Housing

Hurricane Katrina Response Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 December 2005

Hurricane Katrina Response Act - Louisiana Recovery Corporation Act - Establishes the Louisiana Recovery Corporation as an independent establishment in the executive branch whose primary mission shall be the economic stabilization and redevelopment of areas within Louisiana that were devastated or significantly distressed by Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita. Authorizes parishes and municipalities of over 25,000 people to designate local advisory councils to assist the Corporation. Directs the Corporation to establish the following divisions: (1) Environment and Land Use Management; (2) Economic Development; (3) Property Acquisition; (4) Property Management; (5) Property Disposition; and (6) Urban Homesteading and Community and Faith-Based Organizations. States that the Corporation shall not have eminent domain authority. Sets forth Corporation authority with respect to: (1) property acquisition and mortgage debt assumption; and (2) asset disposition. Terminates the Corporation ten years after enactment of this Act. Makes specified funds available to Hurricane Katrina-affected areas for: (1) emergencies and other natural disasters in FY2005; (2) grants to public housing agencies for demolition, site revitalization, replacement housing, and tenant-based assistance grants; (3) the HOME investment partnership program; (4) community development block grant assistance; and (5) emergency rental assistance vouchers.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that lenders holding mortgages on homes in communities of the Gulf Coast devastated by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita should extend current voluntary mortgage payment forbearance periods and not foreclose on properties in those communities.

United States · United States Congress · 21 December 2005

Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) Congress should act early in the second session of the 109th Congress to consider legislation to provide relief to homeowners in the Gulf Coast; and (2) commercial banks, mortgage banks, credit unions, and other mortgage lenders should extend mortgage payment forbearance to March 31, 2006, in order to allow Congress the time to consider such legislation.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that lenders holding mortgages on homes in communities of Louisiana devastated by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita should extend current mortgage payment forbearance periods and not foreclose on properties in those communities until such time that Congress can consider legislation to provide relief to those homeowners.

United States · United States Congress · 20 December 2005

Expresses the sense of the Senate that: (1) Congress should consider legislation to provide relief to Louisiana homeowners whose properties were devastated by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita; and (2) commercial banks, mortgage banks, credit unions, and other mortgage lenders should extend mortgage payment forbearance to March 31, 2006, in order to allow Congress the time to consider such legislation.

Federal Deposit Insurance Reform Conforming Amendments Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2005

Federal Deposit Insurance Reform Conforming Amendments Act of 2005 - Amends the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to make technical and conforming amendments relating to: (1) government deposits; (2) insurance of trust funds; (3) insurance logo for insured depository institutions and insured credit unions; and (4) the credit union share insurance fund. Sets forth technical and conforming amendments relating to: (1) assessments and repeal of special rules relating to minimum assessments and free deposit insurance; (2) replacement of a fixed designated reserve ratio with a reserve range; and (3) merger of the Bank Insurance Fund (BIF) and the Savings Association Insurance Fund (SAIF) into the Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF). Establishes the DIF. Prescribes guidelines for borrowing for the DIF from insured depository institutions and Federal Home Loan Banks. Requires reports to Congress on: (1) refunds, dividends, and credits from the DIF; (2) the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) structure and expenses and certain activities and further possible changes to the deposit insurance system; and (3) a biannual FDIC survey of efforts by insured depository institutions to bring those individuals and families who have rarely, if ever, held a checking account, a savings account, or other type of transaction or check cashing account at an insured depository institution (the unbanked) into the conventional finance system. Amends the following Acts relating to the merger of the BIF and SAIF to reflect the changes made by this Act: (1) the Revised Statutes of the United States; (2) the Federal Reserve Act; (3) the Federal Home Loan Bank Act; (4) the Home Owners' Loan Act; (5) the National Housing Act; (6) the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989; (7) the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act; and (8) the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956.

Group Home Community Notification Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 18 December 2005

Group Home Community Notification Act of 2005 - Makes it unlawful for any federally assisted non-profit intending to place a group home in a locality to refuse or fail to comply with all state and local laws for such a group home's placement in that locality, including laws requiring public notification, reporting requirements, and hearings. States that any individual who participates in such a hearing shall be immune from suit based on a claim of discrimination against the disabled for any communication made in the course of such participation.

HIV/AIDS Emergency Hurricane Relief Act

United States · United States Congress · 17 December 2005

HIV/AIDS Emergency Hurricane Relief Act - Requires the President to appoint an HIV/AIDS Emergency Response Coordinator to coordinate the provision of services under federal programs to individuals who: (1) are living with HIV; (2) are residents or were residents of a declared major disaster area at the time of Hurricane Katrina, Rita, or Wilma; and (3) have been displaced by such hurricane or have been unable to access comprehensive medical care and treatment, including housing, case management, drug and alcohol treatment, and other supportive services. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Coordinator, to award grants or cooperative agreements to public and nonprofit private entities that: (1) have experience in providing services to eligible individuals; and (2) have received or are eligible to receive funding from the federal government through the HIV health care services program or the Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS program. Allows the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to waive matching requirements and any other appropriate conditions for grants under the HIV health care services program. Allows the Coordinator to award grants or cooperative agreements to public and nonprofit private entities that provide covered services to eligible individuals in order to provide such entities with emergency infrastructure support. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Administrator, to conduct a public awareness campaign directed toward eligible individuals who were receiving services through the federal HIV health care services program and for whom the hurricanes caused the disruption or termination of such services.

Veterans Housing Fairness Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005

Veterans Housing Fairness Act of 2005 - Authorizes the use of veterans' housing loan benefits to purchase stock or membership in a development, project, or structure (structure) of a cooperative housing corporation as long as such structure: (1) complies with criteria prescribed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; and (2) is a single family residential unit.

FHA Manufactured Housing Loan Modernization Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005

FHA Manufactured Housing Loan Modernization Act of 2005 - Amends the National Housing Act with respect to Federal Housing Administration (FHA) housing loan insurance for manufactured homes (or lots for such homes) to: (1) exempt such loans from certain financial institution portfolio limits; (2) establish loan-to-value ratio and downpayment requirements; (3) provide that any such contract shall be conclusive evidence of an institution's insurance eligibility; (4) increase loan limits; (5) set forth borrower premium charges; and (6) direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to establish underwriting criteria that will ensure the manufactured housing program's financial soundness.

Emergency Preparedness and Response for Individuals With Disabilities Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005

Emergency Preparedness and Response for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 2005 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to appoint a Disability Coordinator to ensure that the needs of individuals with disabilities are properly addressed in emergency preparedness and disaster relief efforts in the event of a major disaster. Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act with respect to: (1) temporary housing for use by individuals with disabilities; and (2) the right of individuals with disabilities to live independently. Provides for increased accessibility for such individuals of replacement housing built with federal funds following major disasters.

Continuing Care Seniors Housing Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005

Continuing Care Seniors Housing Act of 2005 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions which allow a tax exemption for the interest imputed to below-market rate interest loans to certain continuing care facilities to: (1) decrease from 65 to 62 the qualifying age for lenders to continuing care facilities; (2) eliminate the $90,000 limitation on loans to such facilities; (3) modify continuing care contract requirements; and (4) revise the definition of continuing care facility to include an independent living unit, plus an assisted living or nursing facility, or both.

High-Performance Buildings Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 16 December 2005

High Performance Buildings Act of 2005 - Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act of 1990 to require that state and local housing strategies include a description of the jurisdiction's strategies to encourage sustainable development for affordable housing. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make grants to nonprofit organizations to use for specified purposes to improve or carry out energy efficiency, resource conservation and reuse, and effective use of existing infrastructure in affordable housing and economic development activities in low-income communities. Establishes within the National Science Foundation a Sustainable Building Institute to undertake or support through providing grants, loans, or other assistance: (1) research regarding the relationships among indoor environmental quality, human health, and human productivity; and (2) research, development, and commercial application of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies for buildings.

459 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the taking in charge of housing estates will be included as a local government performance indicator; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39972/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 December 2005

459 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the taking in charge of housing estates will be included as a local government performance indicator; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39972/05]

457 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of social housing units under Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 which his Department has not sanctioned on the grounds of price; the locations of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39970/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 December 2005

457 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of social housing units under Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 which his Department has not sanctioned on the grounds of price; the locations of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39970/05]

460 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, during his review of Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000, he will consider including purpose built creches, currently constructed to accompany every 75 dwellings, as a community gain with developments that return cash not houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39974/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 December 2005

460 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, during his review of Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000, he will consider including purpose built creches, currently constructed to accompany every 75 dwellings, as a community gain with developments that return cash not houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39974/05]

455 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a review has taken place of the delivery of social and affordable houses under Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000; if so, the findings of this review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39968/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 December 2005

455 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a review has taken place of the delivery of social and affordable houses under Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000; if so, the findings of this review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39968/05]

440 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in regard to grants, financial assistance to carry out necessary improvements, repairs to an old house in order to make same habitable (details supplied); the assistance which is available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39712/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 December 2005

440 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in regard to grants, financial assistance to carry out necessary improvements, repairs to an old house in order to make same habitable (details supplied); the assistance which is available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39712/05]

434 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the funding provided by his Department for sheltered housing units in County Wexford in 2004 and to date in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39702/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 December 2005

434 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the funding provided by his Department for sheltered housing units in County Wexford in 2004 and to date in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39702/05]

128 Ms Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the amount allocated for sheltered housing in 2006; if the budgetary allocation of €500,000 to sheltered housing announced in the package for the elderly on 8 December 2005 means an extra €500,000 in addition to the existing budget of €428,000 or simply a €72,000 increase on the 2005 allocation; the sub-head in Estimates 2006 where same is provided for; her views on whether this is an acceptable commitment to sheltered housing services in view of the fact that she says she strongly supports the development of sheltered housing accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39805/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 15 December 2005

