Housing

Helping Americans Keep Their Homes Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2009

Helping Americans Keep Their Homes Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase from $10,000 to $15,000 the limit on penalty-free distributions from tax-exempt retirement plans for the purchase of a principal residence by a first-time homebuyer; (2) suspend the first-time homebuyer requirement for such distributions that are made before January 1, 2011; and (3) exempt loans from individual retirement accounts (IRAs) used to refinance a principal residence from certain prohibited transaction tax rules until 2011.

Public Lands Service Corps Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2009

Public Lands Service Corps Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 to rename the Public Lands Corps as the Public Lands Service Corps. Permits Corps participants to work in the National Marine Sanctuary System, coral reefs, and other coastal, estuarine, and marine habitats, and other lands and facilities administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Requires the: (1) establishment of offices within the Department of the Interior, Forest Service, and NOAA for the coordination of Corps activities; and (2) designation of a Corps coordinator for each agency within the Departments of the Interior, Agriculture, and Commerce that administers eligible service lands. Requires the Corps to consist of individuals between the ages of 16 and 25 who are enrolled as participants for a period of not more than two years. (Current law does not specify any time period for enrollment.) Requires a recruitment program and training program for Corps members. Describes the types of natural and cultural resources conservation projects that may be carried out by the Corps or any qualified youth or conservation corps on eligible service lands. Sets forth requirements regarding the use of Corps members to provide certain visitor and interpretation services. Authorizes the Secretaries to: (1) establish residential conservation centers; (2) provide temporary housing for the Corps and residential conservation centers; (3) as an appropriate natural and cultural resources conservation project, direct Corps participants to aid in the construction of residential conservation center facilities, including housing; (4) seek the assistance of the Secretary of Energy in identifying and using green building technologies and modular housing designs that may be adapted for such facilities; and (5) recruit mentors for Corps participants. Authorizes individual placements of consulting interns with federal land, coastal, and ocean management agencies to carry out management analysis. Requires the issuance of management guidelines for programs of the Corps.

Nursing Facility Fire Safety Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2009

Nursing Facility Fire Safety Act of 2009 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to establish programs of direct loans and grants for retrofitting nursing facilities with automatic fire sprinkler systems. Gives priority to grant applications that demonstrate a need or hardship. Requires the Secretary to consult with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to determine if there are loan programs or other funds available for such retrofitting. Authorizes the Secretary to evaluate where a nursing facility may not have an adequate structure to retrofit the entire facility within a reasonable timeframe and work with the facility to identify other remedial actions.

DEPARTMENTS OF TRANSPORTATION, AND HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR 2010

United States · United States House of Representatives · 18 March 2009

Stephanie Tubbs Jones Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 17 March 2009

Stephanie Tubbs Jones Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow tax-exempt charitable or educational organizations to make collegiate housing and infrastructure improvement grants to certain tax-exempt social clubs (e.g., college fraternities and sororities) which apply such grants to their collegiate housing property.

Nursing Home Emergency Assistance Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2009

Nursing Home Emergency Assistance Act - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to allow the President to provide reimbursement to private for-profit nursing homes for damages and expenses from a major disaster or emergency. Requires that such nursing homes: (1) be located within 30 miles of the disaster or emergency; and (2) have acted during the disaster or emergency in accordance with any relevant requirements applicable to private nonprofit nursing homes seeking reimbursement. Limits the amount of reimbursement to not greater than the amount available under such Act to a public or private nonprofit nursing home for similar damages or expenses after a disaster or emergency.

Community Reinvestment Modernization Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2009

Community Reinvestment Modernization Act of 2009 - Repeals specified revisions to regulations governing the Comptroller of the Currency, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision. Reinstates banking agency regulations in effect before the publication of such revisions. Amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (BHCA) to subject to the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 (CRA) nonbank affiliates of bank holding companies that offer banking products or services, including insurance companies and securities firms. Amends the CRA to subject to a rating reduction any regulated financial institution engaged in negative credit practices or securitization activities, including predatory and discriminatory lending. Amends the Equal Credit Opportunity Act to require a depository institution, in connection with a small business credit application, to: (1) inquire whether the business is a women- or minority-owned business; and (2) maintain a record of the responses to such inquiry. Requires a depository institution to maintain records of the number and dollar amounts of customer deposit accounts for each deposit taking service facility. States that securities companies, mortgage banks, and insurance companies have a continuing affirmative obligation to meet the financial services needs in their assessment areas, including the needs of low- and moderate-income neighborhoods and persons of modest means. Amends the BHCA to require affiliates of securities companies, mortgage banks, and insurance companies to attain satisfactory ratings in accordance with this Act. Amends the Federal Credit Union Act to reaffirm that covered credit unions have a continuing and affirmative obligation to meet the needs of their assessment areas (including minority and low- and moderate-income neighborhoods). Directs the National Credit Union Administration Board (NCUAB) to prescribe regulations for evaluating a covered credit union's record of meeting such obligations. Insurance Disclosure Act - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to: (1) establish requirements for insurers to submit information annually about noncommercial insurance, rural insurance, and investments by insurers; and (2) make such information public. Directs the Financial Institutions Examination Council to maintain a hierarchical database containing the structure of financial holding companies, bank holding companies, depository institutions, and non-depository institutions. Amends the BHCA to authorize certain expanded financial activities by a bank holding company only if it has neither been adjudicated in federal court, nor entered into a consent decree or settlement agreement premised upon a violation of the Fair Housing Act (antiredlining requirement). Requires: (1) notice and public comment before establishment of a financial holding company; (2) public meetings regarding bank acquisitions and mergers; and (3) a public comment period regarding branch closures. Amends Federal Deposit Insurance Act, the National Bank Consolidation and Merger Act, and the Home Owners' Loan Act with regard to mandatory meetings involving commenters and financial institutions. Amends the CRA to subject regulated financial institutions, regardless of size or aggregate assets, to mandatory biennial examinations. Amends the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act of 1975 to prohibit regulatory exemptions from its reporting requirements.

Mortgage Credit Repair Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 12 March 2009

Mortgage Credit Repair Act of 2009 - Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to define "front end ratio" as a ratio that indicates what portion of an individual's income is used to make mortgage payments, calculated by dividing an individual's gross monthly income by their housing expenses, particularly the mortgage principal, interest, taxes, and insurance (PITI). Prohibits a consumer reporting agency from making a consumer report containing cases under title 11 or under the Bankruptcy Act that antedate the report by more than three years when certain criteria are met. Includes among such criteria that a consumer's front-end debt ratio on a mortgage instrument originated or refinanced on or after January 1, 2003, was 37% or higher for at least six months before and continuing through the time that the bankruptcy is filed. Prohibits a consumer reporting agency from making a consumer report containing any adverse information excluding bankruptcy, but including closed accounts, amounts in collections, accounts charged to profit or loss, repossessions, and foreclosures, if certain circumstances have occurred.

DEPARTMENTS OF TRANSPORTATION, AND HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR 2010

United States · United States House of Representatives · 10 March 2009

A resolution authorizing expenditures by committees of the Senate for the periods March 1, 2009, through September 30, 2009, and October 1, 2009, through September 30, 2010, and October 1, 2010, through February 28, 2011.

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2009

Authorizes expenditures by the following Senate committees from March 1, 2009-September 30, 2009, October 1, 2009-September 30, 2010, and October 1, 2010-February 28, 2011: (1) Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; (2) Armed Services; (3) Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; (4) Budget; (5) Commerce, Science, and Transportation; (6) Energy and Natural Resources; (7) Environment and Public Works; (8) Finance; (9) Foreign Relations; (10) Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions; (11) Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs; (12) Judiciary; (13) Rules and Administration; (14) Small Business and Entrepreneurship; (15) Veterans' Affairs; (16) Special Committee on Aging; (17) Select Committee on Intelligence; and (18) Indian Affairs. Authorizes establishment of a special reserve within funds in the account "Expenses of Inquiries and Investigations," appropriated by the legislative branch appropriations Acts for FY2009-FY2011, to be available to any committee to meet specified unpaid obligations or expenses.

Inclusive Home Design Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2009

Inclusive Home Design Act of 2009 - Requires, with exceptions, newly constructed, federally assisted single family houses and town houses to include at least one level that complies with the following accessibility features for persons with disabilities: (1) accessible entrance; (2) accessible interior doors; (3) accessible environmental controls; and (4) accessible habitable space and an accessible bathroom. Requires: (1) each applicant for federal financial assistance to submit compliance assurances to the relevant federal agency; and (2) each person who arranges for design or construction of a covered dwelling to submit architectural and construction plans for state or local approval. Prohibits federal financial assistance to a state or local government unit unless the recipient is taking certain enforcement actions with regard to covered dwellings. Permits: (1) private civil actions in a U.S. district court or state court for violations under this Act; and (2) the Attorney General to commence civil actions or intervene in civil actions under this Act.

To require financial literacy counseling for borrowers, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2009

Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require institutions of higher education (IHEs) to provide at least four hours of financial literacy counseling to each student borrower: (1) under the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) program, at or prior to their receipt of such loan; and (2) under the FFEL, Direct Loan, or Perkins Loans programs, during their enrollment at the IHE or when their studies end. Requires such counseling to include information on: (1) banking; (2) budgeting; (3) credit cards and ratings; (4) loans, grants, education tax credits, and scholarships; (5) renting and housing; and (6) investing. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to encourage IHEs to perform these duties using interactive programs that test each borrower's understanding of the financial literacy information they receive.

Great Ape Protection Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2009

Great Ape Protection Act of 2009 - Prohibits: (1) conducting invasive research on great apes; (2) knowingly breeding, possessing, renting, loaning, donating, purchasing, selling, housing, maintaining, leasing, borrowing, transporting, moving, delivering, or receiving a great ape for the purpose of conducting such research; or (3) using federal funds to conduct such research. Defines "invasive research" as research that may cause death, bodily injury, pain, distress, fear, injury, or trauma to great apes, including drug testing or exposure to a substance that may be detrimental to the ape's health or psychological well-being. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) and other appropriate federal authorities to provide for the permanent retirement of all great apes that are owned or under the control of the federal government and that are being maintained in any facility for the purpose of breeding for, holding for, or conducting invasive research. Sets forth civil penalties for violations of this Act.

REFI for Homeowners Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2009

Responsible, Equitable, and Fair Insurance for Homeowners Act of 2009 or the REFI for Homeowners Act of 2009 - Amends the National Housing Act to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to insure any mortgage covering a troubled homeowner's one- to four-family primary residence that is made to pay or prepay (refinance) outstanding obligations under an existing mortgage or mortgages meeting specified requirements. Prohibits the refinancing of liar loans, zero-down loans, or loans with equity removed. Authorizes the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) to purchase mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by the Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA [Ginnie Mae]) that are either backed by loans originated under this Act, or whole loans originated and purchased under this Act. Authorizes GNMA to hold, sell, and securitize such whole loans. Amends the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) to reduce Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) funds to offset costs of this Program.

