Congressional Research Service Reports - 59 Matching Results
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- Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008
- This report provides background information and overview on the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008.
- The New GSE Affordable Housing Funds: The Housing Trust Fund and the Capital Magnet Fund
- No Description Available.
- The LIHEAP Formula: Legislative History and Current Law
- This Congressional Research Service Report for Congress contains the history, enactment, and fund determination for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
- The U.S. Financial Crisis: The Global Dimension with Implications for U.S. Policy
- This report examines the global ramifications of the financial crisis, which exposed fundamental weaknesses in financial systems worldwide, and despite coordinated easing of monetary policy by governments and trillions of dollars in intervention by governments and the International Monetary Fund, the crisis continues.
- Housing Issues in the 110th Congress
- No Description Available.
- Section 811 and Other HUD Housing Programs for Persons with Disabilities
- This report describes how federal funds are used to develop housing designated for persons with disabilities. It also discusses current issues surrounding housing for persons with disabilities.
- Reporting Issues Under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act
- This report describes current issues and recent changes to the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) of 1975. The report also provides a brief explanation of how recent reporting revisions may affect the reporting of loans covered by the Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act of 1994 and the Federal Housing Administration.
- An Introduction to the Design of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit
- This report discusses the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), which is a federal provision that reduces the income tax liability of taxpayers claiming the credit. These taxpayers are typically investors in real estate development projects that have traded cash for the tax credits to support the production of affordable housing. The credit is intended to lower the financing costs of housing developments so that the rental prices of units can be lower than market rates, and thus, presumably, affordable.
- U.S. Foreign Aid to the Palestinians
- In response to ongoing financial turmoil that began in the subprime mortgage-backed securities market, the federal government has intervened with private corporations on a large scale and in an ad hoc manner three times from the beginning of 2008 through September 19, 2008. These interventions have prompted questions regarding the taxpayer costs and the sources of funding. The federal government may or may not end up seeing a positive fiscal contribution from the recent interventions. The results of previous government financial interventions are summarized in this report.
- The Americans with Disabilities Act: Supreme Court Decisions
- This report is on The Americans with Disabilities Act: Supreme Court Decisions.
- Alternative Mortgages: Causes and Policy Implications of Troubled Mortgage Resets in the Subprime and Alt-A Markets
- This report deals with the Causes and Policy Implications of Troubled Mortgage Resets in the Subprime and Alt-A Markets of Alternative Mortgages.
- The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act's Insurance for Troubled Assets
- Many observers trace the root cause of recent instability in financial markets to uncertainty surrounding the value of widely held securities that are based on mortgages and mortgage-related assets. The introduction of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) was designed to address said financial instability through a variety of measures, including an insurance program for "troubled assets." This report briefly summarizes and analyzes the insurance program contained in the enacted version of the EESA.
- FHA-Insured Home Loans: An Overview
- No Description Available.
- Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008
- No Description Available.
- Financial Market Intervention
- Financial markets continue to experience significant disturbance and the banking sector remains fragile. Efforts to restore confidence have been met with mixed success thus far. After attempting to deal with troubled institutions on a case-by-case basis, Treasury has proposed a plan to purchase mortgage-related assets to alleviate stress in financial markets and in the banking system. This report provides answers to some frequently asked questions concerning the financial disruptions of September 2008 and the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) in H.R. 3997.
- The Resolution Trust Corporation: Historical Analysis
- In a 1989 legislative response to financial troubles in the thrift industry, the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 (FIRREA, P.L. 101-73) was enacted. FIRREA's principal mission was to conduct a partially tax-payer funded program to address the troubles of the nation's many insolvent thrifts. To do so, it established a new entity, the Resolution Trust Corporation (RTC), whose mission was to address troubled thrifts by arranging their sale to other institutions or shuttering them and disposing of their assets. This report analyzes the creation and functions of the RTC, including criticisms and results of its actions.
