Housing

Honorable Stephanie Tubbs Jones College Fire Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2009

Honorable Stephanie Tubbs Jones College Fire Prevention Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to make competitive demonstration grants to institutions of higher education (IHEs), fraternities, and sororities for up to half the cost of installing fire sprinkler systems, or other fire suppression or prevention technologies, in student housing and dormitories owned or controlled by such entities. Gives grant priority to applicants that demonstrate the greatest financial need. Reserves the following portions of grant funds made available for each fiscal year: (1) at least 10% for historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, tribally controlled colleges and universities, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-serving institutions, and IHEs that are eligible for Institutional Aid under the Higher Education Act of 1965; and (2) at least 10% for social fraternities and sororities. Provides that any application for assistance under this Act, any negative determination on the part of the Secretary with respect to such application, or any statement of reasons for the determination, shall not be admissible as evidence in any proceeding of any court, agency, board, or other entity (except a proceeding to enforce an agreement entered into between the Secretary and a grantee under this Act).

Suspend ACORN Certification Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 15 October 2009

Suspend ACORN Certification Act of 2009 - Requires the Inspector General of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), with respect to the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) or any of its specified related affiliates (covered organizations), to: (1) audit all assistance within HUD jurisdiction provided to ACORN at any time; (2) determine whether each such covered organization has used the assistance in accordance with all laws, regulations, and other terms and conditions; and (3) publish such determination in the Federal Register. Bars covered organizations from being approved, certified, or authorized under the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 or otherwise to provide housing counseling in connection with any HUD program or to receive HUD assistance for housing counseling activities unless and until the Inspector General has made a determination, pursuant to such audit, that all such recipients of the assistance have used all of it in accordance with its terms and conditions. Prohibits the HUD Secretary from providing any assistance within HUD jurisdiction for housing counseling activities to a covered organization unless and until the Inspector General has made such determination.

New Markets Tax Credit Expansion Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 14 October 2009

New Markets Tax Credit Expansion Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require the Secretary of the Treasury to allocate in 2010 and 2011 new markets tax credit amounts to community development entities that provide investment capital or technical assistance for a distressed community. Defines "distressed community" as a county designated by the Secretary of the Treasury as: (1) having, during a specified period, a residential or commercial mortgage foreclosure rate of 110% or more of the national average, a decline in the average fair market value of housing of at least 20%, or an unemployment rate of 110% or more of the national average; (2) having more than 50% of its housing loans with a loan-to-value ratio of greater than 80%; or (3) being in a disaster area.

Distressed Communities Reinvestment Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 14 October 2009

Distressed Communities Reinvestment Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income gain from the sale of real property consisting predominantly of commercial and residential property located in a distressed community. Defines "distressed community" as a county designated by the Secretary of the Treasury as: (1) having, during a specified period, a residential or commercial mortgage foreclosure rate of 110% or more of the national average, a decline in the average fair market value of housing of at least 20%, or an unemployment rate of 110% or more of the national average; (2) having more than 50% of its housing loans with a loan-to-value ratio of greater than 80%; or (3) being in a disaster area.

Healthy Housing Council Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 13 October 2009

Healthy Housing Council Act of 2009 - Establishes in the executive branch an independent Interagency Council on Healthy Housing. Requires the Council to: (1) review federal programs and services that provide housing, health, energy, or environmental services to families and individuals; (2) monitor, evaluate, and recommend improvements in existing programs and services administered, funded, or financed by federal, state, and local agencies; (3) recommend ways to reduce duplication among federal programs and services; and (4) ensure collaboration among and within agencies in the provision and availability of such programs and services.

THE FUTURE OF THE FEDERAL HOUSING ADMINISTRATION'S CAPITAL RESERVES: ASSUMPTIONS, PREDICTIONS, AND IMPLICATIONS FOR HOMEBUYERS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 8 October 2009

THE FUTURE OF THE MORTGAGE MARKET AND THE HOUSING ENTERPRISES

United States · United States Senate · 8 October 2009

Civil Access to Justice Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2009

Civil Access to Justice Act of 2009 - Amends the Legal Services Corporation Act to reauthorize the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) at increased levels for FY2010-FY2015. Requires the LSC Board of Directors to include at least one individual with financial or audit experience. Eliminates state advisory councils. Increases the maximum pay level for LSC officers and employees. Requires the LSC to establish: (1) a protocol for the receipt of donations; (2) an audit committee, a finance committee, and a governance and performance review committee; (3) a continuity of operations plan; and (4) an adequate internal control structure and procedures for financial reporting. Requires the LSC to promote recruitment and retention of highly qualified staff members for all grantees, contractees, or recipients of financial assistance through the Pilot Loan Repayment Assistance Program or other appropriate programs. Limits the coverage of prohibited purpose provisions of federal law only to recipient use of funds from the LSC itself. (Thus lifts such restrictions, except those related to abortion litigation, on the use of state and local funds and private donations.) Revises eligibility requirements for LSC grantees and funds recipients, extending specific eligibility to those seeking assistance with matters relating to home foreclosure or mortgage default or delinquency. Requires distribution of LSC funds on the basis of a system of competitive bidding, as well as specific allocations for all geographic areas, Native American communities, and migrant and seasonal farm workers. Prohibits the use of LSC funds to provide legal assistance with respect to: (1) litigation relating to prison conditions; (2) the defense of an individual in a proceeding to evict him or her from a public housing project in connection with a drug offense; or (3) all but certain aliens. Authorizes the LSC to allow use of a portion of the funds provided under the grant or contract to acquire and develop information technology to promote full access to high-quality, efficient legal representation and materials for self-representation. Directs the LSC to require an audit of each recipient in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards.

