Home | News Briefs | U.S. | World
| Celeb Buzz | Entertainment | Sports | Business | Health | Sci / Tech | Politics | Weird & Offbeat
Republicans, Mortgage Bankers Concerned About President's Foreclosure Plan
February 19, 2009 8:22 a.m. EST
Kris Alingod - AHN Contributor
Washington, D.C. (AHN) - Republicans and the Mortgage Bankers Association on Wednesday received President Barack Obama's $75 billion foreclosure plan by citing concerns, including "rewarding" Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac with $200 billion in taxpayer money. The two mortgage giants were taken over by the government last September.
Speaking at Dobson High School in Arizona, the President had unveiled a plan on Wednesday that would allow as many as five million homeowners refinance their mortgages at lower rates and give incentives to lenders who modify loans.
The plan allows homeowners to restructure their loans by removing a restriction that prevents Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac from guaranteeing refinancing for mortgages valued at more than 80 percent of the home's worth. It will create a $75 billion Homeowner Stability Initiative to help "those who commit to make reasonable monthly mortgage payments to stay in their homes."
The initiative will not provide aid to speculators, but offers incentives to lenders. Companies will receive $1,000 for every modified loan, and up to $1,000 each year for three years if the borrower stays current on the loan. Conversely, borrowers have an incentive to stay current, with $1,000 each year for five years.
In addition, borrowers will be paid $1,500, and lenders $500, if they modify at-risk loans before the borrower falls behind.
House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) in a statement called the President's proposal "an important step" in fixing the economy but said there were many questions about the plan.
"Why should we reward Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac with $200 billion in taxpayer dollars without first reforming these housing entities that were at the heart of the economic meltdown? Will taxpayers be forced to subsidize the scandal-plagued activist group ACORN under this proposal? Should a responsible plan include a 'cramdown' provision that could increase the monthly mortgage payments for responsible borrowers?" he said.
Boehner and House Republican Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA) sent a letter to the President the same day seeking clarification on what the plan provides to "the 90 percent of homeowners who are playing and paying by the rules." They also asked if the plan compensates banks for bad mortgages they should have never made in the first place, and if individuals who misrepresented their assets on their mortgage application will be eligible to get the federal assistance.
Mortgage Bankers Association president and CEO John Courson also said in a statement they are "encouraged" by the administration's efforts to stem foreclosures.
But he warned that the plan "seems to offer little help to borrowers whose loan exceeds their property value by more than five percent. This will limit the plan's success in some of the hardest hit areas in California, Florida, Nevada and Arizona, as well as some areas on the East Coast."
"Another limiting factor of the plan is that it doesn't offer assistance to borrowers with jumbo mortgages and those whose mortgages are in private label securities. It also doesn't provide servicers with a sufficient safe harbor to avoid litigation from the investor or mortgage holder when the servicer is trying to help a borrower with a jumbo or non-agency mortgage," Courson added.
The President made clear in his announcement that his plan would merely help stem foreclosures, and that banks as well as homeowners need to take responsibility.
"Our housing crisis was born of eroding home values, but also of the erosion of our common values. It was brought about by big banks that traded in risky mortgages in return for profits that were literally too good to be true; by lenders who knowingly took advantage of homebuyers; by homebuyers who knowingly borrowed too much from lenders; by speculators who gambled on rising prices; and by leaders in our nation's capital who failed to act amidst a deepening crisis," Obama said.
"Solving this crisis will require more than resources - it will require all of us to take responsibility," he added. "Government must take responsibility for setting rules of the road that are fair... Banks and lenders must be held accountable...Individuals must take responsibility for their own actions. And all of us must learn to live within our means again."
Copyright © 2003 - 2009 AHN - All rights reserved.Redistribution, republication. syndication, rewriting or broadcast is prohibited without the prior written consent of AHN.License AHN news for your website, business, digital signage network or publication.
