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Bill· SS. 2391 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 16 November 2007
Government Sponsored Enterprise Mission Improvement Act, or the GSE Mission Improvement Act - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to modify requirements for annual reports to specified congressional committees by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development on the activities of the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) (enterprises). Requires the contents of such reports to: (1) identify the extent to which the enterprises are involved in mortgage purchases and secondary market activities involving subprime loans; and (2) compare the characteristics of subprime loans purchased and securitized by the enterprises to their other loans. Revises requirements for the establishment by the Secretary of housing goals to emphasize single-family housing goals and a multifamily special affordable housing goal, with annual targets. Revises the duty of the enterprises to serve underserved markets. Requires them to purchase or securitize mortgage investments and to improve the distribution of investment capital available for mortgage financing for underserved markets such as: (1) manufactured housing; (2) affordable housing preservation; (3) subprime borrowers; (4) community development financial institutions; (5) assisting depository institutions in meeting their obligations under the Community Reinvestment Act; and (6) rural and other underserved markets. Revises requirements for monitoring and enforcing compliance with such housing goals. Requires the enterprises to set aside and allocate certain of their funds for the affordable housing program of block grants to states to assist low- and moderate-income borrowers facing foreclosure or to make foreclosed property available to low- and moderate-income homebuyers. Establishes in the Treasury within the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund a Capital Magnet Fund to carry out a competitive grant program to attract private capital for and increase investment in: (1) the development, preservation, rehabilitation, and purchase of affordable housing for primarily extremely low-, very low-, and low-income families; and (2) certain economic development activities or community service facilities. Revises requirements for: (1) the issuance of cease-and-desist orders; and (2) the imposition of civil money penalties on the enterprises for failure to meeting housing goals.
Question· writtenPQ 197asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 November 2007
196 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his proposals to introduce a new tenant purchase scheme for local authority tenants in view of the fact that the valuation of houses is making it impossible for the vast majority of tenants to avail of the existing scheme.
[29114/07]
Question· writtenPQ 196asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 November 2007
195 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has plans to introduce legislation to enable tenants of housing associations to avail of a tenant purchase scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[29113/07]
Question· writtenPQ 61asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 November 2007
59 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on a national programme of home insulation, to protect older and more vulnerable people from the effects of cold weather; if there are plans to introduce such a scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[26185/07]
Bill· SS. 2363 (110th)open
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2007
Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008 - Appropriates funds for FY2008 for the Department of Defense (DOD) for: (1) military construction for the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, and Air Force (military departments), DOD, the Army and Air National Guard, and the Army, Navy, and Air Force reserves; (2) the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program; (3) family housing construction and related operation and maintenance for the military departments and DOD; (4) the Department of Defense Family Housing Improvement Fund; (5) DOD chemical demilitarization construction; and (6) the Department of Defense Base Closure Accounts of 1990 and 2005. Appropriates funds for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for: (1) the Veterans Benefits Administration; (2) readjustment benefits; (3) veterans insurance and indemnities; (4) the Veterans Housing Benefit Program Fund; (5) the Vocational Rehabilitation Loans Program; (6) the Native American Veteran Housing Loan Program; (7) guaranteed transitional housing loans for homeless veterans; (8) the Veterans Health Administration; (9) the National Cemetery Administration; (10) the Office of Inspector General; (11) construction for major and minor projects; and (12) grants for the construction of extended care facilities and veterans cemeteries. Appropriates funds for: (1) the American Battle Monuments Commission; (2) the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims; (3) cemeterial expenses, Army; and (4) the Armed Forces Retirement Home. Specifies restrictions and authorities regarding the use of funds appropriated in this Act.