Main Street TARP Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2009

Main Street TARP Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, using authority to purchase troubled assets under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA), to transfer $1 billion to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the Secretary to credit to the Housing Trust Fund. Revises requirements for the use of allocations to states from the Housing Trust Fund for low-income rental housing. Requires that all rental housing dwelling units be subject to legally binding commitments that ensure that the contribution toward rent by a resident family shall not exceed 30% of the family's adjusted income. Requires the HUD Secretary to credit certain amounts from the Housing Trust Fund to the Emergency Homeowners' Relief Fund (which the Secretary shall establish under the Emergency Housing Act of 1975) for emergency mortgage assistance. Amends the Emergency Housing Act of 1975 to: (1) increase the maximum aggregate amount of insured emergency mortgage loans and advances; and (2) extend through FY2011 the program for insured loans and emergency mortgage relief payments made under the Act. Amends EESA to reduce the TARP authorization limit in order to offset the costs of loans, advances, insurance, and appropriations authorized under this Act.

Encouraging banks and mortgage servicers to work with families affected by contaminated drywall and to consider adjustments to payment schedules on their home mortgages that take into account the financial burdens of responding to the presence of such drywall.

United States · United States Congress · 8 October 2009

Encourages banks and mortgage servicers to work with families affected by contaminated drywall to allow temporary forbearance without penalty on payments on their home mortgages.

FULL COMMITTEE HEARING ON THE STATE OF THE NATION'S HOUSING SECTOR: AN EXAMINATION OF THE FIRST TIME BUYER'S CREDIT AND FUTURE POLICIES TO SUSTAIN A RECOVERY

United States · United States House of Representatives · 7 October 2009

A bill to provide an extension of the low-income housing credit placed-in-service date requirement for certain disaster areas.

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2009

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2011 the period for placing in service buildings located in a disaster area that are eligible for allocations of low-income housing tax credit amounts.

Dairy and Sheep H-2A Visa Enhancement Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 October 2009

Dairy and Sheep H-2A Visa Enhancement Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to include within the H-2A nonimmigrant visa category (temporary agricultural workers) an alien coming temporarily to the United States to work as a sheepherder or dairy worker. Provides for a three-year initial period of admission with additional three-year extensions. Directs the Secretary of Labor to issue housing regulations for workers engaged in the range production of livestock.

Urban Revitalization and Livable Communities Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2009

Urban Revitalization and Livable Communities Act - Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to establish an urban revitalization and livable communities program to provide federal grants to eligible general purpose local governments for various park and recreation purposes, including grants for rehabilitation and construction, innovation, at-risk youth recreation, and recovery action programs. Requires the Secretary to publish in the Federal Register a list of such governments meeting specified criteria. Authorizes the Secretary to authorize other eligible governments in standard metropolitan statistical areas, but not on the list, to receive up to a specified portion of such grants. Authorizes the Secretary, upon approval of an application by the chief executive of an eligible applicant, to provide 70% matching rehabilitation and construction, innovation, and at-risk youth recreation grants directly to such applicant. Allows an applicant, at its discretion, to transfer a grant in whole or in part to special purpose local governments or private nonprofit agencies for recreational areas and facilities they own or operate which offer recreational opportunities to the general population Requires an applicant, as a requirement for project approval, to submit to the Secretary evidence of its commitment to ongoing planning, rehabilitation, service, operation, and maintenance programs for its park and recreation systems, expressed in a five-year local park and recreation recovery action program. Requires an eligible applicant for an at-risk youth recreation grant to include in its five-year program the goal of, and implementation strategies for, reducing crime and juvenile delinquency. Authorizes the Secretary to increase all grants to a state under this Act by up to 15% (but not more than 85% in total). Prohibits the conversion of any property improved or developed with assistance under this Act, without HUD approval, for uses other than for public recreation. Prohibits the use of funds under this Act for acquisition of land or interests in land.

Veterans Economic Opportunity Administration Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 6 October 2009

Veterans Economic Opportunity Administration Act of 2009 - Establishes in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) a Veterans Economic Opportunity Administration, headed by the Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity, to administer VA programs of economic opportunity assistance to veterans and their dependents and survivors. Requires the Administration to administer the following VA programs: (1) vocational rehabilitation and employment; (2) educational assistance; (3) veterans' housing loan and related programs; (4) veterans' entrepreneurship; and (5) homeless veterans. Establishes as an interagency committee the Department of Veterans Affairs-Department of Labor-Small Business Administration Joint Executive Committee on Economic Opportunity to recommend to the Secretaries of Veterans Affairs and Labor and the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) strategic direction for the joint coordination and sharing of efforts to promote and administer veterans economic opportunity programs for education and training, vocational rehabilitation, employment, small business, and homelessness, and to oversee implementation of those efforts.

Disabled Veteran Caregiver Housing Assistance Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 5 October 2009

Disabled Veteran Caregiver Housing Assistance Act of 2009 - Increases the amount of assistance authorized to be provided by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for permanent and total service-disabled veterans who are temporarily residing in housing owned by a family member from: (1) $14,000 to $28,000, in the case of the acquisition of housing with special features; and (2) $2,000 to $5,000, in the case of adaptations to a current residence. Directs the Secretary to adjust such amounts annually based on the residential home cost-of-construction index.

FHA Taxpayer Protection Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 1 October 2009

FHA Taxpayer Protection Act of 2009 - Amends the National Housing Act to increase the downpayment requirement for a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage loan from 3.5% to 5%. Repeals the current inclusion in the principal amount of an FHA mortgage loan of any initial service charges, appraisal, inspection, and other fees that the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approves. Prohibits the inclusion of such charges and fees in the principal amount of an FHA mortgage loan. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund and the mortgage insurance programs under which the insurance obligations are obligations of such Fund.