Home | News Briefs | U.S. | World | Entertainment | Sports | Business | Health | Sci / Tech | Politics | Weird / Offbeat
© 2009 AHN
Client Login |
Submit News |
Privacy Policy |
Terms of Use
|
Contact
| Content Services
All Rights Reserved
Other News on Thursday, 19 February 2009 Karzai expects reduced tensions with U.S.
| International
|
Russia, Georgia agree plan to avoid new clashes
| International
|
Sarkozy tries to avert unrest with new aid plans
| International
|
Mexican drug gang menace spreads in Guatemala
| International
|
Israel's Peres begins consulting parties on PM
| International
|
Two professors theorize on bin Laden hideout
| International
|
Helicopter carrying 18 crashes off Scotland
| International
|
North Dakota House Passes Measure To Ban Abortion
Telecoms industry gets real in Barcelona
| Technology
|
Texas Wary Of Strings Attached On Stimulus Money
Update: Obama Unveils $75 Billion Foreclosure Plan To Help Homeowners
Asia's shoppers go online as Internet barriers fall
| Technology
|
Feb 18 Highlights Of Low Points In U.S. Economy
Formal brain exercise won't help healthy seniors: research
| Technology
|
Third Earthquake In Three Weeks Strikes New Jersey
Telecoms executives keep faith in emerging markets
| Technology
|
Arkansas Lawmakers Propose Raising State Minimum Wage To Federal Levels
Albuquerque, NM Police Find Mysterious Sixth Set Of Human Bones
Verizon picks Alcatel-Lucent for network
| Technology
|
Maryland Governor Opposed To State Senate President's Plan To Put Slot Machines At Airport
Clinton Arrives In Jakarta; Criticizes Myanmar's Military Junta
Chipmakers seek growth in small devices
| Technology
|
Scientists Warn Of Water Level, Temperature Rise Around New York Area
DTV coupon backlog seen gone within weeks
| Technology
|
Oscar for Ledger would go to daughter Matilda
| Entertainment
|
Judge rejects Polanski's bid to reopen sex case
| Entertainment
|
Famous Ethiopian singer has jail term cut
| Entertainment
|
Albuquerque, NM Police Find Mysterious Sixth Set Of Human Bones
Israel says no cease-fire until soldier comes home
Egyptian authorities free opposition leader Nour
Correction: Iraq exhibit story
US state's 'personhood' law would hit birth control: opponents
Iraqi who threw shoes at Bush due in court
Fed sees US contraction, moves toward inflation goal
NATO revisits Afghan strategy as US troops ready to deploy
Obama unveils 275 billion dollar housing plan
Egypt frees political dissident Ayman Nur
UBS admits US tax fraud, to identify scofflaw clients
Israel's Peres begins vetting parties for PM pick
Sarkozy unveils benefits package to stem protests
Palestinian unity talks delayed: Egypt
Stanford probe puts cricket chiefs on defensive
Jewish leaders: Punish UAE for banning tennis star
Brown calls for 'grand bargain' at G20 summit
Obama says mortgage program to help up to nine million
Rape, war, climate to top UN chief's African tour
Brazil climate change threatens top coffee crop
Russia: global warming to cause droughts, floods
Geronimo's Family Sues U.S. Gov't, Yale University, Secret Society To Recover Famous Apache's Remains
Obama heads to Canada
NASA, ESA Set Exploration Of Jupiter Moons
Iraqi journalist who threw shoes at Bush goes on trial
Appeals Court: Chinese Muslim Detainees From Gitmo Can't Transfer To U.S.