Bill· HRH.R. 4208 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2007
Reconnecting Youth to Prevent Homelessness Act of 2007 - Amends part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of title IV of the Social Security Act to require State part E plans to provide that the state shall have in effect such laws and procedures as are necessary to ensure that: (1) a child may not be placed in foster care under state responsibility solely because the family with which the child is living is homeless or living in substandard housing; and (2) the state will work with the family and state housing authorities to secure permanent housing for any family that includes a minor child and is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Requires the Comptroller General to report to appropriate congressional committees on state policies and practices regarding: (1) access to federally funded child welfare services by children who have attained age 13; and (2) consideration of runaway and homeless situations as risk assessment factors for determining the appropriateness of placement in the child welfare system. Requires state part E plans to describe state policies and procedures regarding runaway or missing foster children. Provides for extension of child welfare services to emancipated youth between ages 18 and 21. Revises the John H. Chafee Foster Care Independence Program. Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) to revise the requirement that the state provide adult-supervised living arrangements for teenage parents not yet living in such an arrangement. Suspends the five-year time limit on TANF assistance for parents under age 21 who are involved in education or training. Prohibits the imposition of sanctions under TANF with respect to minor parents unless the state has established procedures that help TANF recipients understand, avoid, or end sanctions, and has applied the procedures to the recipient. Requires the Secretary to study and report to Congress on: (1) TANF recipients who are parents and have not attained age 20; and (2) a representative sample of low-income teen parents who are not TANF recipients. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include homeless youth as a qualified targeted population for the work opportunity business income tax credit.
Bill· HRH.R. 4202 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2007
Inclusive Home Design Act of 2007 - 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.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 828 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 15 November 2007
Honors Georgia firefighters and all of those who fought to suppress and contain the destructive wildfires in south Georgia during the spring of 2007. Expresses sympathy to those who lost their homes and businesses. Pledges continued support for: (1) efforts to prevent, fight, and contain wildfires in the United States; and (2) the efforts of firefighters of Georgia and the United States to prevent fire related disasters.
Law· Government BillBill 196enacted
United Kingdom · UK Parliament · 15 November 2007
To establish the Homes and Communities Agency and make provision about it; to abolish the Urban Regeneration Agency and Commission for the New Towns and make provision in connection with their abolition; to regulate social housing; to enable the abolition of the Housing Corporation; to make provision about sustainability certificates, landlord and tenant matters, building regulations and mobile homes; to make further provision about housing; and for connected purposes.
Question· writtenPQ 218asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 November 2007
241 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the extent to which he expects to provide the necessary funding to the various local authorities in County Kildare in the coming years to meet the accommodation requests of all those on housing lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[28935/07]
Question· writtenPQ 212asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 November 2007
226 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason newly established agencies (details supplied) in County Limerick who have recently advertised in the public press and on tenders for the provision of a range of services did not include the provision of legal services; if legal advisers or services have been engaged by the agencies; if so, the reason there was no tendering process; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[28836/07]
Question· writtenPQ 211asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 November 2007
225 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will confirm that his Department has received an application from Westmeath County Council seeking approval to construct an isolated house for a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; if he will convey the approval thereof to the council without delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[28829/07]
Question· writtenPQ 184asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 November 2007
198 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence if the process of transferring the lands at Magee Barracks, Kildare to Kildare County Council for affordable housing purposes has been concluded; if the former army houses at Magee Terrace and St. Barbara’s Park, Kildare have or will be in charge by Kildare County Council as part of this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[28916/07]
Question· writtenPQ 84asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 November 2007
97 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the new revised housing adaptation scheme for adapting houses for people with disabilities is still inadequate as it does not provide 100% funding to owner-occupiers affecting low-income households greatly and that the 5% funding shortfall and the maximum grant of €30,000 will often not cover the cost of works which often produces problems due to the well documented links between poverty and disability.
[28622/07]
Question· writtenPQ 78asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 November 2007
90 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his real intentions regarding the provision of social housing units until 2010 in view of the fact that there have been 13,000 fewer social housing units constructed than committed to in the last national development programme; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Government has repeatedly committed itself to eradicating homelessness by 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[28623/07]
Question· writtenPQ 74asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 November 2007
85 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of social houses and affordable houses provided in 2006 and to date in 2007; the number expected to be provided by the end of 2007; if his attention has been drawn to the increase in the numbers applying for affordable housing in some areas; the steps he is taking to deal with the backlog.
[28692/07]
Question· writtenPQ 60asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 November 2007
237 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of applicants for local authority housing currently on waiting lists; the length of time they have been on such lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[28931/07]
Question· writtenPQ 59asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 November 2007
95 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of people on the housing list in each local authority area; the number of these who are Irish, EU and non-EU nationals for each local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[27444/07]
Question· writtenPQ 58asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 November 2007
70 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of persons on local authority housing lists at the latest date for which figures are available; the steps he will take to reduce waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[28691/07]
Question· writtenPQ 38asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 November 2007
228 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he intends introducing the Designated Land (Housing Development) Bill; if he will provide for a use it or lose it scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[28865/07]
Question· writtenPQ 37asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 November 2007
227 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will introduce the Designated Land (Housing Development) Bill; if it will provide for a use it or lose it scheme when he launched the housing policy document, Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities; and if he will elaborate further on the intended provisions of the Bill.
[28840/07]
Question· writtenPQ 34asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 November 2007
56 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he plans to initiate support for social housing schemes for women and men who are victims of domestic violence and who are leaving crisis accommodation and have ongoing support needs.
[28624/07]
Question· writtenPQ 31asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 November 2007
52 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he plans to ensure that a proportion of any newly built or acquired social housing is given to those progressing out of homelessness.
[28625/07]
Question· oralPQ 15asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 November 2007
39 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to reform housing and local government legislation in order to provide more Part V social and affordable housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[28886/07]
Bill· HRH.R. 4178 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 14 November 2007
Emergency Mortgage Loan Modification Act of 2007- Amends the Truth in Lending Act to shield holders of residential mortgage loans from liability for entering into a qualified loan modification or workout plan on any residential mortgage loan consummated on or after January 1, 2004. Applies such shield from liability only to qualified loan modification or workout plans initiated during the six-month period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act.
Question· writtenPQ 480asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 November 2007
513 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of local authority housing units built for each year 2002 to date in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[28444/07]
Question· writtenPQ 479asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 November 2007
512 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of people on waiting lists for local authority housing for each local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[28443/07]
Question· writtenPQ 473asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 November 2007
518 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to local authorities using alternative energy systems in local authority houses; if there are plans to do so; if he will bring in guidelines and instructions on the matter for local authorities in line with overall policy of 40% alternative energy for private houses before 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[26144/07]
Question· writtenPQ 472asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 November 2007
506 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department will discontinue the practice of equipping new social housing units for heating except for the oil burner and the oil tank; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[28392/07]
Question· writtenPQ 462asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 November 2007
496 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that within Dublin City Council’s scheme of letting submitted for approval in 2006 there is a proposal to address a breach of equality legislation which the Equality Tribunal had requested Dublin City Council to address at that time; and that, because of the delay in getting ministerial approval, single applicants or single parents are being discriminated against by Dublin City Council under its current scheme of lettings; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[28095/07]
Question· writtenPQ 461asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 November 2007
495 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will to agree to or when he will make a decision on Dublin City Council’s scheme of lettings which had been submitted in 2006 for approval; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[28094/07]
Question· writtenPQ 460asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 November 2007
494 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if consideration has been given to changing the claw-back system for people who bought a home under the affordable housing scheme operated by Dublin City Council and who are now selling that home to buy a larger or smaller property still within the affordable housing scheme, to allow them to avoid paying the claw-back as they are still within the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[28093/07]
Question· writtenPQ 457asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 November 2007
491 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if legislation governing management companies will facilitate the transfer in newly completed housing estates of responsibility for essential public services such as water, sewage, roads, lighting and common open spaces to the control of the local authority and restrict the use of management companies in traditional housing estates; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[28131/07]
Bill· SS. 2338 (110th)open
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2007
FHA Modernization Act of 2007 - Amends the National Housing Act to: (1) revise requirements for the maximum principal loan obligation eligible for mortgage insurance, as well as the cash investment requirement; and (2) prohibit seller-funded downpayment assistance. Increases the maximum up-front mortgage insurance premium the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) may collect on mortgages secured by a one- to four-family dwelling. Replaces the General Insurance Fund (GIF) with the Mutual Mortgage Insurance (MMI) Fund as the depository of all funds involved in rehabilitation loans for one- to four-family structures. Permits the Secretary to insure any mortgage covering a one-family unit in a condominium project if the project has a certain HUD-insured blanket mortgage. Revises requirements for the MMI Fund. Makes insurance of a Native Hawaiian or Indian reservation mortgage the obligation of the MMI Fund (instead of the GIF). Eliminates the limitation on the aggregate number of home equity conversion mortgages (HECMs) for elderly homeowners insured under the Act. Authorizes the Secretary to insure a home equity conversion mortgage to: (1) enable an elderly mortgagor to purchase a one- to four-family dwelling unit, one of which the mortgagor will occupy as a primary residence; and (2) provide for any future payments to the mortgagor, based on available equity. Establishes a single national loan limit for HECMs. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to raise the cap on the price of cost-effective energy efficiency improvements under the energy efficiency mortgages program. Amends the National Housing Act to require the Secretary to establish a pilot program for an automated process for providing alternative credit rating information for mortgagors and prospective mortgagors (under mortgages on one- to four-family residences) without sufficient credit history. Requires the Secretary, the Commissioner of the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation, and other entities involved in foreclosure prevention activities to develop and implement a plan to improve FHA's loss mitigation process. Amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 to revise post-purchase housing counseling eligibility requirements. Directs the Secretary to establish a pre-purchase homeownership counseling demonstration program. Amends the federal criminal code to establish criminal penalties for certain fraudulent actions intended to influence FHA action in any way. Places limitations on mortgage insurance premium increases. FHA Manufactured Housing Loan Modernization Act of 2007 - Amends the National Housing Act with respect to FHA housing loan insurance for manufactured homes (or lots for such homes). Makes any new contract of insurance for loans, credit advances, or purchases conclusive evidence of an institution's insurance eligibility. (Thus requires each loan to be insured individually instead of as part of a bundle of such loans.) Increases manufactured home loan limits, requiring annual indexing. Sets forth borrower premium charges, including an up-front premium of up to 2.25% and an annual premium of up to 1%. Revises requirements for the handling and disposal of any real or personal property conveyed to or acquired by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to establish underwriting criteria that will ensure the manufactured housing program's financial soundness. Amends the National Housing Act to apply the prohibition against kickbacks and unearned fees in the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 (RESPA) to each sale of a manufactured home financed with an FHA-insured loan or extension of credit and related services. Prescribes certain lease requirements as prerequisites for HUD insurance of a financial institution with respect to a mortgage loan to finance a manufactured home intended to be leased in a manufactured home community.
Bill· SS. 2346 (110th)open
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2007
Promoting Refinancing Opportunities for Mortgages Impacted by the Subprime Emergency Act of 2007, or the PROMISE Act - Requires the Director of the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight (OFHEO) of the Department of Housing and Urban Development to terminate, suspend, modify, or otherwise lift: (1) the limitation on growth provision set forth in the Fannie Mae Consent Decree (the OFHEO order dated May 23, 2006, in the matter of the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae)); and (2) the voluntary temporary growth limitation described in the Freddie Mac Letter (dated July 31, 2006, from the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) to the OFHEO Director). Requires: (1) the Director to increase the mortgage portfolio limitations of both enterprises by at least 10%; and (2) the use of 85% of such increase for refinancing subprime mortgages at risk of foreclosure.
Bill· SS. 2343 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2007
Real Estate Transparency Act of 2007 - Amends the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 to modify requirements governing settlement statements. Requires the originator of a federally related mortgage loan to provide, within three days of a loan application, a written agreement to the applicant itemizing all of the fees the originator may charge at or before loan settlement, including origination, underwriting, and broker fees. Excludes from such requirement bona fide discount points payable by the borrower to reduce the loan's interest rate. Requires an originator fee agreement to set out the following fee payment methods: (1) paying in cash before or at settlement; (2) adding such fees into the total loan amount to be borrowed; and (3) increasing the loan's interest rate. Requires: (1) written and oral explanations of a borrower's payment options; and (2) a borrower's signature attesting agreement with originator fees and with the chosen method of payment. Requires the originator to provide the applicant with a written early settlement statement of all settlement costs to be charged at or before settlement. Shields borrowers from liability for any such fees not disclosed on an early settlement statement, except in certain circumstances. Establishes originator liability to a borrower for non-compliance with this Act, including reimbursement of the borrower for court costs. Repeals the requirement that special information booklets prepared by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for borrowers contain a good faith estimate of the amount or range of expected settlement charges.
Bill· SS. 2341 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2007
Focusing Investments and Resources for a Safe Transition Act, or FIRST Act - Amends the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make competitive grants to and enter into contracts with states (or state partners) to enable them to establish Individual Development Accounts for qualified foster youth to assist them in achieving self-support for housing, education, vocational training, and specified other purposes after leaving foster care.
Bill· HRH.R. 4161 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2007
Veterans Homelessness Prevention Act - Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to establish a pilot program to provide assistance to private nonprofit organizations and consumer cooperatives to expand the supply of supportive housing for certain very low-income veteran families. Allows such assistance to be in the form of: (1) a grant for costs of planning a supportive housing project; (2) a capital advance for such project; and (3) project rental assistance. Requires the Secretary to coordinate with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure that any housing assistance provided to veterans or veteran families includes a range of services tailored to the needs of very low-income veteran families. Requires HUD periodically to establish development cost limitations by market area for various types and sizes of such supportive housing. Establishes a special housing account. Requires the owner of such supportive housing to adopt HUD-approved tenant selection procedures. Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to extend to all homeless veterans, regardless of medical condition, the program of rental vouchers for Department of Veterans Affairs supported housing, which is currently limited to homeless veterans who have chronic mental illnesses or chronic substance use disorders.
Resolution· HRESH.Res. 817 (110th)passed
United States · United States Congress · 13 November 2007
Sets forth the rule for consideration of the conference report to accompany the bill (H.R. 3074) making appropriations for the Departments of Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008.
Law· HRH.R. 4137 (110th)enacted
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2007
College Opportunity and Affordability Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to revise and reauthorize various programs. Revises the definition of institutions of higher education (IHEs) to include schools that enroll students who are also enrolled in secondary school. Establishes new college cost and assistance information resources for students, parents, and the public. Bars certain business arrangements, inducements, and conflicts of interests between IHEs and student loan providers. Establishes a new Teacher Quality Partnership grant program under title II for high-need local educational agencies (LEAs), high-need schools, and IHEs, replacing the Teacher Quality Enhancement Grants for States and Partnerships program. Creates a new Part C (Enhancing Teacher Education) to title II providing grants for: (1) a Recruiting Teachers With Math, Science, or Language Majors program; (2) a Community Colleges as Partners in Teacher Education Grants program; (3) a Centers of Excellence program for teacher education at certain minority-serving institutions; (4) a Teach For America program; and (5) the establishment of State Early Childhood Education Professional Development and Career Task Forces. Revises title III Institutional Aid programs providing grants to IHEs serving high percentages of minority and low-income students to establish new grant programs for Predominantly Black Institutions, Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving institutions, and Native American-serving nontribal institutions. Establishes