Preserving Homes and Communities Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2009

Preserving Homes and Communities Act of 2009 - Prohibits a covered mortgagee from initiating or continuing a foreclosure proceeding against a covered mortgagor that is otherwise authorized under state law unless: (1) the mortgagee has determined whether the mortgagor is eligible for a qualified loan modification (QLM); (2) the mortgagee has offered a QLM to the mortgagor, if eligible; and (3) the mortgagee has made available to the mortgagor, if ineligible for a QLM, the note, deed of trust, or any other document necessary to establish the mortgagee's right to foreclose on the mortgage. Prohibits a covered mortgagee from charging a mortgagor a QLM or other specified fees. Amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to award grants to state housing finance agencies (or state-designated eligible agencies) to enable them to provide: (1) one-time emergency grants or subsidized loans to assist eligible homeowners in satisfying any amounts past due on their home loans; (2) grants or subsidized loans to eligible homeowners for a specified number of future mortgage payments; and (3) stipends of up to $1,500 to assist with relocation expenses for homeowners not eligible for the program. Directs the Secretary to make competitive grants to state and local governments to establish compulsory mortgagee-mortgagor mediation programs that assist mortgagors facing foreclosure. Requires the Secretary to develop and implement a plan to monitor: (1) conditions and trends in homeownership and the mortgage industry in order to predict foreclosure trends; and (2) the effectiveness of public efforts to reduce mortgage defaults and foreclosures. Requires the Secretary also to develop recommendations for a national database on mortgage defaults and foreclosures to provide relevant information to federal regulatory agencies as well as federal, state, and local governments. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer and credit $1 billion to the Housing Trust Fund from funds received from the sale of warrants under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA).

Service Members Home Ownership Tax Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 30 September 2009

Service Members Home Ownership Tax Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) exempt members of the uniformed services, the Foreign Service, and employees of the intelligence community on official extended duty service from the recapture requirements of the first-time homebuyer tax credit; (2) extend the first-time homebuyer tax credit through November 30, 2010, for individuals serving on official extended duty service outside the United States for at least 90 days in 2009; (3) exclude from gross income payments to military personnel to compensate for declines in housing values due to a base closure or realignment; and (4) increase penalties for failure to file a partnership or S corporation tax return. Amends the Corporate Estimated Tax Shift Act of 2009 to increase corporate estimated tax payments in the third quarter of 2014 by an additional 0.5%.

Steven L. Jacques, of Kansas, to be an Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, vice Cathy M. MacFarlane.

United States · United States Senate · 29 September 2009

To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for a monthly housing stipend under the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program for individuals pursuing programs of education offered through distance learning, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 29 September 2009

Allows, and regulates the amount of, housing assistance payable to certain post-9/11 veterans (and, in some instances, those veterans' spouses, children, or both) who are pursuing distance learning.

Health Professions and Primary Care Reinvestment Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 September 2009

Health Professions and Primary Care Reinvestment Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make grants to hospitals, medical schools, and other entities to train primary care providers to provide care through patient-centered medical homes and to develop tools and curricula and provide continuing education relevant to patient-centered homes. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish the National Center for Health Workforce Analysis (National Center) to collect, analyze, and report data related to health workforce issues in coordination with the State and Regional Centers for Health Workforce Analysis; (2) award grants to, or enter into contracts with, states, state workforce commissions, and other health care entities to collect, analyze, and report to the National Center data on programs related to health workforce issues; and (3) increase the amount of grants or contracts awarded for the establishment and maintenance of a longitudinal tracking system (a system that tracks students, residents, fellows, interns, or faculty who have received education, training, or financial assistance from Health Professions Education and Training programs for at least five years). Requires the Advisory Committee on Interdisciplinary, Community-Based Linkages and the Advisory Council on Graduate Medical Education to develop, publish, and implement performance measures for health professions education programs.

A resolution expressing condolences to the families of the individuals killed during unusual storms and floods in the State of Georgia between September 18 and September 21, 2009, and expressing gratitude to all of the emergency personnel who continue to work with unyielding determination to meet the needs of Georgia's residents.

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2009

Extends condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, and to families who lost their homes and other property, in the floods in Georgia. Thanks the people of Georgia and the surrounding states who worked to protect people from the rising floodwaters. Expresses support as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) responds to the needs of the affected people and communities. Honors the emergency responders for their bravery and sacrifice.

Military Families Affordable Homes Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 September 2009

Military Families Affordable Homes Act - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to tax-exempt facility bonds to expand the eligibility of military personnel for low-income residential rental housing financed by such bonds.

Services for Ending Long-Term Homelessness Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2009

Services for Ending Long-Term Homelessness Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Administrator of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, to design national strategies for providing services in supportive housing that will assist in ending chronic homelessness and to implement programs that address chronic homelessness. Requires the Secretary to make matching grants to eligible entities to provide services that promote recovery and self-sufficiency and that address barriers to housing stability to chronically homeless individuals and families in, or who are scheduled to become residents of, permanent supportive housing and to other individuals and families who have voluntarily chosen to seek other housing opportunities after a period of tenancy in supportive housing. Directs the Secretary to require grantees to report data regarding the performance outcomes of projects carried out under this Act, which shall include measuring and reporting specific performance outcomes related to the long-term goals of: (1) increasing stability within the community for individuals and families who have been chronically homeless; and (2) decreasing recurrence of periods of homelessness.