'Tough year' ahead in Afghanistan: US general
Jury Rules Philip Morris Must Pay $8M Damages To Widow, Son Of Chain Smoker
Counter-Narcotics Row Leads To Expulsion Of Second U.S. Diplomat In Ecuador
US commander: Troops 'stalemated' in Afghanistan
Lance Armstrong's stolen bicycle recovered
Search Yields No Avalanche Victims At Mountain Ski Resort
US military deaths in Afghanistan region at 580
President Obama Not Interested In Re-Instating Fairness Doctrine
US-TECH Summary
Louisiana Gov. May Not Want All The Stimulus Money For His State
Lawmakers: US must enforce assault-gun import ban
Few report hitches as digital TV switch begins
Wall Street Finishes Flat As Stocks Fail To Rally On Relief Efforts
Mobile phones aim to be a 'doctor in your pocket'
Canadian Liberal Leaders Meet Obama On Thursday
T-Mobile USA tests $50 unlimited call plan
HP reports 13 pct drop in net profit, lowers outlook
French forces come under fire on Guadeloupe
New service unmasks blocked telephone calls
18 rescued after helicopter drops into North Sea
AMD stockholders approve Abu Dhabi investment
Facebook reverses course on privacy policy
Berlusconi death flight 'joke' opens Argentina row
Formal "brain exercise" won't help healthy seniors: research
Czech lower house approves EU's Lisbon Treaty
Mobile phones aim to be a 'doctor in your pocket'
EU's Solana heads for Belarus as relations thaw
Russia, Georgia take first step on conflict prevention
Russia, Ukraine in new row over envoy's comments
Hollywood writers' union pickets "American Idol"
Warning! Oscar can be bad for your career
Hollywood struggles to find wealth on the Web
Vietnam and Vatican discuss establishment of ties
Mickey Rourke loses beloved chihuahua in Oscar week
Snow business: China enjoys induced snowfall
Ubisoft to drive "Wheelman" for cash-strapped Midway
Japanese leader under pressure to resign
NZ wants action to prevent Antarctic cruise disaster
China hopes for continuity as Clinton visits
Philippine gunmen kidnap businessman, daughter
Underdogs have their day at Oscars
Asian Development Bank wants capital tripled: president
Hollywood writers' union pickets "American Idol"
Taiwan kills 600 pigs to contain foot-and-mouth
Pakistan repays maturing $500 mln Eurobond
Small fire at Tracy Morgan's NYC apt.; no injuries
Clinton hammers Obama message home in Asia
London takes a fresh look at Le Corbusier
South Korean won falls for 8th session
Malaysian politics thrown into further turmoil
'Sale of the Century' for Saint Laurent art collection
Seoul shares end down;banks, exporters lead losses
Japan PM apologises for finance minister debacle
Small budgets, big dreams at Spirit Awards
Air China says no additional fuel hedging: report
CEOs less popular than politicians: poll
Japan leaves interest rate on hold amid recession
Warning! Oscar can be bad for your career
China to step up auditing to ensure stability
Reggaeton star Daddy Yankee touts cologne
Japan's central bank leaves interest rates on hold
US-HOLLYWOOD-WEB
Korea Hot Stocks-LG Display, Daewoo Engineering rise
WRAPUP 2-South Korea says it can cope with debt burden
Australia, Indonesia talk trade, illegal migrants
Clinton says Indonesia shows Islam and modernity coexist
Geronimo's Family Sues U.S. Gov't, Yale University, Secret Society To Recover Famous Apache's Remains
Clinton: Obama may want to wait to visit Indonesia
Zimbabwe To Pay State Workers, Soldiers In U.S. Dollar
Green Comet Making Closest Approach To Earth On Feb. 24
Key hawk endorses Netanyahu for Israeli premier
NATO revisits Afghan strategy as US urges long-term effort
U.S. lawmakers make rare visit to Hamas-ruled Gaza
Kyrgyzstan shuts U.S. air base, NATO Afghan help sought
| International
|
Tupac Shakur's Estate Sued By Movie Company For Backing Out Of Film Agreement
Aussie Band Men At Work's Guitarist Arrested In LA For Threatening To Kill Lead Singer
Russia acquits all accused over Politkovskaya murder
Netanyahu wins backing in Israeli PM contest
| International
|
Tracy Morgan's New York Apartment Scorched By Fire
North Korea warns of war as Clinton heads for Seoul