- The Cost of Government Financial Interventions, Past and Present
- In response to ongoing financial turmoil that began in the subprime mortgage-backed securities market, the federal government has intervened with private corporations on a large scale and in an ad hoc manner three times from the beginning of 2008 through September 19, 2008. These interventions have prompted questions regarding the taxpayer costs and the sources of funding. The federal government may or may not end up seeing a positive fiscal contribution from the recent interventions. The results of previous government financial interventions are summarized in this report.
- The First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit
- No Description Available.
- Proposal to Allow Treasury to Buy Mortgage-Related Assets to Address Financial Instability
- Financial markets underwent severe stress during the week of September 15 - 22, 2008. After Lehman Brothers declared bankruptcy and AIG received a bridge loan from the Federal Reserve, policymakers reassessed their case-by-case approach to resolving financial problems. Secretary of the Treasury Paulson announced a plan to allow Treasury to purchase mortgage-related assets from U.S. financial institutions. The announced intent of the plan is to unclog financial markets, increase the health of the banking sector, and reduce ongoing risks to the economy. This report discusses a draft of the proposal as it stood on September 21, 2008, and analyzes frequently asked questions.
- The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program: The Fixed Subsidy and Variable Rate
- No Description Available.
- Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in Conservatorship
- On September 7, 2008, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) placed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, two government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) that play a critical play in the U.S. home mortgage market, in conservatorship. As conservator, the FHFA has full powers to control the assets and operation of the firms. Dividends to common and preferred shareholders are suspended, but the U.S. Treasury has put in place a set of financing agreements to ensure that the GSEs continue to meet their obligations to holders of bonds that they have issued or guaranteed. This means that the U.S. taxpayer now stands behind about $5 trillion of GSE debt. This report provides basic information on the GSEs, the government intervention, and the potential cost to the taxpayer.
- Financial Institution Insolvency: Federal Authority over Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Depository Institutions
- This report provides an overview of the U.S. credit crunch and its effect on Fannie, Freddie, Banks, and Thrifts. The report discusses the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and insolvent banks and thrifts.
- The HUD Homeless Assistance Grants: Distribution of Funds
- This report describes how HUD distributes the four homeless assistance grants.
- Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD): FY2009 Appropriations
- This report is a guide to one of the regular appropriations bills that Congress considers each year. It is designed to supplement the information provided by the Subcommittees on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies of the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations. It summarizes the current legislative status of the bill, its scope, major issues, funding levels, and related legislative activity. The report lists the key CRS staff relevant to the issues covered and related CRS products.
- Section 202 and Other HUD Rental Housing Programs for Low-Income Elderly Residents
- No Description Available.
- H.R. 6076: Home Retention and Economic Stabilization Act of 2008
- The Home Retention and Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 would defer foreclosure for eligible mortgage borrowers for up to 270 days. If passed, the bill would give extra time to some borrowers and lenders to consider alternatives to foreclosure, including traditional loss mitigation and participation in the new Federal Housing Administration (FHA) program for refinancing troubled loans. Some policymakers believe that a moratorium on foreclosures could help stabilize housing markets and alleviate problems from the subprime financial turmoil. This report explores this issue in detail and analyzes the individual aspects of the relevant legislation.
- An Introduction to the Design of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit
- This report discusses the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), which is a federal provision that reduces the income tax liability of taxpayers claiming the credit. These taxpayers are typically investors in real estate development projects that have traded cash for the tax credits to support the production of affordable housing. The credit is intended to lower the financing costs of housing developments so that the rental prices of units can be lower than market rates, and thus, presumably, affordable.
- Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008
- This report discusses the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, P.L. 110-289, which changes many laws affecting both the housing and mortgage markets. It also surveys the most important changes caused by the act.
- Fannie Mae’s and Freddie Mac’s Financial Problems: Frequently Asked Questions
- No Description Available.
- Overview of Federal Housing Assistance Programs and Policy
- No Description Available.
- Housing Issues in the 110th Congress
- No Description Available.
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): Issues for the 110th Congress
- No Description Available.
- Community Development Block Grants: Legislative Proposals to Assist Communities Affected by Home Foreclosures
- In response to the rising number of home mortgage foreclosures, several bills have been introduced during the 110th Congress that would provide additional federal assistance to state and local governments with high concentrations of foreclosed homes, subprime mortgage loans, and delinquent home mortgages. At least one of these proposals, H.R. 3221, as passed by the Senate, includes provisions that would use the framework of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program to channel an additional $4 billion in assistance to state and local governments. This provision faces an uncertain future; objections to it have been raised by the Bush Administration and others, contending that the assistance will result in the rescue of lenders and speculators.
- Fannie Mae's and Freddie Mac's Financial Problems: Frequently Asked Questions
- Recent turmoil in the housing and financial markets have caused concern over the future of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which are chartered by Congress as government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) and are widely believed to have an implicit guarantee from the federal government. The Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight (OFHEO) -- the GSEs safety and soundness regulator -- has repeated assurances that Fannie and Freddie have adequate capital, but as highly leveraged financial intermediaries, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have limited resources against losses. This report analyzes various aspects of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in relation to the financial turmoil that began in September 2008.
- An Introduction to the Design of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit
- This report discusses the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), which is a federal provision that reduces the income tax liability of taxpayers claiming the credit. These taxpayers are typically investors in real estate development projects that have traded cash for the tax credits to support the production of affordable housing. The credit is intended to lower the financing costs of housing developments so that the rental prices of units can be lower than market rates, and thus, presumably, affordable.
- Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD): FY2009 Appropriations
- This report is a guide to one of the regular appropriations bills that Congress considers each year. It is designed to supplement the information provided by the Subcommittees on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies of the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations. It summarizes the current legislative status of the bill, its scope, major issues, funding levels, and related legislative activity. The report lists the key CRS staff relevant to the issues covered and related CRS products.
- The HOPE NOW Alliance/American Securitization Forum (ASF) Plan to Freeze Certain Mortgage Interest Rates
- This report first examines the details of the ASF plan and then discusses the potential liability concerns that may arise for servicers who implement modifications under the plan.
- The Fair Housing Act: Legal Overview
- This report is categorized into five categories: (I) Introduction, (II) Housing Practices in Which Discrimination is Prohibited, (III) Familial Discrimination and Housing for Older Persons, (IV) Discrimination Based on Handicap, (V) Enforcement of the Fair Housing Act.
- Housing Issues in the 110th Congress
- No Description Available.
- The Department of Housing and Urban Development: FY2009 Appropriations
- This report is a guide to one of the regular appropriations bills that Congress considers each year. It is designed to supplement the information provided by the Subcommittees on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies of the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations. It summarizes the current legislative status of the bill, its scope, major issues, funding levels, and related legislative activity. The report lists the key CRS staff relevant to the issues covered and related CRS products.
- The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit: A Framework for Evaluation
- No Description Available.
- The Americans with Disabilities Act: Supreme Court Decisions
- This report is on The Americans with Disabilities Act: Supreme Court Decisions.
- Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program: Issues and Reform Proposals in the 110th Congress
- No Description Available.
- Liability of Interactive Computer Service for Violating the Fair Housing Act
- No Description Available.
- Liability of Interactive Computer Service for Violating the Fair Housing Act
- No Description Available.
- The Louisiana Road Home Program: Federal Aid for State Disaster Housing Assistance Programs
- No Description Available.
- Individual Development Accounts (IDAs): Background and Current Legislation for Federal Grant Programs to Help Low-Income Families Save
- No Description Available.
- Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD): FY2008 Appropriations
- This report discusses the current legislative status of the appropriations bill, its scope, major issues, funding levels, and related legislative activity.
- Housing Issues in the 110th Congress
- No Description Available.
- An Overview of the Section 8 Housing Program
- No Description Available.