Expressing condolences to the families of the individuals killed during unusual storms and floods in the State of Georgia between September 18 and 21, 2009, and expressing gratitude to all of the emergency personnel who continue to work with unyielding determination to meet the needs of Georgia's residents.

United States · United States Congress · 23 September 2009

Extends condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, and to families who lost their homes and other property, in the floods in Georgia. Thanks the people of Georgia and the surrounding states who continue to work to protect people from the still rising floodwaters. Expresses support for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) efforts to respond to needs of affected citizens and communities. Honors the emergency responders for their bravery and sacrifice.

Comprehensive Derivatives Regulation Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2009

Comprehensive Derivatives Regulation Act of 2009 - Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Securities Act of 1933, and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act to repeal the exclusion of swap agreements from regulatory oversight. Subjects security futures and securities futures products to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Securities Act of 1933. Requires transactions of standardized security-based swaps to take place within a registered clearing agency or a registered trade repository. Requires a significant security-based derivatives market participant to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Sets forth capital and margin requirements for such a participant, including recordkeeping and reporting requirements. Prohibits fraduluent, deceptive, or manipulative acts or practices in connection with transactions in security-based swaps and security derivatives. Directs the SEC to prescribe position limits held in a security-based swap or security derivative. Requires trading in security-based swaps to be executed on a national securities exchange. Amends the Commodity Futures Modernization Act of 2000 to repeal the exclusion of covered swap agreements transacted by a bank from the regulatory oversight of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Amends the Commodity Exchange Act to require submission of a standardized commodity-based swap to a derivatives clearing organization pursuant to CFTC rules. Directs the CFTC to collect, consolidate, and disseminate information on transactions and positions in commodity-based swaps. Sets forth registration requirements for a derivatives clearing organization. Allocates regulatory authority over significant commodity-based derivatives market participants among the following entities: (1) a federal banking agency; (2) the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA); (3) the CFTC; and (4) the SEC. Requires significant commodity-based derivatives market participants to register with the CFTC. Prescribes capital and margin requirements as well as recordkeeping and reporting requirements for such participants. Revises restrictions on excessive speculation. Prohibits fraduluent, deceptive, or manipulative acts or practices in connection with transactions in commodity-based swaps. Requires registration of commodity-based swap execution facilities. Allocates enforcement powers among the following entities with respect to commodity-based derivatives market participants: (1) the CFTC; (2) the SEC; (3) the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA); and (4) the appropriate federal banking agency. Directs the CFTC and the SEC to promulgate rules: (1) requiring clearing agencies and derivatives clearing organizations to have risk management controls to assure their ability to meet settlement obligations; and (2) for determining the status of certain derivatives. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on implementation of this Act by the CFTC and the SEC.

A resolution making minority party appointments for certain committees for the 111th Congress.

United States · United States Congress · 22 September 2009

Makes minority party appointments to the following Senate Committees for the 111th Congress: (1) Armed Services; (2) Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; (3) Commerce, Science, and Transportation; and (4) Aging.

Pay It Back Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2009

Pay It Back Act - Amends the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) to revise the limitation on the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury to purchase troubled assets under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) to $700 billion outstanding at any one time. Changes the maximum authority to $700 billion, in the aggregate, or such higher amount, in the aggregate, as has been obligated or expended under TARP as of the enactment of this Act. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress every six months on transfer to the Treasury's General Fund for reduction of the public debt of revenues of, and proceeds from the sale of troubled assets purchased under TARP, or from the sale, exercise, or surrender of warrants or senior debt instruments acquired under TARP. Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act, and the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to require the Secretary to deposit in the Treasury solely for debt reduction any amounts received by the Secretary for the sale of any obligation or security acquired from the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac), or a Federal Home Loan Bank for secondary market operations. Prohibits the use of any such amounts as an offset for other spending increases or revenue reductions. Requires deposit in the Treasury solely for debt reduction of any periodic commitment fee or any other fee or assessment paid to the Secretary by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac as a result of any preferred stock purchase agreement, mortgage-backed security purchase program, or any other program or activity under the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008. Requires the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to report to Congress on FHFA plans to continue to support and maintain the nation's vital housing industry, while at the same time guaranteeing that the American taxpayer will not suffer unnecessary losses. Amends the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) to require: (1) rescission of any ARRA (stimulus) funds offered to but not accepted by the governor or legislature of a state; and (2) their deposit in the Treasury solely for debt reduction. Requires the same treatment for any funds withdrawn or recaptured by an executive agency head which have not been obligated by a state to a local government or for a specific project. Rescinds for deposit in the Treasury solely for debt reduction specified discretionary appropriations that have not been obligated as of December 31, 2012. Lowers the statutory limit on the public debt by the amounts the Secretary receives under this Act for deposit in the Treasury solely for debt reduction.

Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 September 2009

Service Members Home Ownership Tax Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) exempt members of the uniformed services, the Foreign Service, and employees of the intelligence community on official extended duty service from the recapture requirements of the first-time homebuyer tax credit; (2) extend the first-time homebuyer tax credit through November 30, 2010, for individuals serving on official extended duty service outside the United States for at least 90 days in 2009; (3) exclude from gross income payments to military personnel to compensate for declines in housing values due to a base closure or realignment; and (4) increase penalties for failure to file a partnership or S corporation tax return. Amends the Corporate Estimated Tax Shift Act of 2009 to increase corporate estimated tax payments in the third quarter of 2014 by an additional 0.5%.

Affordable Housing Preservation and Revitalization Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 16 September 2009

Affordable Housing Preservation and Revitalization Act of 2009 - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to ensure that funds in the residual receipts account of an eligible multifamily housing property are transferred, at the time of a qualified sale or exchange, to preservation entities. Requires that funds in the residual receipts account be used, subject to housing agency approval, to: (1) pay for rehabilitation costs approved by the housing agency; (2) deposit funds into the property's replacement reserve account; and (3) pay for social and other services, associated acquisition costs, and any other costs that have been approved by the housing agency and will directly benefit such tenants. Defines "preservation entity" as: (1) a nonprofit tax-exempt corporation; or (2) a limited partnership or limited liability company where the sole general partner or sole managing member of such ownership entity is a nonprofit tax-exempt corporation; and (3) that has the capacity to acquire and preserve an eligible multifamily housing property. States that, for purposes of the low-income housing credit under the Internal Revenue Code, residual receipts used or transferred under this Act shall not be considered federal funds.

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of the Congress that stable and affordable housing is an essential component of an effective strategy for the prevention, treatment, and care of human immunodeficiency virus, and that the United States should make a commitment to providing adequate funding for the development of housing as a response to the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome pandemic.

United States · United States Congress · 15 September 2009

Declares the sense of Congress that: (1) stable and affordable housing is an essential component of an effective strategy for HIV prevention, treatment, and care; and (2) the United States should make a commitment to providing adequate funding for developing housing as a response to the AIDS pandemic.

Healthy Housing Council Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2009

Healthy Housing Council Act of 2009 - Establishes in the executive branch an independent Interagency Council on Healthy Housing. Requires the Council to: (1) review federal programs and services that provide housing, health, energy, or environmental services to families and individuals; (2) monitor, evaluate, and recommend improvements in existing programs and services administered, funded, or financed by federal, state, and local agencies; (3) recommend ways to reduce duplication among federal programs and services; and (4) ensure collaboration among and within agencies in the provision and availability of such programs and services.

Indian Veterans Housing Opportunity Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 10 September 2009

Indian Veterans Housing Opportunity Act of 2009 - Amends the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 to exclude from consideration as income any amounts received by a family from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as veterans' disability compensation or dependency and indemnity compensation for service-related disabilities of a member of the family.

Honoring the first responders, paying tribute to the victims of the Southern California wildfires, and mourning the loss of Firefighter Captain Tedmund "Ted" Hall, and Firefighter Specialist Arnaldo "Arnie" Quinones.

United States · United States Congress · 9 September 2009

Offers sympathy to the families of those servicemen who lost their lives fighting the Los Angeles County Station Fire in Southern California. Extends condolences to the individuals who lost their homes and property. Commends the firefighters and emergency responders who continue to risk their lives fighting California wildfires to protect threatened communities and businesses. Condemns the acts of arson perpetrated in igniting the Station Fire.

Livable Communities Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 6 August 2009

Livable Communities Act of 2009 - Establishes in the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) an Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities (OSHC). Establishes in the executive branch an independent Interagency Council on Sustainable Communities. Requires the OSHC Director to establish a program to make comprehensive planning grants and sustainability challenge grants to eligible entities (partnerships between a consortium of units of general local government and an eligible partner, which may be a metropolitan planning organization, a rural planning organization, a regional council, or a state). Requires the use of a comprehensive planning grant to carry out a project to: (1) coordinate land use, housing, transportation, and infrastructure planning processes across jurisdictions and agencies; (2) identify potential regional partnerships for developing and implementing a comprehensive regional plan; (3) conduct or update housing, infrastructure, transportation, energy, and environmental assessments to determine regional needs and promote sustainable development; (4) develop or update a comprehensive regional plan or goals and strategies to implement an existing comprehensive regional plan; and (5) implement local zoning and other code changes necessary to implement a comprehensive regional plan and promote sustainable development. Requires the use of a sustainability challenge grant to: (1) promote integrated transportation, housing, energy, and economic development activities carried out across policy and governmental jurisdictions; (2) promote sustainable and location-efficient development; and (3) implement projects identified in a comprehensive regional plan. Directs the OSHC Director to study and report to specified congressional committees on incentives for encouraging lenders to make, and homebuyers and homeowners to participate in, energy-efficient mortgages and location-efficient mortgages.

Clean Energy for Homes and Buildings Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 4 August 2009

Clean Energy for Homes and Buildings Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Energy to develop and publish for review and comment near-, medium-, and long-term goals for: (1) a minimum number of homes and other buildings to be retrofitted through energy efficiency measures or to have on-site renewable energy systems added; (2) the number of on-site solar energy, wind energy, and geothermal heat pump systems to be installed; (3) the quantities by which use of grid-supplied electricity, natural gas, home heating oil, and other fuels, total fossil fuel dependence in the buildings sector, and greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced; (4) the number of jobs that will be created; and (5) the estimated total energy cost savings for building owners. Establishes in the Department of Energy (DOE) the Clean Energy for Homes and Buildings Program. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish eligibility criteria for applicants for financial assistance (including credit enhancements, debt instruments, or other financial products); and (2) select a portfolio of investments that reaches a diversity of building owners. Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial assistance to eligible applicants to promote the widespread deployment of, and mobilize private sector support of credit and investment institutions for, energy efficiency measures and on-site renewable energy generation systems in buildings.