| International
|
Iraqi shoe-thrower defiant as trial adjourned
US to press allies for more Afghanistan troops
Bush's icy smile enraged Iraq shoe-thrower
| International
|
BNP suffers 1.366-bln-euro 4th qtr loss
US Senator John Kerry visits Gaza
Kabul eyes control on aid, security in U.S. review
| International
|
BNP Paribas profit plunges to 3.0 bln euros
Iraq reporter who threw shoes at Bush goes on trial
Court acquits 3 of aiding murder of Politkovskaya
| International
|
Swiss Re posts historic annual loss
Pakistani Islamists ask Taliban for peace in Swat
| International
|
North Africa Qaeda posts photos of Western hostages
| International
|
Bangladesh ferry sinks with 19 dead
| International
|
Japan PM has support of most party chapters: poll
| International
|
John Kerry visits Gaza Strip
Kyrgyzstan MPs approve closure of U.S. air base
Obama to address protectionist fears on Canada trip
iPhone features everywhere in rivals' new phones
| Technology
|
Kerry Leads Congressional Delegation To Gaza; Condemns Hamas
Mobile advertising edges closer to breakthrough
| Technology
|
Funds For School Sports May Be Cut Due To Recession
Whereabouts of detained Egypt blogger unknown: Amnesty
| Technology
|
Bankrupt New York Retailer Fortunoff Stops Redeeming Gift Cards Without Notice; Customers Angry Over Lost Money
Hollywood struggles to find wealth on the Web
| Technology
|
First Lady Celebrates Black History Month With D.C. School Children At White House
Republicans, Mortgage Bankers Concerned About President's Foreclosure Plan
Few report hitches as digital TV switch begins
| Technology
|
Fed Forecasts High Unemployment Until 2011
Facebook reverses course on privacy policy
| Technology
|
Kyrgyzstan's Parliament Votes To Evict U.S. From Air Base; Only Military Supply Route For U.S. Troops In Afghanistan Will Be Risky Khyber Pass
Radical cleric Qatada wins payout for UK detention
T-Mobile USA tests $50 unlimited call plan
| Technology
|
Pope Speaks To Pro-Choice Pelosi About 'Dignity Of Human Life'
New York Post Editorial Cartoon Denounced As Racist
White House: Illinois Deserves To Know Full Extent Of Burris' Contacts With Blagojevich
Clinton says NKorean disarmament stalled
US says NKorea future leadership uncertain
Warning! Oscar can be bad for your career
| Entertainment
|
Ferry capsizes in Bangladesh with 60 onboard
Mickey Rourke loses beloved chihuahua in Oscar week
| Entertainment
|
Japanese woman impregnated with wrong egg
U.S. festival spotlights Arab arts and humanity
| Entertainment
|
Japan scrambles to ease credit crisis
Uighurs denied release in US: court ruling
China approves stimulus for light industry
Oscar for Ledger would go to daughter Matilda
| Entertainment
|
5 more suspects detained in Beijing hotel fire
Iran, Afghanistan pledge to boost bilateral trade
500 Internal Server Error
China calls on Russia to investigate ship incident
Thailand's exports plunge amid global downturn
Thailand hopes new cocktail can lure back tourists
Bank of Taiwan lowers deposit, savings rates
N.Korea accuses U.S. of planning nuclear strike
Hollywood struggles to find wealth on the Web
| Entertainment
|
Pakistani forex reserves rise to $10.37 bln
China calls for return of Guantanamo Bay inmates
Georgians take swipe at Putin with Eurovision entry
| Entertainment
|
ADB likely to cut 2009 Asian growth forecast
Small budgets, big dreams at Spirit Awards
| Entertainment
|
Movie dubber dies, was `voice' of Woody Allen
Japan leaves interest rate on hold amid recession
Taiwan dollar at 5-1/2-yr low, more weakness seen
Coogan catches indie spirit as awards show host
Legal battle erupts over film rights to Tupac's bio
| Entertainment
|
Is `Man on Wire' the best film of the year?
Stiller & Co. prepare for 'Little Fockers'
| Entertainment
|
'The Rock': No plans to return to wrestling ring
NY Post cartoon of dead chimpanzee stirs outrage
Lee in talks to direct 'Life of Pi' adaptation
AP's Bob Thomas wins lifetime achievement award
Ledger poised for Oscar win
Georgia Eurovision entry to poke fun at Putin
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights