Archive for the ‘Legislation’ tag
Paulson Encourages Covered Bond Market to Increase Mortgage Financing
Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said Monday that
covered bonds are an answer to financial market’s request for clarity. He
said covered bonds, a $3 trillion market used widely in Europe for
mortgage funding, can develop without legislation in the U.S., and four
of the largest U.S. banks are already prepared to set up the market.
“I believe covered bonds have the potential to increase
mortgage financing, improve underwriting standards, and
strengthen U.S. financial institutions by providing a new funding source
that will diversify their overall portfolio,” Paulson said.
U.S. Housing Bill Goes to President’s Desk
In a rare weekend meeting, the U.S. Senate passed the housing
bill by 72-13 votes. The legislation now awaits the signature of
U.S. President George W. Bush, who could sign it into law as early as
this week.
The bill would aid over 400,000 mortgage borrowers
with the FHA assuming up to $300 billion in refinanced 30-year mortgages.
The legislation also includes government relief to…
Tsy Secretary Paulson Says Fannie and Freddie Vital to Financial System
Speaking at the New York Public Library, U.S. Treasury Secretary
Henry Paulson said Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are vital
to the U.S. financial system, and that he remains confident Congress will
pass GSE legislation sometime this week.
“Because of their size and scope, Fannie and Freddie stability
is critical to financial market stability,” said Paulson. “Their
continued activity is…”