Housing

A concurrent resolution recognizing the importance of homeownership for Americans.

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2008

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) everyone in the United States should have a decent home in which to live; (2) Members of Congress should demonstrate the importance of volunteerism; (3) during the 110th, 111th, and 112th Congresses, Members are encouraged to participate in Congress Building America, a program in which congressional delegations work with Habitat for Humanity affiliates to build homes in their districts and states; and (4) these occasions should be used to emphasize and focus on the importance of providing decent homes for all people in the United States.

Apollo Energy Independence Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2008

Apollo Energy Independence Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax incentives for energy conservation and production, including provisions to: (1) make permanent the tax credit for producing electricity from renewable resources and to include marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy as a resource for purposes of such credit; (2) make permanent the energy tax credit for solar energy, fuel cell, and microturbine property; (3) allow a new energy tax credit for combined heat and power system property; (4) provide for the issuance of new clean renewable energy bonds; (5) increase the tax credit for advanced nuclear power production; (6) make permanent the tax credits for residential energy efficient property, energy efficiency existing homes, the production of energy efficient household appliances, and the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial buildings; (7) allow tax credits for new alternative motor vehicles, including qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicles, vehicles that achieve a fuel economy standard of 100 miles per gallon, and advanced technology motor vehicles; (8) allow tax credits for the production of cellulosic biofuel and for hydrogen infrastructure costs; (9) increase and make permanent the tax credit for alternative fuel vehicle refueling property expenditures; and (10) allow employers a tax credit for providing transit passes to employees. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to provide full loan guarantees for the construction of advanced nuclear energy facilities. Establishes in the Treasury the Petroleum Reduction Trust Fund. Allocates 90% of civil penalties for automobile fuel economy violations to such Fund for retail purchases of ethanol, biodiesel, and other alternative fuels. Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) carry out research programs for onboard storage of hydrogen in light-duty motor vehicles and for the development of plug-in electric drive vehicle technology; and (2) study daily and seasonal energy costs in public schools. Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to extend the tariff duty on ethanol until December 31, 2010. Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a grant program for green school construction and improvement. Sets forth revenue offset provisions, including: (1) a moratorium on earmarks in the 110th Congress; (2) establishment of fees for oil and gas leases in the Gulf of Mexico and user fees for certain food safety and inspection services; (3) a reduction in payments under the Department of Agriculture commodity program; (4) consolidation of Department of Defense exchange stores system; and (5) a limitation of universal service fund support.

Recognizing the importance of homeownership for Americans.

United States · United States Congress · 26 June 2008

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) everyone in the United States should have a decent home in which to live; (2) Members of Congress should demonstrate the importance of volunteerism; (3) during the 110th, 111th, and 112th Congresses, Members are encouraged to participate in Congress Building America, a program in which congressional delegations work with Habitat for Humanity affiliates to build homes in their districts and states; and (4) these occasions should be used to emphasize and focus on the importance of providing decent homes for all people in the United States.

HOPE VI Amendment Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2008

HOPE VI Amendment Act of 2008 - Continues through September 30, 2009, the availability of amounts appropriated for FY2002 for grants to certain public housing agencies for public housing demolition, site revitalization, replacement housing, and tenant-based assistance (HOPE VI grants). Makes eligible for such continued grant availability any public housing agencies that since October 1, 2002, have suffered project delays, and cost increases due to shortages in labor and materials, as a result of natural catastrophes, fire, flood, explosion, or the 2007-2008 subprime mortgage crisis.

H.R. 5772, THE FRANK MELVILLE SUPPORTIVE HOUSING INVESTMENT ACT OF 2008

United States · United States House of Representatives · 20 June 2008

AFFORDABLE HOUSING PRESERVATION AND PROTECTION OF TENANTS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 19 June 2008

MADE in the USA Tax Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2008

Manufacturing, Assembling, Development, and Export in the USA Tax Act or the MADE in the USA Tax Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) phase in a reduction in the maximum corporate income tax rate from 35 to 28% between 2009 and 2013; (2) increase the deduction for income attributable to domestic production activities and limit such deduction to business entities other than C corporations; (3) make permanent the increased expensing allowance for depreciable business property; (4) repeal certain limitations on the exclusion for the housing expenses of U.S. citizens working abroad; (5) include all foreign-source royalties in passive category income in applying the foreign tax credit limitation; (6) apply the foreign tax credit limitation separately to financial services income; (7) treat certain foreign corporations that are managed and controlled primarily within the United States as domestic corporations for tax purposes; (8) treat certain foreign entities with single owners as corporations; (9) prohibit any reduction of tax withholding for payments made by a U.S. subsidiary of a foreign parent corporation to a related subsidiary in any country that has a tax treaty with the United States, except for payments made directly to the foreign parent corporation; (10) repeal special source rules for inventory property; (11) impose a fair market value standard for determining foreign oil and gas extraction income; (12) modify the limitation on excess interest deductions of certain corporations; (13) require the inclusion in gross income for income tax purposes of employee compensation deferred under a nonqualified deferred compensation plan of a nonqualified foreign entity when there is no substantial risk of forfeiture of the rights to such compensation; (14) deny the refundable portion of the child tax credit to taxpayers living or residing outside the United States; (15) repeal certain inventory accounting methods; (16) repeal the percentage depletion allowance after 2008; (17) extend the amortization period for intangible property (e.g., goodwill) from 15 to 20 years; (18) set forth rules for the application of the economic substance doctrine to financial transactions affecting tax liability; (19) impose penalties for understatement of tax attributable to transactions lacking economic substance; and (20) extend the 6.2% federal unemployment tax rate through 2018. Repeals the 3% withholding requirement applicable to payments by governmental entities to vendors of goods and services. Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) to revise and make permanent certain provisions relating to fees for certain customs services.

Lead-Safe Housing for Kids Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 19 June 2008

Lead-Safe Housing for Kids Act of 2008 - Amends the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992, with respect to lead-based paint hazards in housing, to set the environmental intervention blood lead level as equal to the lower of: (1) the elevated blood lead level of concern for a child under six years of age that has been established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; or (2) a confirmed concentration of lead in whole blood equal to or greater than ten micrograms of lead per deciliter for a confirmatory test. Declares that a lead hazard screen conducted as a result of a reported environmental intervention blood lead level for any housing may include an examination of toys and materials in the child's environment that are likely to contain lead. Requires such an examination to be conducted by an appropriate agency with the ability to test such toys and materials. Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to amend related regulations to comply with this Act within 90 days. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on the status of the Department of Housing and Urban Development "Big Buy Reimbursement" program, and any other voluntary programs the Secretary has implemented or has planned to implement, through which the Secretary has conducted lead evaluations.

Public Housing Disaster Relief Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2008

Public Housing Disaster Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 with respect to the Public Housing Capital and Operating Funds. Repeals the requirement that the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development set-aside up to 2% of annual appropriations to provide assistance for emergencies and other disasters, and housing needs resulting from any litigation settlement, including a specified allocation to the Operation Safe Home program, administered by the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, for law enforcement efforts to combat violent crime on or near the premises of public and federally assisted housing. (Currently such funds may be used for emergency assistance for any eligible use under the Operating Fund or the Capital Fund, or for tenant-based assistance).

Helping HANDS for Autism Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 17 June 2008

Helping Housing, Awareness, and Navigation Demonstration Services for Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorders Act of 2008 or the Helping HANDS for Autism Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS Secretary), in coordination with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD Secretary) and the Secretary of Education, to establish a demonstration program to award grants to eligible entities to develop an autism navigator program to create a more efficient, effective, coordinated use of the health, housing, education, and social service systems for individuals with an autism spectrum disorder. Requires: (1) an eligible entity that receives a grant to develop an autism navigator program that will recruit, employ, train, assign, and supervise autism navigators; and (2) the HHS Secretary to provide for evaluations to determine the effects of navigator services. Directs the HHS Secretary, in coordination with the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to: (1) develop, demonstrate, and disseminate a standard curriculum for training first responders in assisting individuals with autism and other cognitive behavioral disabilities and their families during emergencies; and (2) award grants to states and local governments to train first responders in providing assistance to such individuals in emergency situations. Requires the HUD Secretary to convene a task force to establish a housing demonstration grant program to award grants to entities to provide a program aimed at providing individualized housing and services to adults with an autism spectrum disorder.

ENFORCEMENT OF THE FAIR HOUSING ACT OF 1968

United States · United States House of Representatives · 12 June 2008

Responsible Ownership of Public Land Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2008

Responsible Ownership of Public Land Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish an annual production incentive fee for federal onshore and offshore lands subject to a lease for production of oil or natural gas under which production is not occurring. Prescribes the fee amount for each acre of land from which oil or natural gas is produced for less than 90 days in a calendar year. Establishes the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Fund to serve as depository for fees received under this Act. Describes energy programs to be funded with such fees, including: (1) solar energy research and development; (2) next-generation wind turbines; (3) weatherization assistance low-income housing; (4) new technologies to improve the energy efficiency of and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from buildings; (5) energy storage systems to support electric drive vehicles, stationary applications, and electricity transmission and distribution; (6) advanced vehicles research, development, and demonstration; and (7) low-income home energy assistance.