a YES Partnerships grant program to engage minority youth in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Revises and reauthorizes title IV Student Assistance programs. Alters the Pell grant maximum and allows year-round grants. Broadens the array of students eligible for Academic Competitiveness grants and National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) grants. Eliminates Academic Achievement Incentive Scholarships and Learning Anytime Anywhere Partnerships programs. Turns the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship program into: (1) scholarship and loan forgiveness programs for mathematics and science students; and (2) a program providing grants to partnerships between IHEs and LEAs to improve the teaching and learning of critical foreign languages. Increases the information to be provided to federal student loan borrowers by IHEs, lenders, and guaranty agencies. Expands the child care provider loan forgiveness program under the Federal Family Education Loan and Direct Loan programs to include individuals employed in certain areas of national need. Expands the types of public service occupations for which Perkins loans may be canceled. Excludes certain military housing benefits from title IV need analyses. Requires the development of simplified and electronic student aid application forms and a system providing students and parents with early aid information and eligibility estimates. Establishes a program to encourage the development of articulation agreements among IHEs within states and across state lines. Establishes an Accreditation Ombudsman to address the grievances of those involved in the accreditation process. Revises the title V Developing Institutions grant program for Hispanic-serving institutions. Establishes a new grant program for graduate programs at such institutions. Revises and reauthorizes title VI International Education programs. Establishes a new: (1) Preparing for Early Foreign Language Instruction program providing grants to partnerships between IHE foreign language departments and LEAs; and (2) Science and Technology Advanced Foreign Language Education grant program for IHEs. Revises and reauthorizes title VII Graduate and Post-Secondary Improvement programs. Establishes Patsy T. Mink graduate fellowships for women and minorities studying to enter the professoriate. Establishes new Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education programs. Replaces the Urban Community Service grant program with an Urban-Serving Research Institutions grant program. Establishes programs to support disabled students' access and transition to postsecondary education. Creates grant programs to increase nursing school capacity and provide nurses with the scholarships and release time needed to qualify as nursing school faculty. Establishes a new title VIII creating additional HEA programs to: (1) reward IHEs that make no more than inflationary adjustments to their tuition; (2) provide students with work experiences related to their educational objectives; (3) assist IHEs in implementing articulation agreements; (4) help low-income students complete postsecondary education and training; (5) help students move from developmental studies into, and through, occupational studies; (6) assist Project Grad USA implement education reform services; (7) improve the college enrollment rates of secondary schools; (8) thwart diploma mills; (9) enhance student safety and emergency management at IHEs, and provide IHEs with disaster loans; (10) promote rural development through partnerships between rural IHEs and other rural entities; (11) improve science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, especially for Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian students; (12) create a national database on financial assistance for STEM studies; (13) promote the training and job placement of real time writers; (14) assist IHEs in implementing model programs to address veterans' needs in postsecondary education; (15) support IHE sustainablity programs; and (16) promote the study of modeling and simulation. Revises and reauthorizes various programs under the Education of the Deaf Act of 1986, the Higher Education Amendments of 1998, the Higher Education Amendments of 1992, the Tribally Controlled College or University Assistance Act of 1978, and the Navajo Community College Act. Creates a grant program for two tribally controlled postsecondary career and technical institutions under the Tribally Controlled College or University Assistance Act of 1978. Repeals certain programs under the Higher Education Amendments of 1998. Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to establish a loan forgiveness program for prosecutors and public defenders. Amends the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 to establish a Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology Opportunity program at the Department of Commerce. Private Student Loan Transparency and Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to impose specified consumer protection and disclosure requirements on private educational lenders.
Bill· HRH.R. 4135 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 9 November 2007
Family Foreclosure Rescue Corporation Act - Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish the Family Foreclosure Rescue Corporation to acquire, via the sale of bonds, home mortgages and other obligations and liens secured by real estate which are currently in default or at foreseeable risk of default.
