reserves; (2) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program; (3) family housing and related operation and maintenance for the military departments [...]

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Latest Action: 06/05/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S5210-5211)

Bill Text
A bill 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. 6/5/2008--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. Prohibits collecting a fee from a veteran for a housing loan, unless the loan is used to refinance indebtedness. 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 [...]

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Latest Action: 05/07/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Bill Text
A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to enhance housing loan authorities for veterans and to otherwise assist veterans and members of the Armed Forces in avoiding the foreclosure of their homes, and for other purposes. 5/7/2008--Introduced. Armed Forces Housing Security Act - Increases the maximum loan guaranty amount for certain veterans' housing loans guaranteed through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to review and streamline the process for guaranteeing veterans' home loans for the purchase of condominiums. Repeals the veterans' home loan fee. Authorizes the Secretary to provide loans to veterans to refinance loans of up to 100% (currently 90%) of the value of the dwelling or farm residence securing the loan. Allows the VA to guarantee refinanced loans not previously guaranteed by the VA. Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to extend from 90 days to one year after completion of [...]

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Latest Action: 05/06/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide a one-year period of protection against mortgage foreclosures for certain disabled or severely injured servicemembers, and for other purposes. 5/6/2008--Introduced. Disabled Veterans Home Ownership Preservation Act of 2008 - Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to extend the period of protection against mortgage sales, foreclosures, or seizures of property to: (1) the period of service and one year following service in the case of servicemembers with a service-related serious injury or illness; and (2) the period of service and for 30 days after final adjudication of a disability compensation claim in the case of such servicemembers and others who file such a claim. (Current law provides protection for all servicemembers for the period of service and the following 90 days, subject to exception.) Defines "serious injury or illness" as an injury or illness incurred by the servicemember in line [...]

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Latest Action: 05/01/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3715)

Bill Text
A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to enhance the refinancing of home loans by veterans.

5/1/2008--Introduced.

Increases, for veterans with home loans, the maximum guaranty limit for refinance loans and the percentage of an existing loan that VA will refinance.

Latest Action: 04/16/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

Bill Text
A bill to amend titles 5, 10, 37, and 38, United States Code, to ensure the fair treatment of a member of the Armed Forces who is discharged from the Armed Forces, at the request of the member, pursuant to the Department of Defense policy permitting the early discharge of a member who is the only surviving child in a family in which the father or mother, or one or more siblings, served in the Armed Forces and, because of hazards incident to such service, was killed, died as a result of wounds, accident, or disease, is in a captured or missing in action status, or is permanently disabled, and for other purposes. 4/16/2008--Introduced. Hubbard Act - Amends federal employment, armed forces, military pay, and veterans' benefits law to authorize the provision of the following benefits to a member of the Armed Forces who is discharged at the member's request pursuant to a Department of Defense (DOD) policy permitting the early discharge of a member who is the only surviving child [...]

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Latest Action: 04/25/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

Bill Text
To amend titles 5, 10, 37, and 38, United States Code, to ensure the fair treatment of a member of the Armed Forces who is discharged from the Armed Forces, at the request of the member, pursuant to the Department of Defense policy permitting the early discharge of a member who is the only surviving child in a family in which the father or mother, or one or more siblings, served in the Armed Forces and, because of hazards incident to such service, was killed, died as a result of wounds, accident, or disease, is in a captured or missing in action status, or is permanently disabled, and for other purposes. 4/16/2008--Introduced. Hubbard Act - Amends federal employment, armed forces, military pay, and veterans' benefits law to authorize the provision of the following benefits to a member of the Armed Forces who is discharged at the member's request pursuant to a Department of Defense (DOD) policy permitting the early discharge of a member who is the only surviving child in a [...]

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Latest Action: 03/13/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR 3/14/2008 S2150)

Bill Text
A bill to provide a temporary increase in the maximum loan guaranty amount for certain housing loans guaranteed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

3/13/2008--Introduced.

Provides a temporary increase, during the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act and ending on December 31, 2011, in the maximum veterans' loan guaranty amount for housing loans guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Latest Action: 03/14/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.

Bill Text
To amend the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 to provide for a temporary increase in the maximum loan guaranty amount for housing loans guaranteed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

3/13/2008--Introduced.

Amends the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 to provide a temporary increase, during the period beginning February 13, 2008, and ending on December 31, 2008, in the maximum veterans' loan guaranty amount for housing loans guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Latest Action: 03/14/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.

Bill Text
To amend the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 to provide for a temporary increase in the maximum loan guaranty amount for housing loans guaranteed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

3/10/2008--Introduced.

Amends the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 to provide a temporary increase, during the period beginning February 13, 2008, and ending on December 31, 2008, in the maximum veterans' loan guaranty amount for housing loans guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Latest Action: 03/14/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.

Bill Text
To amend the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 to provide for a temporary increase in the maximum loan guaranty amount for housing loans guaranteed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

3/10/2008--Introduced.

Veterans Mortgage Stimulus Clarification Act of 2008 - Amends the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 to provide a temporary increase, during the period beginning February 13, 2008, and ending on December 31, 2008, in the maximum veterans' loan guaranty amount for housing loans guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Latest Action: 03/03/2008 - Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 587.

Bill Text
A bill to promote home ownership, manufacturing, and economic growth. 2/29/2008--Introduced. Homeownership, Manufacturing, and Economic Growth Act or the HOME Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend expiring income, excise, and alternative minimum tax (AMT) provisions and expand other individual and business-related tax incentives. Directs the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to undertake certain initiatives to help small businesses and imposes restrictions on litigation deemed frivolous. Extends through 2009 certain expiring tax provisions affecting individual and business taxpayers, including: (1) tax credits for nonbusiness energy property, residential energy efficient property, increasing research activities, Indian employment, railroad track maintenance, energy efficient appliances, and investment in new markets; (2) tax deductions for educational expenses, state and local sales taxes, food and book inventories, and energy efficient commercial [...]

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Latest Action: 02/25/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S1139-1140)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to encourage investment in affordable housing, and for other purposes. 2/25/2008--Introduced. Affordable Housing Investment Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise and enhance tax incentives for investment in affordable housing, including by: (1) renaming the low-income housing tax credit as the affordable housing credit; (2) revising the applicable percentage rates for such credit; (3) increasing the amount of such credit for low-income buildings that are part of state-designated projects; (4) revising rules for the treatment of scattered site and rural residential rental housing projects; (5) permitting affordable housing credits for federally-assisted moderate rehabilitation developments; (6) allowing an offset against alternative minimum tax liability for affordable housing tax credit amounts; (7) exempting interest on certain exempt private activity bonds, qualified mortgage revenue bonds, qualified veterans' [...]

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Latest Action: 02/06/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Bill Text
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide that the proceeds of qualified mortgage bonds may be used to provide refinancing for subprime loans, to provide a temporary increase in the volume cap for qualified mortgage bonds used to provide that refinancing, and for other purposes.

2/6/2008--Introduced.

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow proceeds of qualified mortgage bonds to be used to refinance certain residential subprime loans issued between 2002 and 2008; (2) increase in 2008 limitations on issuance amounts for qualified mortgage bonds; and (3) exempt tax-exempt interest on qualified mortgage or veterans' mortgage bonds issued before 2011 from the alternative minimum tax.

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 [...]

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Latest Action: 12/18/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide that the proceeds of qualified mortgage bonds may be used to provide refinancing for subprime loans, to provide a temporary increase in the volume cap for qualified mortgage bonds, and for other purposes.

12/18/2007--Introduced.

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow proceeds of qualified mortgage bonds to be used to refinance certain residential subprime loans issued between 2002 and 2008; (2) increase in 2008 limitations on issuance amounts for qualified mortgage bonds; and (3) exempt tax-exempt interest on qualified mortgage or veterans' mortgage bonds issued before 2011 from the alternative minimum tax.

Latest Action: 04/16/2008 - Subcommittee Hearings Held.

Bill Text
To amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements to the housing loan benefit program of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

12/13/2007--Introduced.

Department of Veterans Affairs Loan Guaranty Cost Reduction Act of 2007 - Increases the maximum guarantee amount regarding home purchase or construction loans to certain veterans.

Permits guaranteeing certain refinancing loans for 100% (currently, 90%) of reasonable value

Modifies requirements regarding the fees veterans pay for the loan guarantees.

Sets the maximum guarantee amount if the dwelling is determined by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to be affordable housing and the veteran is the first owner-occupant.

Allows amounts deposited in the existing Veterans Housing Benefit Program Fund that are not used for loan guarantees to be used to reduce loan closing costs.

Latest Action: 11/16/2007 - Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 511.

Bill Text
A bill making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes. 11/15/2007--Introduced. Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008 - Appropriates funds for FY2008 for the Department of Defense (DOD) for: (1) military construction for the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, and Air Force (military departments), DOD, the Army and Air National Guard, and the Army, Navy, and Air Force reserves; (2) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program; (3) family housing construction and related operation and maintenance for the military departments and DOD; (4) the Department of Defense Family Housing Improvement Fund; (5) DOD chemical demilitarization construction; and (6) the Department of Defense Base Closure Accounts of 1990 and 2005. Appropriates funds for the Department of Veterans Affairs [...]

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Latest Action: 10/31/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the limitation on the issuance of qualified veterans' mortgage bonds for Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin and to modify the definition of qualified veteran.

10/31/2007--Introduced.

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase to $100 million the veterans mortgage bond limitation in Alaska, Oregon, and Wisconsin; (2) eliminate the phase-in of the bond limitation; and (3) revise the definition of "qualified veteran" for mortgage bond financing eligibility purposes to make such definition applicable to veterans in all states.

Latest Action: 09/27/2008 - Hearings Held by Subcommittee on Energy and Environment Prior to Introduction and Referral (05/15/2007)..

Bill Text
A bill to provide needed housing reform and for other purposes. 5/8/2008--House agreed to Senate amendment with amendment.    (There are 3 other summaries) American Housing Rescue and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008 - Title I: FHA Housing Stabilization and Homeownership Retention - FHA Housing Stabilization and Homeownership Retention Act of 2008 - Subtitle A: Homeownership Retention - (Sec. 112) 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 [...]

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Latest Action: 06/18/2007 - Committee on Appropriations. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Reed. With written report No. 110-85.

Bill Text
An original bill making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes. 6/18/2007--Reported to Senate without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008 - Title I: Department of Defense - Appropriates funds for FY2008 for the Department of Defense (DOD) for: (1) military construction for the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, and Air Force (military departments), DOD, the Army and Air National Guard, and the Army, Navy, and Air Force reserves; (2) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program; (3) family housing and related operation and maintenance for the military departments [...]

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