Economic Recovery Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2008

Economic Recovery Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a tax credit for up to $500 of the cost of replacing wood stoves in residences with stoves that meet certain energy efficiency standards; (2) extend through 2011 the tax credit for producing electricity from certain renewable resources; (3) extend through 2012 the tax credit for residential energy efficient property expenditures; (4) increase and make permanent the expensing allowance for depreciable business property; (5) extend through 2009 the accelerated depreciation of qualified restaurant property; and (6) allow a tax credit for investment in Build America bonds. Amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act to increase funding for the weatherization program in FY2009-FY2011. Authorizes appropriations for the Energy Star program. Authorizes the establishment of the Transportation Finance Corporation to issue Build America bonds and finance transportation infrastructure projects. Commercial Truck Fuel Savings Demonstration Act of 2008 - Establishes a two-year program to allow certain heavy trucks to travel on the federal interstate highway system when diesel fuel prices are $3.50 or more per gallon without a reduction of federal highway funds to states. Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to authorize appropriations for FY2009-FY2010 for: (1) youth activities; (2) adult employment and training activities; and (3) dislocated worker employment and training activities. Amends the National Housing Act to require the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to insure any homeownership retention mortgage covering a one- to four-family residence made to pay or prepay outstanding obligations under an existing mortgage.

A concurrent resolution honoring the members of the United States Air Force who were killed in the June 25, 1996, terrorist bombing of the Khobar Towers United States military housing compound near Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2008

Recognizes, on the 12th anniversary of that attack, the service and sacrifice of the 19 members of the U.S. Air Force who died in the terrorist bombing of the Khobar Towers U.S. military housing compound in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. Calls upon the people of the United States to pause and pay tribute to those brave members of the Air Force. Extends the continued sympathies of Congress to the families of those who died. Assures the members of the Armed Forces serving anywhere in the world that their well-being and interests will at all times be given the highest priority.

Responsible Ownership of Public Lands Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2008

Responsible Ownership of Public Land Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish an annual production incentive fee for federal onshore and offshore lands subject to a lease for production of oil or natural gas under which production is not occurring. Prescribes the fee amount for each acre of land from which oil or natural gas is produced for less than 90 days in a calendar year. Establishes the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Fund to serve as depository for fees received under this Act. Enumerates energy programs to be funded with such fees, including: (1) low-income home energy assistance; (2) advanced vehicles research, development, and demonstration; (3) new technologies to improve the energy efficiency of and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from buildings; (4) energy storage systems to support electric drive vehicles, stationary applications, and electricity transmission and distribution; (5) next-generation wind turbines; (6) weatherization assistance low income housing; and (7) wind and solar energy research and development.

H-HOMERUN Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2008

Helping Home Owners Make Energy-Efficiency Residential Upgrades Now Act of 2008 or the H-HOMERUN Act of 2008 - Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to establish a program to make direct loans for energy efficiency improvements for single family housing. Sets forth loan requirements. Directs the Secretary to require that the total present value cost of such improvement is less than the total present value of the energy saved over the useful life of the improvement. Requires such cost and savings to be determined pursuant to a home energy rating report based upon a physical inspection of the property by a home energy rating system, or energy consultant, approved by the Secretary. Requires the aggregate outstanding principal balance of direct loans to not at any time exceed $100 billion. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to prohibit the Secretary from establishing a maximum limitation on the cost of the cost-effective energy efficiency improvements to be financed by an energy efficient mortgage provided under the Energy Efficient Mortgages Program. Requires a mortgagor to pay on account of the cost-effective energy efficiency improvements for which the mortgage is made at least 5% of the Secretary's estimate of the cost of acquisition and/or installation.

Temporary FHA Direct Endorsement Lender Participation Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 12 June 2008

Temporary FHA Direct Endorsement Lender Participation Act of 2008 - Amends the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 to require the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to authorize the participation of mortgage brokers and lenders meeting certain criteria as direct endorsement mortgagees under the FHA single family mortgage insurance program for mortgages approved by the end of 2008.

Asset Management Improvement Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 9 June 2008

Asset Management Improvement Act of 2008 - Prohibits the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development from imposing restrictions or limitations on the amount of management and related fees for a public housing project which the public housing agency (PHA) determines reasonable, unless such restriction or limitation: (1) is determined pursuant to a negotiated rulemaking convened by the Secretary no earlier than April 1, 2009, with representatives from interested parties; and (2) is effective only on or after January 1, 2011. Allows any PHA that owns or operates fewer than 500 public housing units under the United States Housing Act of 1937 to elect to be exempt from asset management requirements imposed by the Secretary. Prohibits the Secretary from imposing any requirement, regulation, or guideline relating to asset management that restricts or limits in any way the use by PHAs of amounts for Capital Fund assistance for costs of any PHA central office. Requires the Secretary to ensure that PHAs encourage the reasonable efforts of resident tenant organizations to represent their members and of tenants to organize. Makes illegal immigrants ineligible for financial assistance under this Act. Prohibits the Secretary from accepting as reasonable any management or related fees for enforcing a dwelling lease or other similar agreement that requires the registration of or prohibits the possession of firearms by an individual for personal protection or for sport, if the possession is not prohibited, or the registration is not required, by existing law. Amends the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998 to permit a PHA or owner of federally assisted housing to terminate the tenancy or assistance for any household with a member who is illegally possessing a firearm, or whose illegal use is determined by the PHA or owner to interfere with the health, safety, or right to peaceful enjoyment of the premises by other residents.

FULL COMMITTEE HEARING ON THE HOUSING CRISIS: IDENTIFYING TAX INCENTIVES TO STIMULATE THE ECONOMY

United States · United States House of Representatives · 5 June 2008

Helping Our Veterans to Keep Their Homes Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 5 June 2008

Helping Our Veterans to Keep Their Homes Act of 2008 - Increases from 90% to 100% of the reasonable value of a veteran's dwelling or farm residence the amount of the loan to be guaranteed or made in the case of a loan to refinance certain loans. Prohibits collecting a fee from a veteran for a housing loan, unless the loan is used to refinance indebtedness. Changes the loan fee for such loans to 1% of the total amount of the loan guaranteed, insured, or made, or in the case of a loan assumption, the unpaid principal balance of the loan on the date of the transfer of the property. Extends the demonstration projects involving: (1) adjustable rate mortgages through FY2018; and (2) hybrid adjustable rate through FY2012. Increases the maximum loan guaranty amount of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) conforming limit limitation determined for a single-family residence, as adjusted for the year involved. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to review and streamline the process of guaranteeing home loans for the purchase of a condominium. Increases the maximum guaranty amount for certain refinanced loans or other liens. Sets, for a veteran whose income is below an amount set by the Secretary, the maximum amount of guaranty entitlement available for a home loan in any amount at the greater of: (1) the guaranty amount for veterans whose income is not below such amount set by the Secretary; or (2) 30% of the loan.

EXAMINING THE ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF HUD AND FEMA IN RESPONDING TO THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING NEEDS OF GULF COAST STATES FOLLOWING EMERGENCIES AND NATURAL DISASTERS

United States · United States House of Representatives · 4 June 2008

THE IMPACT ON HOMEBUYERS AND THE HOUSING MARKET OF A CONFORMING LOAN LIMIT INCREASE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 22 May 2008

Federal Housing Enterprises Transparency and Accountability Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2008

Federal Housing Enterprises Transparency and Accountability Act of 2008 - Directs the Federal Housing Board to require each Federal Home Loan Bank, and the Director of the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight of the Department of Housing and Urban Development to require the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac), to carry out a pilot program to reduce risk through the use of electronic platforms to conduct transactions in interest rate swaps and forward rate agreements.

Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2008

Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 - Provides for the continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through FY2012. Revises agricultural and related programs, including provisions respecting: (1) commodity programs; (2) conservation; (3) trade; (4) nutrition; (5) credit; (6) rural development; (7) research and related matters; (8) forestry; (9) energy; (10) horticulture and organic agriculture; (11) livestock; (12) crop insurance and disaster assistance; (13) socially disadvantaged and limited resource producers; and (14) miscellaneous programs. Directs the President to establish and maintain an importer declaration program with respect to the importation of softwood lumber and softwood lumber products. Establishes the Bill Emerson National Hunger Fellowship Program and the Mickey Leland International Hunger Fellowship Program. Housing Assistance Council Authorization Act of 2008 - Amends provisions respecting the Housing Assistance Council. Small Business Disaster Response and Loan Improvements Act of 2008 - Amends provisions respecting small business disaster assistance. CFTC Reauthorization Act of 2008 - Amends provisions respecting commodity futures. Agricultural Security Improvement Act of 2008 - Amends provisions respecting agricultural security. Heartland, Habitat, Harvest, and Horticulture Act of 2008 - Amends provisions respecting trade, energy, tax, and Social Security. Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act of 2008 or the HOPE II Act - Amends provisions respecting trade benefits for Haiti.

Family Relief and Economic Stimulus Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 May 2008

Family Relief and Economic Stimulus Act - Allows federal-state agreements for payment of emergency unemployment compensation to individuals who have exhausted their rights to such compensation. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow individuals who are facing foreclosure to make penalty-free withdrawals from tax-exempt retirement plans; (2) extend through 2008 the tax deduction for dividends received from controlled foreign corporations; (3) suspend the excise tax on gasoline, diesel fuel, and kerosene for a specified period in 2008; and (4) adjust the basis of certain capital assets for inflation for purposes of determining gain or loss for income tax purposes. Provides additional funding to state and local governments for the redevelopment of abandoned and foreclosed upon residences and for the weatherization of homes of low-income families.

Saving Family Homes Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 21 May 2008

Saving Family Homes Act of 2008 - Grants eligible mortgagors subject to foreclosure proceedings the right to continue to occupy forclosed properties subject to the payment of fair market rent for a period of 20 years that begins upon the commencement of occupancy of such property.