FHA Multifamily Loan Limit Adjustment Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009

FHA Multifamily Loan Limit Adjustment Act of 2009 - Amends the National Housing Act to revise the maximum mortgage loan principal amounts the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) may insure for elevator-type multifamily structures for: (1) rental housing; (2) cooperative housing; (3) rehabilitation and neighborhood conservation housing; (4) housing for moderate income and displaced families; (5) housing for elderly persons; and (6) condominiums. Replaces the current specific dollar amount limitations per family unit by which the insurable mortgage principal obligation for elevator-type multifamily structures may be increased. Prescribes instead an increase limitation per family unit of up to 50% higher than the corresponding limitations for non-elevator-type multifamily structures. Authorizes the Secretary to prescribe a higher maximum (up to 50%) for the principal obligation of mortgages insured for multifamily projects located in an extremely high-cost area (similar to that for mortgage insurance for property in Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, and the Virgin Islands).

American Energy Production and Price Reduction Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009

American Energy Production and Price Reduction Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that at no time shall Congress enact legislation that will lead to the increase of domestic energy prices. Amends the Submerged Lands Act to: (1) revise the seaward boundaries of states from three geographical miles to 12 nautical miles; and (2) retain as federal property all oil and gas mineral rights for lands beneath the navigable waters located within such expanded offshore state seaward boundaries. Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) to revise requirements for: (1) the determination of Adjacent Zones and Planning Areas; (2) lease administration and granting of leases; and (3) treatment of receipts from tracts within specified miles of a state coastline. Revamps procedures for the reservation of lands and rights. Authorizes the President to revoke or revise prior withdrawals from leasing within certain areas of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Revises the OCS leasing program. Prescribes a program for approval of pipeline construction (including a petroleum products pipeline) within part of an Adjacent State's Adjacent Zone. Cites conditions under which leases and exploration activities are categorically excluded from the need to prepare an environmental assessment or impact statement. Prescribes procedures for federal repurchase of certain leases, including oil and gas leases. Permits offsite environmental mitigation. Sets forth procedures for the exchange of specified leases within the California or Florida Adjacent Zone. Repeals: (1) the coastal impact assistance program; and (2) the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006. American Energy Independence and Price Reduction Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) to implement a competitive leasing program for oil and gas exploration, development, and production on the Alaska Coastal Plain. Amends the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980 to repeal the prohibition against leasing or other development regarding production of oil and gas from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Deems any oil and gas leasing programs and activities authorized by this Act to be in compliance with ANWR purposes. Authorizes the Secretary to designate specified acres of the Coastal Plain as a Special Area, after consultation with the state of Alaska, the city of Kaktovik, and the North Slope Borough. Permits directional drilling in the Special Area. Prescribes procedures governing Coastal Plain lease sales. Prescribes a "no significant adverse effect" standard to govern Coastal Plain activities. Prohibits the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) from denying a license application under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 on the grounds that sufficient capacity does not exist, or will not become available on a timely basis, for disposal of spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste from the facility for which the authorization is sought. Amends the Internal Revenue Code: (1) to prescribe an ASME Nuclear Certification credit of 15% of the qualified nuclear expenditures paid or incurred by the taxpayer; and (2) repeal the deduction for income attributable to domestic production activities. Amends the Clean Air Act to exclude from the term "air pollutant" carbon dioxide, water vapor, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, or sulfur hexafluoride. Declares the Clean Air Act shall not be treated as authorizing or requiring the regulation of climate change or global warming. Amends the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) to set forth procedures for judicial review of federal agency compliance. Amends the Clean Air Act to repeal specified amendments to the renewable fuel standard. Amends the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2009, to repeal the requirement to consult regarding impacts on global warming and the polar bear population. Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to repeal lighting energy efficiency standards for general service incandescent lamps and other designated lamps. Emergency Solar Power Permit Act - Amends NEPA to exempt any action relating to a solar energy project on lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) from environmental impact statement (EIS) requirements. Directs the Secretary of Energy to conduct a five-year natural gas vehicle research and development program. Amends the IRC to: (1) make permanent alternative fuel credits for compressed or liquefied natural gas and the vehicles powered by such gas; (2) allow vehicle and infrastructure credits against regular and minimum tax and transferability of credits; (3) grant a credit for producing vehicles fueled by natural or liquefied natural gas; (4) grant a special allowance for coal-to-liquid plant property in the accelerated cost recovery system; and (5) extend permanently the credit for nonbusiness energy property and the credit for gas produced from biomass and for synthetic fuels produced from coal. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to authorize appropriations for large-scale coal-to-liquid facilities. Directs the Secretary to establish a coal-to-liquid facilities loan and loan guarantee programs. Amends the IRC to: (1) provide for a seven-year depreciation for clean coal technology or for carbon sequestration technology installed or retrofitted at power-plants; (2) extend the 50-cent per gallon alternative fuels excise tax credit; and (3) allow a tax credit for 30% of the expenditures made by an individual or business for energy production and distribution facilities. Directs the Internal Revenue Service to treat the synthetic gas produced from coal-to-liquids with the same tax treatment as covered by the industrial gasification tax credit. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to provide clean coal technology loan guarantees and direct loans for research, development, and deployment of clean coal technology in order to build up to five commercial-scale coal-fired plants with carbon capture and sequestration capabilities. Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to undertake a national assessment of carbon dioxide storage capacity. Directs the Secretary of Energy to conduct and report to certain congressional committees on an efficiency audit, and quantify the operating efficiencies, of all coal-fired electric generation facilities in the United States. Amends the IRC to extend specified tax incentives for energy, among them credits for: (1) energy efficient appliances; (2) nonbusiness energy property; (3) residential energy efficient property; and (4) new energy efficient homes.