Question· writtenPQ 212asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 8 November 2007
212 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is satisfied with the roll out of the rental accommodation scheme; if the scheme is operational in all local authority areas; if targets have been set for delivery in each housing authority area; if these targets are cost or unit based; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[27912/07]
Bill· SS. 2325 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2007
Expanding American Homeownership Act of 2007 - Amends the National Housing Act to: (1) modify guidelines governing the maximum principal loan obligation; (2) extend the mortgage term; and (3) revise requirements for cash payment by the mortgagor in the eligibility criteria for mortgage insurance. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to reinstate the current downpayment requirement in the event of increased defaults. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a mortgage insurance premium structure involving a single premium payment collected prior to the insurance of the mortgage that may vary during the mortgage term as long as the basis for determining the variable rate is established before the execution of the mortgage. Sets forth maximum upfront premium amounts. Permits the Secretary to insure any mortgage covering a one-family unit in a condominium project if the project has a certain HUD-insured blanket mortgage. Revises requirements for the Mutual Mortgage Insurance (MMI) Fund. Limits the authority of the Secretary to enter into commitments for loan guarantees. Makes insurance of a Native Hawaiian or Indian reservation mortgage the obligation of the MMI Fund (instead of the General Insurance Fund). Eliminates the limitation placed upon the aggregate number of home equity conversion mortgages insured under the Act. Authorizes the Secretary to insure a home equity conversion mortgage when its primary purpose is to enable an elderly mortgagor to purchase a one- to four-family dwelling in which the mortgagor will occupy one of the units. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements to insure temporarily certain mortgages for a single family residence located within a presidentially declared major disaster area. Redefines mortgagee to allow participation in the federal mortgage insurance program by state-licensed mortgage brokers and correspondent lenders who make, underwrite, or service mortgage loans.
Bill· SS. 2330 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2007
Veterans Homelessness Prevention Act - Requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to establish a pilot program to provide assistance to private nonprofit organizations and consumer cooperatives to expand the supply of supportive housing for certain very low-income veteran families. Allows such assistance to be in the form of: (1) a grant for costs of planning a supportive housing project; (2) a capital advance for such project; and (3) project rental assistance. Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) ensure that any housing assistance provided to veterans or veteran families includes a range of specified services tailored to the needs of very low-income veteran families; and (2) provide financial assistance for such services. Requires HUD periodically to establish development cost limitations by market area for various types and sizes of such supportive housing. Establishes a special housing account. Requires the owner of such supportive housing to adopt HUD-approved tenant selection procedures.
Bill· HRH.R. 4129 (110th)referred
United States · United States Congress · 8 November 2007
Homeless Access to Recovery through Treatment Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to: (1) require hospitals and other inpatient facilities receiving federal funding under such Act or under title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to ensure that patients are referred to appropriate medical care upon discharge and are placed in stable and appropriate housing; (2) establish a state substance abuse planning council to evaluate state substance abuse plans; (3) establish comprehensive community-based substance abuse prevention treatment for the homeless that is linguistically and culturally competent; (4) designate the homeless as a priority population and expand substance abuse and mental health services for the homeless; (5) expand substance abuse services for runaway, homeless, and street youth; (6) expand mental health and substance abuse services under the Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH); (7) require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to Congress on federal, state, and local policies and practices regarding homelessness and addiction and mental illness prevention and treatment; and (8) require the Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment to collaborate with the Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Resources for Children and Families to develop programs to provide substance abuse, alcohol abuse, and mental health services to children and families experiencing homelessness.
Question· writtenPQ 249asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 7 November 2007
284 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views and the plans he has to ensure proper community recreational facilities in residential housing estates; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[26517/07]
Question· writtenPQ 248asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 7 November 2007
283 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the concerns expressed by a group (details supplied) in County Limerick at the new forms of contracts and engagement of consultants for all future voluntary housing schemes; if he will review these proposals in view of serious concerns that voluntary groups will not be able to operate these new arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[27670/07]
Question· writtenPQ 247asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 7 November 2007
282 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason there is no statutory grant funding to voluntary housing bodies or tenants to carry out improvements for disabled facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[27669/07]
Question· writtenPQ 244asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 7 November 2007
279 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps his Department plans to take to support the rights of the most vulnerable to housing, in view of the significant increase in the cost of rental accommodation especially in urban areas and to ensure some of these do not become homeless; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[27641/07]
Question· writtenPQ 243asked
Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 7 November 2007
278 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps that have been taken to introduce the reforms in the action programme on minimum standards to tackle the poor standards in private rented sector housing and to cut the funding received from the landlord registration fee to local authorities who do not inspect private rented properties to ensure they meet acceptable standards; the progress on any steps taken; if local authorities have been found negligent in inspecting privately rented accommodation in their area; the action that has been taken against them; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[27639/07]