To provide for extension of existing and expiring agreements under the Moving-to-Work program of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

United States · United States Congress · 20 May 2008

Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, upon the request of a public housing agency (PHA) which has a Moving to Work agreement (under the demonstration program authorized by the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996), to extend it for a 12-month period under such terms as are or were in effect upon the agreement's expiration. Provides that, for a PHA that previously received an extension of its agreement and entered into a subsequent agreement after January 1, 2008, the Secretary shall, upon the PHA's request, invalidate such subsequent agreement and extend any agreement that was in effect as of such date also for a 12-month period under such terms as were in effect as of that date. Prohibits the Secretary from extending a Moving to Work agreement if a PHA is noncompliant with its agreement's terms. Expresses the sense of Congress that the maximum number of PHAs authorized to participate in the Moving to Work demonstration program should not be expanded until the demonstration program has been reformed and permanently authorized through enactment of a federal law.

Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 19 May 2008

Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act of 2008 - States that any immediate successor in interest to residential property in foreclosure assumes such interest subject to: (1) giving the existing bona fide tenant at least 90-day notice to vacate; and (2) specified rights of such tenant to occupy the premises until the end of the remaining term of the lease. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to require a housing assistance payment contract to provide that in the case of an owner who is an immediate successor in interest pursuant to foreclosure: (1) during the initial term of the lease vacating the property prior to sale shall not constitute other good cause for termination of the lease; but (2) in subsequent lease terms, vacating the property prior to sale may constitute good cause if the property is unmarketable while occupied, or if such owner will occupy the unit as a primary residence. Authorizes a housing assistance payment contract entered into by the public housing agency and the owner of a dwelling unit to provide that the immediate successor in interest to property in foreclosure in which a housing assistance recipient resides, assumes such interest subject to the lease between the prior owner and the tenant, and subject to the housing assistance payments contract between the prior owner and the public housing agency for the occupied unit.

GREEN Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2008

Green Resources for Energy Efficient Neighborhoods Act of 2008 or the GREEN Act of 2008 - Sets forth provisions concerning Housing of Urban Development (HUD) energy efficiency and conservation standards and green building standards for structures (conservation standards). Requires the Secretary of HUD to conduct a program to demonstrate the effectiveness of funding a portion of the costs of carrying out energy efficiency and conservation and green building measures for multifamily housing projects for which rental assistance is provided under a covered multifamily assistance program. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to provide for credits for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for mortgage purchases that support housing that meets conservation standards. Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act, and the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to include provisions concerning energy-efficient mortgages and location-efficient mortgages. Amends the National Housing Act to require the Secretary to: (1) ensure that the aggregate outstanding principal obligation of mortgages on single-family housing meeting energy efficiency standards that are insured by the Secretary is not less than $1 billion; and (2) conduct an energy efficient mortgages education and outreach campaign. Amends the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act of 1975 to require the disclosure of the number and dollar amount of mortgage loans that are energy efficient and location efficient. Prohibits insurers from denying homeowner insurance coverage or discriminating in coverage for structures that are not connected to, or not able to receive electricity from, electric power providers. Requires the Secretary to establish incentives for developers to: (1) increase the energy efficiency of multifamily housing; and (2) certify that trees, shrubs, grasses, and other plants are planted properly. Sets forth provisions concerning energy saving techniques and energy performance requirements for manufactured homes. Requires the Secretary to conduct a pilot program to facilitate the financing of cost-effective capital improvements for covered assisted housing projects to improve their energy efficiency and conservation. Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to require the Secretary to make grants for energy efficiency improvements in housing. Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act of 1990 to require state and local housing strategies to include provisions to encourage sustainable development for affordable housing. Requires the Secretary to make grants to nonprofit organizations to increase low-income community development capacity. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to: (1) direct the Secretary to ensure that public housing agencies will receive the full financial benefit from reductions in utility costs resulting from contracts to undertake energy conservation improvements in connection with revitalization plans; and (2) prohibit the Secretary from making grants for demolition, site revitalization, replacement housing, and tenant-based assistance unless the applicant's proposed revitalization plan meets green development requirements. Amends the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 to require federal financial supervisory agencies, in assessing the record of a financial institution, to consider specified energy efficiency and environmental ventures undertaken by the institution. Amends the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 to direct: (1) federal financial institution regulatory agencies to require their standards for the performance of real estate appraisals to consider renewable energy sources for, or energy-efficiency or energy-conserving improvements or features of, the property in determining its value; and (2) the Appraisal Subcommittee to establish requirements for appraisers regarding energy-efficiency features and guidelines for appraising photovoltaic measures and training of appraisers. Directs the Secretary to require the Housing Assistance Council to establish incentives for compliance by structures assisted by the Secretary and HUD's Office of Rural Housing and Economic Development with energy efficiency requirements. Establishes in the Treasury the Alternative Energy Sources State Revolving Fund. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the Federal Credit Union Act to require federal banking agencies to prescribe guidelines encouraging the establishment and maintenance of green banking centers by insured depository institutions to provide consumers information on home energy ratings, financing for energy-saving improvements to property, and beneficial terms for mortgages or loans that meets energy-efficiency standards.