Homeownership Vesting Plan Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2009

Home Ownership Vesting Plan Act of 2009 - Amends the National Housing Act to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to: (1) insure any mortgage covering a one- to four-family principal and sole residence that is made for the purpose of paying or prepaying outstanding obligations (refinancing) under an existing mortgage or mortgages meeting specified requirements; (2) pay $1,000 to the servicer of the existing senior mortgage refinanced by each mortgage insured under this Act; and (3) make a nonamortizing no-interest loan to the mortgagor, the proceeds of which shall be paid by the Secretary directly to the holder of the existing senior mortgage being refinanced. Sets forth a schedule for repayment of principal only if the borrower defaults. Shields a servicer from liability for entering into a loan modification or workout plan with respect to any such mortgage if the servicer acts consistent with the fiduciary duty of servicers of pooled residential mortgages under the Truth in Lending Act.

Ronald C. Sims, of Washington, to be Deputy Secretary of Department of Housing and Urban Development, vice Romolo A. Bernardi, resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 4 March 2009

Fairness in Housing Recovery Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2009

Fairness in Housing Recovery Act of 2009 - Shields a servicer from liability for entering into a loan modification or loss mitigation plan for certain mortgages pursuant to guidelines issued by the Secretary of the Treasury under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA), if such servicer acts consistent with the fiduciary duty of servicers of pooled residential mortgages required by the Truth in Lending Act. Amends the National Housing Act to replace the Hope for Homeowners Program with a program for insurance of home ownership retention mortgages. Amends the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act to establish the Office of Housing Counseling Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide financial assistance to governmental entities and nonprofit organizations providing home ownership or rental counseling. Requires the Secretary to study and report to Congress on the root causes of default and foreclosure of home loans. Amends the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 to direct the Secretary periodically to prepare a consumer education booklet on real estate settlement practices for federally related mortgage loan applicants. Amends the National Housing Act to prescribe limitations upon participation in origination and mortgagee approval. Establishes Commission on the Foreclosure and Mortgage Lending Crisis to study and report to Congress on the current legal and regulatory framework governing the housing mortgage lending markets and how it contributed to the increased foreclosure rate. Authorizes appropriations to the Attorney General to combat mortgage fraud. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) and the Federal Credit Union Act (FCUA) to increase the maximum deposit insurance and borrowing authorities of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). Amends the FDIA with respect to systemic risk special assessments. Amends the FCUA to direct the NCUA Board to establish a National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund restoration plan in specified circumstances. Amends the EESA to prohibit the Secretary of the Treasury from making any purchase for which the Secretary receives control-diluting stock. Declares that for a taxpayer who holds an interest in a subsidized residence: (1) the exclusion of gain from sale of principal residence under the Internal Revenue Code shall not apply to any gain from the sale or exchange of such interest, and (2) a specified rate of tax on specified gain shall be twice the rate which would otherwise apply. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a refundable general home buyer credit for residences purchased during 2009 or 2010. Prescribes general conditions for mortgage relief.

Disabled Veterans Home Improvement and Structural Alteration Grant Increase Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2009

Disabled Veterans Home Improvement and Structural Alteration Grant Increase Act of 2009 - Increases from: (1) $4,100 to $6,800 the amount authorized to be paid by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for improvements and structural alterations for homes of veterans with service-connected disabilities of 50% or more; and (2) $1,200 to $2,000 the amount authorized for such purpose for veterans with service-connected disabilities of less than 50%, and certain other veterans.

Veterans Rehabilitation and Training Improvements Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2009

Veterans Rehabilitation and Training Improvements Act of 2009 - Requires the amount of subsistence allowance paid to a veteran for a month in which the veteran participates in a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) rehabilitation program to be equal to the national average of the basic allowance for housing paid to a member of the Armed Forces in pay grade E-5. Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to reimburse a veteran who successfully completes a VA rehabilitation program for costs incurred as a direct consequence of program participation, including child care expenses. Repeals the 2600 per-fiscal-year limit on veterans who may participate in the VA program of independent living services and assistance.

Commission on the Foreclosure and Mortgage Lending Crisis Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2009

Commission on the Foreclosure and Mortgage Lending Crisis Act - Establishes in the legislative branch the Commission on the Foreclosure and Mortgage Lending Crisis to: (1) study and report to Congress on the current legal and regulatory framework governing the housing mortgage lending markets and how it contributed to the increased foreclosure rate; (2) recommend changes to the current framework to prohibit lending practices that have contributed to the mortgage lending crisis; (3) review the impact of subprime abuses and predatory lending practices; (4) assess the role of states in enacting policies to reduce predatory lending practices and abuses in the subprime markets; (5) assess the impact of mortgage-backed securities and the Federal National Mortgage Corporation (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) upon the mortgage lending crisis; and (6) assess the impact of the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 on the crisis.

Affordable Housing and Community Development Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2009

Affordable Housing and Community Development Act of 2009 - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to authorize appropriations in a specified amount for FY2011 and each fiscal year thereafter for the community development block grant program and for related technical assistance and grantee training. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, following a study, to establish an inflation index for such amount for the following fiscal years.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States respecting the right to decent, safe, sanitary, and affordable housing.

United States · United States Congress · 3 March 2009

Constitutional Amendment - States that all U.S. citizens shall have a right to decent, safe, sanitary, and affordable housing.

Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 2 March 2009

Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act of 2009 - States that any immediate successor in interest to residential property in foreclosure assumes such interest subject to: (1) giving an existing tenant at least 90-day notice to vacate; and (2) specified rights of such tenant to occupy the premises until the end 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: (1) 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; and (2) the public housing agency, where the successor owner cannot be identified, to use rental funds to pay for the property's utilities if owed by the owner or for reasonable moving costs, including security deposits.

ABLE Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2009

Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2009 or the ABLE Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish tax-exempt ABLE accounts for individuals with a disability to pay certain expenses of such individuals, including expenses for education, housing, transportation, employment support, medical care, and certain life necessities. Defines "individual with a disability" as an individual who is eligible to receive certain supplemental security income benefits under the Social Security Act. Allows individual taxpayers a tax deduction, up to $2,000 per year, for contributions to an ABLE account. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to study and report to Congress on the use of ABLE accounts and the effect of the tax deduction for contributions to such accounts. Requires ABLE accounts to be disregarded in determining eligibility for Medicaid benefits and for purposes of determining eligibility for other means-tested federal programs.

Foreclosure Rescue Fraud Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2009

Foreclosure Rescue Fraud Act of 2009 - Prohibits a foreclosure consultant from: (1) receiving compensation from a homeowner for services performed regarding residential real property until such consultant has fully performed each service contracted for; (2) holding power of attorney from any homeowner, except to inspect documents; (3) receiving consideration from a third party in connection with services rendered to a homeowner by such third party with respect to the foreclosure, unless such consideration is fully disclosed in writing before such services are rendered; (4) accepting any wage assignment, lien, or other security to secure compensation for services rendered regarding foreclosure of the residential real property; or (5) acquiring any interest in the residence of a homeowner with whom the consultant has contracted. Sets forth contract requirements. Permits a homeowner to cancel such contract without penalty or obligation. Declares void and unenforceable: (1) any waiver by a homeowner of the protections provided in this Act; and (2) any contract that does not comply with this Act. Requires a loan servicer to notify a homeowner of the dangers of fraudulent activities associated with foreclosure if the servicer finds that the homeowner has failed to make two consecutive payments on a residential mortgage loan and such loan is at risk of foreclosure. Subjects any foreclosure consultant who fails to comply with this Act to liability for actual and punitive damages and attorneys' fees. Empowers the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the states to enforce this Act.

ABLE Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 26 February 2009

Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2009 or the ABLE Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish tax-exempt ABLE accounts for individuals with a disability to pay certain expenses of such individuals, including expenses for education, housing, transportation, employment support, medical care, and certain life necessities. Defines "individual with a disability" as an individual who is eligible to receive certain supplemental security income benefits under the Social Security Act. Allows individual taxpayers a tax deduction, up to $2,000 per year, for contributions to an ABLE account. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to study and report to Congress on the use of ABLE accounts and the effect of the tax deduction for contributions to such accounts. Requires ABLE accounts to be disregarded in determining eligibility for Medicaid benefits and for purposes of determining eligibility for other means-tested federal programs.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to increase the amount of assistance provided by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to disabled veterans for specially adapted housing and automobiles and adapted equipment.

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2009

Increases from: (1) $12,000 to $36,000 the maximum amount authorized to be provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to certain disabled veterans for specially adapted features in a home; (2) $60,000 to $180,000 the total amount authorized to be provided per veteran for the construction of specially adapted housing; and (3) $11,000 to $33,000 the maximum amount authorized to be provided for the purchase of an automobile and adaptive automobile equipment.

To amend chapter 21 of title 38, United States Code, to establish a grant program to encourage the development of new assistive technologies for specially adapted housing.

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2009

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a program to make grants to encourage the development of new assistive technologies for specially adapted housing for disabled veterans. Limits grant amounts to $200,000 annually per recipient.

Supporting the goals and ideals of "National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day".

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2009

Expresses support for: (1) the goals and ideals of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day; (2) development of a national AIDS strategy to reduce new HIV infections; (3) the strengthening of stable African-American communities; (4) reducing the impact of incarceration as a driver of new HIV infections within the African-American community; (5) reducing the number of HIV infections in the African-American community resulting from injection drug use; (6) comprehensive HIV prevention education programs to promote the early identification of HIV through voluntary routine testing and to connect those in need to treatment and care as early as possible; and (7) appropriate funding for HIV/AIDS prevention, care, treatment, and housing. Encourages state and local governments to recognize such day and to encourage individuals, especially African-Americans, to get tested for HIV.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the States should enact a temporary moratorium on residential mortgage foreclosures.

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2009

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the President should declare a national residential mortgage foreclosure emergency and, through such declaration, encourage the states, by use of their police power, to enact a moratorium on residential mortgage foreclosures; and (2) the states should exercise such power and enact such a moratorium.

Community Regeneration, Sustainability, and Innovation Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2009

Community Regeneration, Sustainability, and Innovation Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to carry out a demonstration program, under multiyear cooperative agreements with local governments experiencing at least 20% population loss since 1970 (or consortia of them), to encourage and test innovative vacant property reclamation and urban infrastructure renewal strategies in older industrial cities, their suburbs, and metropolitan areas with a history of severe population and employment loss, blight, and decay caused by vacant properties. Specifies as vacant property and program capacity activities establishment of: (1) local or regional land banks; (2) recovered building materials reuse and recycling infrastructure, facilities, and technical support; (3) local government purchasing requirements for deconstruction to make use of existing building materials stock in new and rehabilitation construction; and (4) the ability of state and local courts and administrative agencies to address problems caused by vacant and abandoned properties, and to facilitate their transfer to public control under a local or regional land bank. Enumerates other related activities, including: (1) expansion and improvement of code enforcement capabilities; (2) development of data and information systems such as comprehensive real property systems, early warning systems, and vacant property inventory and tracking systems; and (3) amendment or reform of state and local property tax foreclosure procedures. Specifies stabilization, design, development, reuse, and planning and policy innovation activities. Requires an applicant local government or consortium to establish a regeneration plan for the community or region. Directs the Secretary by regulation to provide for citizen participation requirements relating to the development and implementation of such plans. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to local governments (and consortia of them) for sustainability demonstration projects. Directs the Secretary to convene a Federal Interagency Regeneration Communities Coordinating Council to develop federal agency support plans for communities receiving such grants.

Helping Families Save Their Homes Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2009

Helping Families Save Their Homes Act of 2009 - Amends federal bankruptcy law governing a Chapter 13 debtor (adjustment of debts of an individual with regular income). Excludes from computation of debts the secured or unsecured portions of: (1) debts secured by the debtor's principal residence if the value of the residence as of the date of the order for relief is less than the applicable maximum amount of noncontingent, liquidated, secured debts; or (2) debts secured or formerly secured by the debtor's principal residence that was either sold in foreclosure or surrendered to the creditor, if the property's value as of the date of the order for relief was also less than the applicable maximum amount of noncontingent, liquidated, secured debts. Declares the credit counseling requirement inapplicable to a Chapter 13 debtor who certifies that he or she has received notice that the holder of a claim secured by the debtor's principal residence may commence a foreclosure on it. Requires the court to disallow a claim that is subject to any remedy for rescission under the Truth in Lending Act, notwithstanding the prior entry of a foreclosure judgment. Authorizes reduction of a claim secured by the debtor's principal residence, but only in specified circumstances, particularly if the debtor sells the residence. Permits a Chapter 13 bankruptcy plan to: (1) modify the rights of claim holders with respect to a claim for a loan originated before the effective date of this Act and secured by a security interest in the debtor's principal residence that is the subject of a foreclosure notice; and (2) deny debtor liability for certain fees and charges incurred while the bankruptcy case is pending and arising from a debt secured by the debtor's principal residence, unless the claim holder observes specified requirements. Adds to conditions for court confirmation of a plan in bankruptcy that: (1) the holder of a claim secured by the debtor's principal residence retain the lien securing the claim until the later of the payment of the claim as reduced and modified or the discharge of a debtor from all debts; and (2) the plan modifies the claim in good faith and the court does not find that the debtor has been convicted of obtaining by actual fraud the extension, renewal, or refinancing of credit that gives rise to a modified claim. Excludes from the final discharge of a debtor from all debts any unpaid portion of such a claim as reduced. Amends the federal judicial code to prescribe standing trustee fees regarding certain payments received under a Chapter 13 bankruptcy plan. Expands federal procedures governing default on veterans' housing loans. Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in the event of a modification in bankruptcy, to pay the holder of the obligation the unpaid balance due as of the date of the filing of the bankruptcy petition, plus accrued interest, but only upon assignment, transfer, and delivery of all rights, interest, claims, evidence, and records regarding the loan. Amends the National Housing Act to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to: (1) pay Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage insurance benefits for a mortgage modified under federal bankruptcy law; and (2) implement a program solely to encourage loan modifications for eligible delinquent mortgages through the payment of insurance benefits and assignment of the mortgage to the Secretary and the subsequent modification of the terms of the mortgage according to a loan modification approved by the mortgagee. Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to pay: (1) the guaranteed portion of any losses incurred by the holder of a note or the loan servicer resulting from a modification in a bankruptcy proceeding; and (2) for losses incurred by holders or servicers in the event of a modification pursuant to a bankruptcy proceeding. Declares unenforceable as contrary to public policy certain investment contracts between servicers and securitization vehicles or investors that require excess bankruptcy losses that exceed a certain dollar amount on residential mortgages. Shields servicers from liability for implementing mortgage loan modifications or loss mitigation plans if they are in compliance with fiduciary duties mandated by the Truth in Lending Act. Amends the National Housing Act to modify the HOPE for Homeowners Program (HOPE) to: (1) require mortgagor certification to HUD that the mortgagor has neither intentionally defaulted on an existing mortgage, nor provided false information; (2) ban from HOPE those mortgagors whose net worth exceeds $1 million; (3) authorize HUD to establish a payment to the loan servicer of the existing senior mortgage for every loan insured under HOPE that does not exceed $1,000; (4) direct HUD to establish, if feasible, an auction to refinance eligible mortgages on a wholesale or bulk basis; and (5) reduce Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) funds to offset costs of program changes. Sets limitations upon participation in origination and mortgagee approval. Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) and the Federal Credit Union Act (FCUA) to: (1) increase deposit insurance coverage permanently to $250,000; and (2) increase the borrowing authority of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). Amends the FDIA to: (1) extend to eight years the time period applicable to a Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF) restoration plan; and (2) revise requirements for special assessments to recover the loss to the DIF arising from actions taken to contain systemic risk with respect to certain insured depository institutions. Amends the FCUA to direct the NCUA Board to establish a National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund Restoration Plan whenever the Board projects that the equity ratio of the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund will fall below a minimum designated equity ratio.

Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2009

Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 - Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for FY2009 for specified: (1) agricultural programs; (2) conservation programs; (3) rural development programs; (4) domestic food programs; (5) foreign assistance and related programs; and (6) related agency and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) purposes. Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2009 - Department of Commerce Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for FY2009 to the Department of Commerce, including transfers of funds. Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for FY2009 to the Department of Justice for various agencies and programs. Science Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for FY2009 to: (1) the Office of Science and Technology Policy; (2) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), including the Office of Inspector General; and (3) the National Science Foundation (NSF), including the Office of the National Science Board and the Office of Inspector General. Makes appropriations for FY2009 to: (1) the Commission on Civil Rights; (2) the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); (3) the International Trade Commission (ITC); (4) the Legal Services Corporation; (5) the Marine Mammal Commission; (6) the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR); and (7) the State Justice Institute. Rescinds certain unobligated balances. Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for FY2009 to the Department of Defense (DOD)-Civil, the Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers-Civil, the Department of the Interior, the Department of Energy (DOE), and related agencies. Makes appropriations for FY2009 to: (1) the Appalachian Regional Commission; (2) the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board; (3) the Delta Regional Authority; (4) the Denali Commission; (5) the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), including the Office of Inspector General; (6) the Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board; and (7) the Office of the Federal Coordinator for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Projects. Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2009 - Department of the Treasury Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for FY2009 to the Department of the Treasury, including transfers of funds. Rescinds certain unobligated balances. Executive Office of the President Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for FY2009 to the Executive Office of the President. Judiciary Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for FY2009 to the Department of Justice for the U.S. Supreme Court and other federal courts and related offices. District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for FY2009 to the District of Columbia. Makes appropriations for FY2009, including transfers of funds, to: (1) the Administrative Conference of the United States; (2) the Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation; (3) the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC); (4) the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC); (5) the Election Assistance Commission (EAC); (6) the Federal Communications Commission (FCC); (7) the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), including the Office of Inspector General; (8) the Federal Election Commission (FEC); (9) the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA); (10) the Federal Trade Commission (FTC); (11) the General Services Administration (GSA), including the Office of Inspector General; (12) the Harry S Truman Scholarship Foundation Trust Fund; (13) the Merit Systems Protection Board; (14) the Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Foundation, including its Trust Fund; (15) the Environmental Dispute Resolution Fund; (16) the National Archives and Records Administration; (17) the National Historical Publications and Records Commission Grants Program; (18) the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA); (19) the Office of Government Ethics; (20) the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), including the Office of Inspector General; (21) the Office of Special Counsel; (22) the Postal Regulatory Commission; (23) the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board; (24) the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC); (25) the Selective Service System; (26) the Small Business Administration (SBA), including the Office of Inspector General; (27) the U.S. Postal Service, including the Office of Inspector General; and (28) the United States Tax Court. Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for FY2009 to the Department of the Interior, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and other related agencies, including transfers of funds. Rescinds certain unobligated balances. Makes appropriations for FY2009 to: (1) the Departments of Agriculture and of Health and Human Services (HHS); (2) the National Institutes of Health (NIH); (3) the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry; (4) the Executive Office of the President, Council on Environmental Quality and Office of Environmental Quality; (5) the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board; (6) the Office of Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation; (7) the Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development; (8) the Smithsonian Institution; (9) the National Gallery of Art; (10) the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; (11) the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars; (12) the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities; (13) the National Endowment for the Arts; (14) the National Endowment for the Humanities; (15) the Commission of Fine Arts; (16) the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation; (17) the National Capital Planning Commission; (18) the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum; (19) the Presidio Trust Fund; and (20) the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2009 - Department of Labor Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for FY2009 to the Department of Labor, including transfers of funds. Department of Health and Human Services Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for FY2009 to the Department of Health and Human Services, including transfers of funds. Department of Education Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for FY2009 to the Department of Education, including deferral and transfers of funds. Makes appropriations for FY2009 to: (1) the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled; (2) the Corporation for National and Community Service, for domestic volunteer service programs and operating expenses, administrative expenses and salaries, and the Office of Inspector General; (3) the Corporation for Public Broadcasting; (4) the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service; (5) the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission; (6) the Institute of Museum and Library Services; (7) the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission; (8) the National Council on Disability; (9) the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB); (10) the National Mediation Board; (11) the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission; (12) the Railroad Retirement Board for the dual benefits payments account, federal payments to the railroad retirement accounts, administration, and the Office of Inspector General; and (13) the Social Security Administration (SSA) for payments to the Social Security trust funds, the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program, administrative expenses, and the Office of Inspector General. Afghan Allies Protection Act of 2009 - Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary), or the Secretary of State in consultation with the Secretary, to provide special immigrant status for an Afghan citizen or national (and accompanying or surviving spouse or child) who: (1) was employed for at least one year by, and provided documented valuable service to, the U.S. government in Afghanistan; and (2) is experiencing an ongoing threat as a result of such service. Authorizes the Secretary to adjust such an alien's status to permanent resident if the alien: (1) was paroled or admitted as a nonimmigrant into the United States; and (2) is otherwise eligible for special immigrant status. Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for FY2009 to the legislative branch, including transfers of funds. Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for FY2009 to the Department of State for foreign operations and related programs, including transfers of funds. Makes appropriations for FY2009, including transfers of funds, to: (1) the United States Agency for International Development (USAID); (2) Global Health and Child Survival; (3) Development Assistance; (4) the Economic Support Fund; (5) the International Fund for Ireland; (6) assistance for Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia; (7) the Department of State; (8) migration and refugee assistance; (9) the Peace Corps; (10) the Millennium Challenge Corporation; (11) the Inter-American Foundation; (12) the African Development Foundation; (13) the Department of the Treasury; (14) international security assistance; (15) multilateral assistance; (16) the Export-Import Bank of the United States; (17) the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC); and (18) the Trade and Development Agency. Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2009 - Department of Transportation Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for FY2009 to the Department of Transportation. Department of Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for FY2009 to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Makes appropriations for FY2009 to: (1) the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board; (2) the Federal Maritime Commission; (3) the National Transportation Safety Board; (4) the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation; and (5) the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. Rescinds certain unobligated balances. Makes additional appropriations for FY2009 to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for the U.S. Secret Service. Specifies certain uses and limits on or prohibitions against the use of funds appropriated by this Act.