Foreclosure Prevention and Sound Mortgage Servicing Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009

Foreclosure Prevention and Sound Mortgage Servicing Act of 2009 - Amends the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 (RESPA) to require the mortgagee, upon default of a federally related mortgage loan secured by a lien on the borrower's principal residence, to engage in loss mitigation activities that provide for: (1) the long-term affordability of the loan; and (2) the maximum retention of home equity. Prohibits initiation of foreclosure on any mortgage loan if the mortgagee or servicer has at any time failed to comply with specified loss mitigation requirements. Specifies priority, secondary, and last-resort mitigation activities, including the appropriate circumstances for each kind. Sets forth criteria governing the affordability of scheduled payments due from the borrower pursuant to loss mitigation activities. Requires the mortgagee or servicer to notify the mortgagor in writing within certain deadlines concerning prospective adjustable rate mortgage increases. Requires a mortgagee or servicer to provide the borrower with direct access to authorized loss mitigation personnel. Sets general rules for third-party modification of a mortgage loan and consequent loss mitigation activities. Requires the servicer or mortgagee to forward to a housing counseling agency approved by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) the contact information of any borrower whose federally related mortgage loan payment is more than 60 days late. Prohibits a mortgagee from requiring a borrower, as a condition of loss mitigation activities, to: (1) waive or limit rights to certain legal actions against the mortgagee or servicer as a condition of accepting an offer of any loss mitigation activities; or (2) agree to arbitration as a condition of receiving loan modification activities. Subjects a mortgagee to reporting requirements regarding loss mitigation activities. Directs the Comptroller of the Currency and the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision to: (1) compile annually aggregate data by census tract for certain mortgagees in certain statistical areas; and (2) report to Congress on mortgagee compliance with this Act. Requires the servicer of a mortgage loan to make available without charge, upon borrower's written request, specified account status information and documentation. Prohibits foreclosure proceedings while such a request is pending and the mortgagee or servicer has not complied with related requirements. Amends the Truth in Lending Act to prescribe: (1) the duties of standard of care governing lenders and loan servicers; and (2) fee assessments and disclosures. Prohibits fees for payoff statements. Amends RESPA to specify additional account information for the required notice by the transferor of a loan servicing contract at time of transfer. Directs the Secretary and the federal banking regulatory agencies to establish procedures and standards for servicer compensation that do not provide incentives for mortgage foreclosure or disincentives to engaging in loss mitigation activities. Declares void and unenforceable any investment contract executed between a servicer of pooled residential mortgages and an investor after enactment of this Act that is inconsistent with it. Directs the Secretary and the Secretary of the Treasury to implement jointly a pilot program to encourage Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac), and the Federal Home Loan Banks (government-sponsored enterprises, or GSEs) to enter into contracts for insured community development financial institutions to provide mortgage servicing for mortgages they own or securitize.

SURPLUS Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009

Scrapping Unsustainable Redundant Programs Leaves Us Solvent Act of 2009 or the SURPLUS Act - Requires the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Education, Energy, Health and Human Services (HHS), Homeland Security (DHS), Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Interior, Labor, State, Transportation (DOT), Treasury, and Veterans Affairs (VA), the Attorney General, and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) determine if any federal programs within his or her agency are duplicative; (2) submit to Congress, and make available to the public, a report on the results; and (3) terminate or consolidate programs performing similar functions, except for any program that is required or authorized by statute. Considers to be duplicative: (1) a grant program the purpose of which the Secretary determines to be to benefit a specific group that is identical or substantially similar to a group that is eligible for another grant program; and (2) any other program the Secretary determines to be performing the same essential function as another program.

Veterans Education Enhancement and Fairness Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009

Veterans Education Enhancement and Fairness Act of 2009 - Provides for a monthly housing stipend under the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program for individuals pursuing education programs offered through distance learning. Includes in the definition of "active duty" for purposes of Program eligibility for members of the Army National Guard or Air National Guard full-time duty, including duty in support of any homeland security operation, natural disaster related operation, counter-narcotic operation, or border security operation, and duty in the Active Guard Reserve.

Smart Housing in Disasters Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009

Smart Housing in Disasters Act of 2009 - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to cover as a major disaster any "catastrophic incident" as defined by the Homeland Security Act, namely any natural disaster, act of terrorism, or other man-made disaster that results in extraordinary levels of casualties or damage or disruption severely affecting the population (including mass evacuations), infrastructure, environment, economy, national morale, or government functions in an area. Amends the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 to direct the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to develop, as an annex to the National Disaster Housing Strategy, lifecycle plans and tracking procedures for housing units provided to individuals and households affected by an emergency or major disaster that establishes policies for procurement, delivery, installation, maintenance, deactivation, and disposal of the units. Requires the plan to: (1) emphasize the acquisition of housing units that can be recycled and reused for multiple emergencies or major disasters; and (2) include a process for the Administrator to track each housing unit from its date of acquisition through its date of disposal. Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to direct the President to alter any housing unit unsuitable for habitation, before its disposal through sale to a recycler or other purchaser, in a manner that will prevent the unit from being used for habitation.

Recoupment of Wall Street Bonus Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009

Recoupment of Wall Street Bonus Act - Imposes an additional income tax on bonuses paid to employees or former employees of covered Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) recipients. Defines "covered TARP recipient" to include: (1) entities and their affiliates that received capital infusions under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 exceeding $5 billion; and (2) the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac). Exempts entities that repay TARP amounts exceeding a $5 billion threshold. Sets the rate of such tax at 100% of the lesser of: (1) the bonus amounts paid; or (2) the amount of such taxpayer's adjusted gross income exceeding $250,000 ($125,000 in the case of a married individual filing a separate return). Exempts any employee who irrevocably waives or returns a bonus payment before the close of the taxable year in which such payment is due. Requires tax revenues generated by this Act to be paid to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to fund community development programs.

Calling on the Government of Sri Lanka to address the human rights and humanitarian needs of its civilian internally displaced Tamil population currently living in government-run camps by working with the United Nations and the international community to implement a process of release and resettlement of such internally displaced persons (IDPs), and allowing foreign aid groups to provide relief and resources throughout the process.

United States · United States Congress · 31 July 2009

Urges the Sri Lankan government to guarantee the safety and release of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in camps and to ensure the rights of these refugees in the reestablishment of their homes and properties. Calls on the Sri Lankan government to turn the operation of the camps over to civilian authorities and allow international agencies and independent nongovernmental organizations to assist in the care of the IDPs. Urges the Tamil people to continue to be patient while the government reestablishes normalcy and urges the Sri Lankan government to move forward in creating political reforms that will resolve the political concerns of the Tamil people.

Zero Tolerance for Veterans Homelessness Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2009

Zero Tolerance for Veterans Homelessness Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a program within the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) for the prevention of veteran homelessness by identifying veterans who are homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless and providing assistance, including short and medium term rental assistance and housing relocation and stabilization services, to ensure that such veterans do not become or remain homeless. Makes VBA regional offices responsible for oversight and coordination of: (1) any housing programs for veterans supported by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); and (2) the program described above. Includes new construction projects as projects under which eligible entities may receive grants for furnishing certain services to homeless veterans. Requires the study of the payment method for the reimbursement of grant recipients for per diem payments for furnishing services to homeless veterans and the development of an improved method to reimburse grant recipients for services furnished to homeless veterans. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to set forth requirements for public housing agencies to provide vouchers for rental assistance to veterans (under current law, on behalf of homeless veterans with chronic mental illnesses or chronic substance use disorders) through the HUD-VA supported housing program. Establishes in HUD a Special Assistant for Veterans Affairs in the Office of the Secretary. Requires: (1) establishment of a method for the annual collection and aggregation of data on homeless veterans who participate in VA-HUD programs; and (2) submission to Congress of a comprehensive plan for ending homelessness among veterans.

To authorize the Fair Housing Commemorative Foundation to establish a commemorative work on Federal land in the District of Columbia to commemorate the enactment of the Fair Housing Act in 1968.

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2009

Authorizes the Fair Housing Commemorative Foundation to establish a commemorative work on federal land in the District of Columbia and its environs in commemoration of the enactment of the Fair Housing Act on April 11, 1968. Prohibits the use of federal funds to pay any expense for the establishment of the commemorative work. Makes the Fair Housing Commemorative Foundation solely responsible for acceptance of contributions and payment of expenses for the establishment of such commemorative work.

Improving Assistance to Domestic and Sexual Violence Victims Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 30 July 2009

Improving Assistance to Domestic and Sexual Violence Victims Act of 2009 - Amends the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 to: (1) amend certain definitions, grant conditions relating to confidential information, and matching fund requirements under such Act; (2) expand the role of the national resource center on workplace responses to domestic violence to require information and assistance to victim service providers and other community-based organizations and coalitions; and (3) expand requirements for providing culturally and linguistically specific services to domestic and sexual violence victims. Amends grant provisions under the violence against women program of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to: (1) impose limits on Internet publication of protection order information in domestic violence cases; (2) exempt victims of dating violence from certain costs for criminal proceedings and protection orders; (3) provide for sexual assault forensic medical personnel examiners to collect and preserve evidence in sexual assault cases; and (4) expand grant purposes to include HIV, hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment for victims of sexual assault. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act and the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 to expand visa eligibility for aliens who are victims of domestic violence and sex trafficking. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1980 to permit certain aliens lawfully present in the United States to qualify for low-income housing assistance.

ACADEMIC PERSPECTIVES ON THE FUTURE OF PUBLIC HOUSING

United States · United States House of Representatives · 29 July 2009

Disaster Response, Recovery, and Mitigation Enhancement Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 29 July 2009

Disaster Response, Recovery and Mitigation Enhancement Act of 2009 - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to: (1) require the President to award financial assistance under the pre-disaster hazard mitigation program on a competitive basis; and (2) authorize continuing appropriations for such program through FY2012. Requires: (1) the President, acting through the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to modernize and implement the integrated U.S. public alert and warning system; and (2) the Administrator to establish an Integrated Public Alert and Warning System Advisory Committee. Makes temporary FEMA employees hired in the aftermath of a disaster eligible to enroll in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan. Authorizes the President to transfer excess materials, supplies, or equipment acquired for response or recovery efforts in connection with a major disaster or emergency to a state, local government, or relief organization to assist victims of other major disasters, emergencies, or incidents. Directs the Administrator to: (1) continue to administer the National Urban Search and Rescue Response System; (2) provide for a national network of standardized search and rescue resources; (3) designate task forces to participate in the System and determine participation criteria; and (4) enter into annual preparedness cooperative agreements with sponsoring agencies. Provides for the establishment of a Disaster Relief Fund. Authorizes the President to: (1) increase disaster mitigation assistance to states that are actively enforcing approved building codes; and (2) provide temporary assistance in the form of mortgage or rental payments for individuals and families who, because of financial hardship caused by a major disaster, are at imminent risk of dispossession or eviction from a residence. Authorizes FEMA to rescue and shelter animals during disasters and emergencies. Sets forth provisions concerning the storage, sale, transfer, and disposal by FEMA of temporary housing units. Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) continue to administer the Citizen Corps and the Community Emergency Response Team Program; and (2) make grants for implementation of the Emergency Management Assistance Compact.