Home Retention and Economic Stabilization Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 15 May 2008

Home Retention and Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to establish the right of an eligible deferred-foreclosure consumer, defendable in court, to defer initiation of a foreclosure or related action, including a foreclosure sale, brought by any creditor, servicer, or holder of an eligible deferred-foreclosure mortgage, during a specified deferment period. Declares invalid any foreclosure action or proceeding regarding a deferred-foreclosure mortgage if the creditor or servicer fails to notify the consumer: (1) at least 30 days before instituting the action or proceeding; and (2) at least once during each subsequent 30-day period until the foreclosure becomes final. Prescribes procedures governing: (1) initiating foreclosure deferment; (2) payment notices during the deferment period; and (3) the manner of consumer payment during the deferment period. Amortizes over the life of the mortgage the difference between the amount of monthly payment due under the eligible deferred-foreclosure mortgage and the deferment payment amount. Prohibits a creditor or servicer from imposing any late fee or other fee or charge during the deferment period. Requires the creditor or servicer to provide the consumer with separate, written notification, distinct from all other correspondence, regarding: (1) any interest rate increase with respect to a sub-prime mortgage; (2) any minimum monthly payment increase with respect to a negative amortization mortgage; (3) clear and conspicuous disclosure of the good faith estimate of the monthly payment applicable after the adjustment or reset date; and (4) a list of alternatives available to consumers prior to the date of adjustment or increase. Authorizes appropriations for the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation to implement foreclosure mitigation activities.

Safe Homes Safe Families Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 14 May 2008

Safe Homes Safe Families Act of 2008 - Amends the federal criminal code to impose criminal penalties for engaging in a home invasion while possessing a weapon that has moved in or affected interstate or foreign commerce.

Home-Based Health Services Job Training and Caregiving Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2008

Home-Based Health Services Job Training and Caregiving Act of 2008 - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to require the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to establish a pilot program to make grants to eligible entities to promote the training and employment of public housing residents as home health aides and providers of home-based health services, in order for such residents to provide Medicaid-covered home-based health services to either elderly or disabled public housing residents, or both. Qualifies as an eligible entity any public housing agency, state or local government (or agency), community health center, home care provider organization, faith-based organization, labor organization, or other organization meeting specified criteria. Amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 to require the Secretary to: (1) ensure low- and very low-income persons, residing within a home-based health services public housing project, opportunities for training and employment arising in connection with such project; and (2) award contracts to businesses that provide such training and employment opportunities.

To provide highest preference in the use of foreclosed housing acquired using Federal loan or grant funds made available under the Neighborhood Stabilization Act of 2008 for providing housing for disabled veterans and to prohibit the purchase or lease of such housing by any individual convicted under Federal or State law of a drug-dealing offense, a sex offense, or mortgage fraud.

United States · United States Congress · 13 May 2008

Prohibits an individual from purchasing or leasing any housing acquired using federal loan or grant funds made available for use under the Neighborhood Stabilization Act of 2008, or any dwelling unit in any such housing, if such individual has been convicted under federal or state law of a drug-dealing offense, a sex offense, or mortgage fraud. Requires each state, metropolitan city, and urban county that is provided such loan or grant amounts, notwithstanding any other preferences required or authorized under such Act for use of such amounts, to give highest priority to providing housing for disabled veterans.

Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2008

Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 - Terminates all authorizations contained in this Act on October 1, 2011, or the date of enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for FY2012, whichever is later, with exceptions. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) and the Secretaries of each military department to acquire real property and carry out military construction projects in specified amounts at specified installations and locations. Authorizes each department Secretary to construct or acquire family housing units and to improve existing military family housing in specified amounts. Authorizes appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) and each military department for fiscal years after 2008 for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions. Limits the total cost of authorized construction projects. Modifies or extends certain prior-year construction projects. Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a chemical demilitarization at the Blue Grass Army Depot, Kentucky. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 2008 for military construction and land acquisition for chemical demilitarization. Authorizes the Secretary to make contributions for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program and authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 2008 for such Program. Authorizes appropriations for fiscal years after 2008 for: (1) National Guard and reserve forces for acquisition, architectural and engineering services, and construction of facilities; (2) base closure and realignment activities funded through the Department of Defense Base Closure Accounts of 1990 and 2005; and (3) war-related military construction.

To prohibit the purchase or lease of housing acquired using Federal loan or grant funds appropriated for the purchase and rehabilitation of foreclosed housing under the Neighborhood Stabilization Act of 2008 by any individual convicted under Federal or State law of a drug-dealing offense, a sex offense, or mortgage fraud.

United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2008

Prohibits any individual from purchasing or leasing any housing (or any dwelling unit in housing) acquired using federal loan or grant funds Congress appropriates for the purchase and rehabilitation of foreclosed housing under the Neighborhood Stabilization Act of 2008, if he or she has been convicted under federal or state law of a felony drug-dealing offense (within the five-year period preceding the purchase or lease transaction date), a sex offense, or mortgage fraud.

Native American Veterans Access Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2008

Native American Veterans Access Act of 2008 - Provides for treatment of a health facility of a tribal organization as a state home for purposes of grant payments to such homes for veterans' domiciliary care, nursing home care, and hospital care. Exempts a health facility of a tribal organization from the prohibition against the Secretary of Veterans Affairs treating a new facility as a state home after September 30, 2009. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to assist tribal organizations in constructing or acquiring facilities for furnishing domiciliary or nursing home care to veterans and in expanding, remodeling, or altering existing buildings for furnishing domiciliary care, nursing home care, adult day health care, or hospital care to veterans in homes. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to include tribal organizations in veterans employment and training programs and grants.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Congress should recognize the important contributions of Americans who serve as foster parents and, in doing so, unselfishly open their homes and family lives to children in need.

United States · United States Congress · 8 May 2008

Expresses the sense of Congress that all Americans should work together to strengthen families and reduce the need of foster care placement for children. Urges Congress to continue its commitment to providing critical assistance to children and families involved in the foster care system through part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of title IV of the Social Security Act and other programs designed to help children reunite with their parents or find a loving and permanent home when they cannot return to their biological parents.

Armed Forces Housing Security Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2008

Armed Forces Housing Security Act - Increases the maximum loan guaranty amount for certain veterans' housing loans guaranteed through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to review and streamline the process for guaranteeing veterans' home loans for the purchase of condominiums. Repeals the veterans' home loan fee. Authorizes the Secretary to provide loans to veterans to refinance loans of up to 100% (currently 90%) of the value of the dwelling or farm residence securing the loan. Allows the VA to guarantee refinanced loans not previously guaranteed by the VA. Amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to extend from 90 days to one year after completion of military service the grace period against the sale, foreclosure, or seizure of a defaulted mortgage. Prohibits a member of the Armed Forces from waiving such protection. Specifically applies such protection to members (regular and reserve) serving on active duty as part of Operations Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom (covered member), and their dependents. Provides protections against loan owners or insurers for loan servicers who implement qualified loan modifications or workout plans for covered members and their dependents. Directs the Secretary of Defense to provide financial services counseling relating to a mortgage and mortgage foreclosure to a veteran, covered member, and their dependents.

Clean Energy Tax Stimulus Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 7 May 2008

Clean Energy Tax Stimulus Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend certain tax incentives for energy production and conservation. Extends through 2009 the tax credit for the production of electricity from renewable resources (e.g., biomass, geothermal energy, landfill gas, and trash combustion). Includes marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy as a renewable resource eligible for such credit. Allows sales of electricity produced from renewable resources to regulated public utilities. Extends through 2016 the energy investment tax credit for solar energy, fuel cell, and microturbine property. Repeals the dollar per kilowatt limitation for fuel cell property under the energy investment tax credit. Allows public electric utilities to qualify for such credit. Extends through 2009 the tax credit for residential energy efficient property expenditures. Repeals the $2,000 limitation on the tax credit for solar electric property. Allows an offset against the alternative minimum tax (AMT) of tax credit amounts. Extends through 2009 the tax credit for investment in clean renewable energy bonds. Increases the national limitation amount for such bonds. Extends through 2009 deferral provisions relating to the recognition of gain by certain electric utilities. Extends through 2009 the tax credit for nonbusiness energy property. Includes residential biomass fuel stoves (pellet stoves) as eligible energy property for purposes of such credit. Extends through 2010 the tax credit for energy efficient new homes. Extends through 2009 the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial buildings and increases the allowable amount of such deduction. Extends the tax credit for energy efficient appliances to include appliances produced in 2008, 2009, and 2010. Revises and updates energy efficiency standards for such appliances in accordance with the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.

United States Commission on Rebuilding America for the 21st Century Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2008

United States Commission on Rebuilding America for the 21st Century Act - Establishes the United States Commission on Rebuilding America for the 21st Century to review published materials on the nation's transportation, water, energy, public lands, and housing infrastructure and assess the challenges of meeting the nation's infrastructure needs in the 21st century. Directs the Commission to submit to Congress a report that: (1) documents those challenges and articulates a national vision of infrastructure investments to overcome them; (2) contains specific recommendations on policies and investments to provide for streamlined state and local transportation investment processes, an electric grid that delivers clean, safe, and affordable energy, reductions in greenhouse has emissions, and improved transportation mobility, community health outcomes, water conservation, and public lands infrastructure accommodating user growth without degrading the environment; and (3) contains a set of model principles to ensure that future investments in the nation's infrastructure incorporate the report's findings and recommendations.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5818) to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make loans to States to acquire foreclosed housing and to make grants to States for related costs.

United States · United States Congress · 6 May 2008

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5818) to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make loans to States to acquire foreclosed housing and to make grants to States for related costs.

To target housing counseling funding based upon levels of residential mortgage foreclosures and delinquencies.