Produce the Note Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2009

Produce the Note Act of 2009 - Prohibits commencement of any foreclosure in connection with certain residential mortgages unless the person commencing the foreclosure complies with specified prerequisites, including identification of the actual holder of the mortgage note, the originating mortgage lender and all subsequent assignees, and other all parties who have an interest in the real estate subject to the mortgage or in the mortgage or its proceeds. Requires the person commencing the foreclosure to: (1) notify the mortgagor, in writing, not less than five days before any action is taken to commence foreclosure; and (2) certify to the court, in the case of a judicial foreclosure, or to the office of the state to which notice is required under state law, that such notice has been provided.

Honest FHA Originator Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2009

Honest FHA Originator Act of 2009 - Amends the National Housing Act to remove the Director of the Enforcement Center from the Mortgagee Review Board of the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Declares that any person or entity that is not approved by the HUD Secretary is prohibited from serving as a mortgagee and from participating in the origination of an FHA-insured loan. Sets forth mortgagee eligibility criteria. Directs the Secretary to require each mortgagee approved for participation in the FHA mortgage insurance programs to: (1) use the business name of the mortgagee that is registered with the Secretary in all advertisements and promotional materials relating to the business of such mortgagee in the mortgage insurance programs; and (2) maintain copies of such advertisements and promotional materials. Requires an approved mortgagee to submit immediate written notification of the following actions: (1) the debarment, suspension of a Limited Denial of Participation (LDP), or application of other sanctions, fines, or penalties applied to the mortgagee or to any officer, partner, director, principal, manager, supervisor, loan processor, loan underwriter, or loan originator of the mortgagee pursuant to applicable state or federal law; or (2) the revocation of a state-issued mortgage loan originator license or any other similar declaration of ineligibility pursuant to state law. Instructs the Secretary to expand the review of FHA mortgagee applicants and newly approved mortgagees.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the States should enact a temporary moratorium on residential mortgage foreclosures.

United States · United States Congress · 23 February 2009

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that: (1) the President should declare a national residential mortgage foreclosure emergency and, through such declaration, encourage the states, by use of their police power, to enact a moratorium on residential mortgage foreclosures; and (2) the states should exercise such power and enact such a moratorium.

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 · 13 February 2009

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. Requires, for a PHA that previously received an extension of its agreement and entered into a subsequent agreement after January 1, 2009, the Secretary to, upon the PHA's request, invalidate such subsequent agreement and extend any agreement in effect as of such date 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.

To amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to provide eligibility for an heir of a deceased homeowner to receive certain housing-related disaster assistance.

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2009

Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to provide eligibility for an heir of a deceased homeowner to receive certain housing-related disaster assistance (i.e., financial assistance for the repair or replacement of owner-occupied private residences damaged by a major disaster).

An original resolution authorizing expenditures by the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2009

Authorizes expenditures by the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs for the 111th Congress.

Asset Management Improvement Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2009

Asset Management Improvement Act of 2009 - 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, 2010, with representatives from interested parties; and (2) is effective only on or after January 1, 2012. 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 relating to asset management restricting 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 residents to organize. Prohibits anything in this Act from being construed to make illegal immigrants eligible for housing assistance. Prohibits the Secretary from accepting any fees for enforcing a lease that requires the registration, or prohibits the possession, of firearms for personal protection or sport, if the registration or possession is not prohibited by 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 illegally using a firearm.

Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility Safe Closure Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2009

Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility Safe Closure Act of 2009 - Prohibits federal funds from being used to: (1) transfer any enemy combatant detained at the Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to the United States; or (2) coordinate with any other department or agency to transfer any such individual to the United States. Prohibits the Secretary of Defense from: (1) using any facility closed through a base closure process for housing any such individual; or (2) constructing, modifying, or improving any facility in the United States or its territories for housing any such individual.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives supporting the goals and ideals of Campus Fire Safety Month, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2009

Supports the goals and ideals of Campus Fire Safety Month. Encourages administrators and municipalities across the country to: (1) provide educational programs to all students during September and throughout the school year; (2) evaluate the level of fire safety being provided in both on- and off-campus student housing; and (3) take the necessary steps to ensure fire-safe living environments through fire safety education, installation of fire suppression and detection systems, and the development and enforcement of applicable codes relating to fire safety.

LEAVE Act

United States · United States Congress · 11 February 2009

Loophole Elimination and Verification Enforcement Act or the LEAVE Act - Revises immigration- and alien-related provisions regarding: (1) alien smuggling and related offenses; (2) identity security; (3) birthright citizenship; (4) housing and homeownership; (5) taxes and social security; (6) employee verification; (7) financial services; (8) border and law enforcement; (9) state and local government authority; and (10) in-state tuition.

To prohibit the use of funds to transfer enemy combatants detained at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to facilities in Arizona or to build, modify, or enhance any facility in Arizona to house such enemy combatants.

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2009

Prohibits federal funds from being used to: (1) transfer any enemy combatant detained by the United States at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to any military or prison installation in Arizona; or (2) construct housing facilities in Arizona for such individuals.