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2008

Declares that funds appropriated in 2008 for housing counseling related to loss mitigation should be targeted to states and communities based on their levels of foreclosures and delinquencies in 2007 and in 2008.

Homeowner Opportunity Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2008

Homeowner Opportunity Act of 2008 - Amends the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act, and the National Housing Act to make permanent certain increases in the maximum original principal obligation of a mortgage that may be purchased by the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac). Expresses the sense of the Congress to encourage Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to securitize mortgages acquired under the increased conforming loan limits to the extent that such securitizations do not impose additional costs for mortgages originated, purchased, or securitized under the existing limits, or interfere with the goal of adding liquidity to the market. Amends the National Housing Act to: (1) increase the mortgage loan limit for mortgage insurance in high-cost areas; and (2) direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to publish the median house prices and mortgage principal obligation limits for all areas each year.

Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2008

Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act of 2008 - States that any immediate successor in interest to residential property in foreclosure assumes such interest subject to: (1) giving the existing bona fide tenant at least 90-day notice to vacate; and (2) specified rights of such tenant to occupy the premises until the end of the remaining term of the lease. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to require a housing assistance payment contract to provide that in the case of an owner who is an immediate successor in interest pursuant to foreclosure: (1) during the initial term of the lease vacating the property prior to sale shall not constitute other good cause for termination of the lease; but (2) in subsequent lease terms, vacating the property prior to sale may constitute good cause if the property is unmarketable while occupied, or if such owner will occupy the unit as a primary residence. Authorizes a housing assistance payment contract entered into by the public housing agency and the owner of a dwelling unit to provide that the immediate successor in interest to property in foreclosure in which a housing assistance recipient resides, assumes such interest subject to the lease between the prior owner and the tenant, and subject to the housing assistance payments contract between the prior owner and the public housing agency for the occupied unit.

Affordable Housing Expansion Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2008

Affordable Housing Expansion Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the Secretary of the Treasury to allocate among the states in 2008 and subsequent years unused amounts of authorized private activity bonds for prior calendar years.

Keep Our Homes Act of 2008

United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2008

Keep Our Homes Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow: (1) a tax deduction through 2012 for mortgage counseling costs; (2) a tax deduction through 2009 for amounts, up to $5,000, of mortgage indebtedness in excess of the assessed value of a principal residence; (3) a one-time tax credit for a percentage of the purchase price of a principal residence; (4) nonitemizing taxpayers a tax deduction in 2008 or 2009 for real property taxes; and (5) an exclusion from gross income for unemployment compensation received in 2008 or 2009.

Gulf Coast Multifamily and Assisted Housing Recovery Act

United States · United States Congress · 2 May 2008

Gulf Coast Multifamily and Assisted Housing Recovery Act - Amends the Housing Act of 1959 to authorize additional appropriations to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to provide assistance to private nonprofit organizations and consumer cooperatives to expand the supply of supportive housing for low-income elderly persons meeting certain criteria relating to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to authorize additional appropriations to the Secretary to provide the same kind of assistance for low-income persons with disabilities. Authorizes appropriations for the redevelopment (rebuilding or replacement) of housing authorized under the Housing Act of 1959 which was damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and in the Parish of St. Bernard. Requires the Secretary to adjust the rent levels annually on a budget-based basis for eligible projects in a designated disaster area receiving rental assistance under the Housing Act of 1959 and the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act. Requires the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees on: (1) the number of project-based assistance contracts and units which were terminated in the designated disaster area after September 30, 2005; and (2) the specific developer, project name, location, number of units, and project description for each such project-based assistance contract. Prohibits a project-based assistance payments contract for a covered assisted multifamily housing project from expiring or being terminated because of the damage or destruction of dwelling units in the project by Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita. Deems the expiration date of such a contract to be the later of the date: (1) specified in the contract; or (2) that is not less than three months after the dwelling units in such project, or in a replacement project, are first made habitable. Requires the Secretary to develop and report to specified congressional committees on a written disaster response plan for federally assisted properties that receive assistance pursuant to such Acts.

HOUSING OUR HEROES, ADDRESSING THE ISSUE OF HOMELESS VETERANS IN AMERICA

United States · United States Senate · 1 May 2008

Steven C. Preston, of Illinois, to be Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, vice Alphonso R. Jackson, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 1 May 2008

To facilitate the preservation of certain affordable housing dwelling units.

United States · United States Congress · 1 May 2008

Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), upon request of the owner of a multifamily housing project to which specified contracts are subject, to: (1) convert such contracts to a contract for project-based rental assistance under section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937; and (2) treat the contemplated resulting contract as eligible for initial renewal under the Multifamily Assisted Housing Reform and Affordability Act of 1997, if certain conditions are met. Deems the owner to be in compliance with income-targeting requirements of the United States Housing Act of 1937 by serving low-income families. Considers each family residing in an assisted dwelling unit on the date of such conversion to meet the applicable requirements for income eligibility and occupancy.