Community Regeneration, Sustainability, and Innovation Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 10 February 2009

Community Regeneration, Sustainability, and Innovation Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to carry out a demonstration program, under multiyear cooperative agreements with local governments experiencing at least 20% population loss since 1970 (or consortia of them), to encourage and test innovative vacant property reclamation and urban infrastructure renewal strategies in older industrial cities, their suburbs, and metropolitan areas with a history of severe population and employment loss, blight, and decay caused by vacant properties. Specifies as vacant property and program capacity activities establishment of: (1) local or regional land banks; (2) recovered building materials reuse and recycling infrastructure, facilities, and technical support; (3) local government purchasing requirements for deconstruction to make use of existing building materials stock in new and rehabilitation construction; and (4) the ability of state and local courts and administrative agencies to address problems caused by vacant and abandoned properties, and to facilitate their transfer to public control under a local or regional land bank. Enumerates other related activities, including: (1) expansion and improvement of code enforcement capabilities; (2) development of data and information systems such as comprehensive real property systems, early warning systems, and vacant property inventory and tracking systems; and (3) amendment or reform of state and local property tax foreclosure procedures. Specifies stabilization, design, development, reuse, and planning and policy innovation activities. Requires an applicant local government or consortium to establish a regeneration plan for the community or region. Directs the Secretary by regulation to provide for citizen participation requirements relating to the development and implementation of such plans. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to local governments (and consortia of them) for sustainability demonstration projects. Directs the Secretary to convene a Federal Interagency Regeneration Communities Coordinating Council to develop federal agency support plans for communities receiving such grants.

Financial Crisis Investigation Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 9 February 2009

Financial Crisis Investigation Act of 2009 - Amends the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) to direct the Oversight Panel of the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) to: (1) investigate all causes, domestic and global, of the current financial and economic crisis in the United States, including the collapse of major financial and commercial firms and the deterioration of the credit and housing markets; (2) investigate the role in the financial and economic crisis, if any, of specified governmental and private sector entities; (3) review the nation's existing financial regulatory structure from top to bottom, and its contribution to the stability or instability of financial markets; (4) review all aspects of financial regulation; and (5) refer to federal and state law enforcement officials any person that the Oversight Panel finds may have violated federal law in relation to such crisis. Requires the Oversight Panel to report its findings, conclusions, and recommendations to the President and Congress.

FERA

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2009

Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act of 2009 or FERA - Amends the federal criminal code to: (1) redefine "financial institution" to include a mortgage lending business; (2) define "mortgage lending business" for criminal law purposes; (3) prohibit false statements in mortgage applications by employees and agents of a mortgage lending business; (4) prohibit fraudulent activities related to the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) or a federal economic stimulus, recovery, or rescue plan; (5) expand securities fraud provisions to include fraud involving options and futures in commodities; (6) expand, for purposes of money laundering provisions, the concept of monetary proceeds to include gross receipts; and (7) expand money laundering provisions to prohibit the movement of money outside of the United States to avoid taxes. Authorizes appropriations to the Attorney General for FY2010-FY2011 for investigations, prosecutions, civil proceedings involving federal assistance programs and financial institutions. Authorizes additional appropriations to the U.S. Postal Service and to the Inspector General for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for similar investigations. Amends the False Claims Act to: (1) expand liability under such Act for making false or fraudulent claims to the federal government; and (2) repeal the requirement that false claims be presented to a government employee. Requires persons violating such Act to reimburse the federal government for the costs of a civil action to recover penalties or damages under such Act.

A bill to expand the authority of the Secretary of the Air Force to convey certain relocatable military housing units to Indian tribes located in Idaho and Nevada.

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2009

Amends the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2009 to include Idaho and Nevada among specified states to which the Secretary of the Air Force may convey certain relocatable military housing units to Indian tribes.

Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit Improvement Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2009

Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit Improvement Act of 2009 - Establishes special rules for modification or disposition of a troubled asset (qualified mortgages or foreclosure property) under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) by real estate mortgage investment conduits (REMICs). Declares that: (1) such a modification or disposition shall not be treated as a prohibited transaction under the Internal Revenue Code; (2) an interest in the REMIC shall not fail to be treated as a regular interest solely because of such modification or disposition; and (3) any proceeds resulting from such modification or disposition shall be treated as amounts received under qualified mortgages. Specifies terms of the instruments governing the conduct of servicers or trustees with respect to qualified mortgages which shall terminates a REMIC. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish and implement a home mortgage loan relief program under TARP.

Housing Disaster Area Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2009

Housing Disaster Area Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury (Secretary) to take necessary steps to support the mortgage revenue bond market, including the use of certain funds made available under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) to purchase mortgage revenue bonds at an interest rate that makes housing programs carried out with the proceeds of such bonds economically feasible. Instructs the Secretary to implement a program to use specified TARP amounts to reduce the outstanding debt, in connection with their refinancing, on mortgages on certain owner-occupied residential property having an appraised value less than the outstanding mortgage obligation (qualifying existing underwater mortgages). Directs the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) each to implement a program to purchase (buy down) and securitize qualified refinancing mortgages and qualified new mortgages on single-family housing in accordance with policies and procedures established by the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). Instructs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to take action to increase access by state housing finance agencies to mortgage insurance in order to make it available for mortgages financed by bonds issued by such agencies. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to set forth housing tax incentives including: (1) a temporary increase in the volume cap for housing bonds issued for areas most affected by the foreclosure crisis; and (2) an extension of time for using such increased volume cap for housing bonds. Revises special rules for refinancing with the proceeds of a mortgage revenue bond issue of mortgages on a residence which was originally financed through a qualified subprime loan. Eliminates the restriction of a qualified subprime loan to one with an adjustable rate. Extends such special rules an additional year. Repeals the application to certain housing refunding bonds of the alternative minimum tax (AMT) on the otherwise tax-exempt interest on specified private activity bonds. Revises mortgage revenue bond requirements to include residences in high foreclosure areas in the meaning of targeted area residences.