128 Ms Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the amount allocated for sheltered housing in 2006; if the budgetary allocation of €500,000 to sheltered housing announced in the package for the elderly on 8 December 2005 means an extra €500,000 in addition to the existing budget of €428,000 or simply a €72,000 increase on the 2005 allocation; the sub-head in Estimates 2006 where same is provided for; her views on whether this is an acceptable commitment to sheltered housing services in view of the fact that she says she strongly supports the development of sheltered housing accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39805/05]

HOUSING OPTIONS IN THE AFTERMATH OF HURRICANES KATRINA AND RITA

United States · United States House of Representatives · 14 December 2005

HOUSING OPTIONS IN THE AFTERMATH OF HURRICANES KATRINA AND RITA

United States · United States House of Representatives · 14 December 2005

348 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department will allocate money for environmental works to be carried out on an estate (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39629/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 December 2005

348 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department will allocate money for environmental works to be carried out on an estate (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39629/05]

347 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the need for upgrading works to be carried out on an estate (detailssupplied) in County Kildare; if funding is available to carry out such work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39628/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 December 2005

347 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the need for upgrading works to be carried out on an estate (detailssupplied) in County Kildare; if funding is available to carry out such work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39628/05]

345 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether there is an urgent and growing need for sheltered housing in Enniscorthy, County Wexford; his plans for providing a higher level of capital funding for sheltered housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39505/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 December 2005

345 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether there is an urgent and growing need for sheltered housing in Enniscorthy, County Wexford; his plans for providing a higher level of capital funding for sheltered housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39505/05]

341 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the cap of €165,000 in regard to shared ownership applications will be increased or raised in view of the cost of housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39441/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 December 2005

341 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the cap of €165,000 in regard to shared ownership applications will be increased or raised in view of the cost of housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39441/05]

340 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of applications for reconstruction loans by local authorities in each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39440/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 December 2005

340 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of applications for reconstruction loans by local authorities in each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39440/05]

338 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position with the remedial work scheme in respect of Dalton Park, Mullingar, County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39328/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 December 2005

338 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position with the remedial work scheme in respect of Dalton Park, Mullingar, County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39328/05]

336 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a policy directive will issue to local authorities under section 29 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 regarding keeping free from further housing development the open spaces within housing estates that were a requirement under planning law when the permission was granted but were not vested in the local authority and are technically held by the developer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39326/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 December 2005

336 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a policy directive will issue to local authorities under section 29 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 regarding keeping free from further housing development the open spaces within housing estates that were a requirement under planning law when the permission was granted but were not vested in the local authority and are technically held by the developer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39326/05]

334 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of applications received by local authorities for the provision of isolated cottages in each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39439/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 December 2005

334 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of applications received by local authorities for the provision of isolated cottages in each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39439/05]

7 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the most recent meeting of the cross-departmental team on housing, infrastructure and public-private partnerships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38705/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 14 December 2005

7 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the most recent meeting of the cross-departmental team on housing, infrastructure and public-private partnerships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38705/05]

Veterans Housing Fairness Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 14 December 2005

Veterans Housing Fairness Act of 2005 - Authorizes the use of veterans' housing loan benefits to purchase stock or membership in a development, project, or structure (structure) of a cooperative housing corporation as long as such structure: (1) complies with criteria prescribed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; and (2) is a one-family residential unit.

489 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of works in lieu of council housing applications that have been received by his Department on a county basis in each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39063/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 December 2005

489 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of works in lieu of council housing applications that have been received by his Department on a county basis in each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39063/05]

488 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the scheme of works in lieu of council housing is still in operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39062/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 December 2005

488 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the scheme of works in lieu of council housing is still in operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39062/05]

479 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a housing scheme, details supplied, in County Dublin will be approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38792/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 December 2005

479 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a housing scheme, details supplied, in County Dublin will be approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38792/05]

478 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department has received an application from Wexford County Council for pre-tender approval for a proposed sheltered housing scheme sponsored by an association (details supplied) in County Wexford; when a decision will be made in relation to this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38726/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 December 2005

478 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department has received an application from Wexford County Council for pre-tender approval for a proposed sheltered housing scheme sponsored by an association (details supplied) in County Wexford; when a decision will be made in relation to this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38726/05]

323 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the extent of housing development in the Kilcock area in County Kildare; the plans he has to match the land use with transport provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39296/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 December 2005

323 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the extent of housing development in the Kilcock area in County Kildare; the plans he has to match the land use with transport provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39296/05]

238 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which he has evaluated the inflation caused by goods or services not included in the CPI such as housing costs; the extent to which the CPI would be affected if such items were included; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39215/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 13 December 2005

238 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which he has evaluated the inflation caused by goods or services not included in the CPI such as housing costs; the extent to which the CPI would be affected if such items were included; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39215/05]

Hurricane Katrina Recovery Homesteading Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2005

Hurricane Katrina Recovery Homesteading Act of 2005 - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to transfer, without payment, federally owned (including property transferred to the Secretary from other agencies) or otherwise donated suitable residential property to state or local governments for use in an approved homestead program carried out by such governments in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi in areas designated disaster areas due to Hurricane Katrina. Authorizes reimbursement to agencies transferring property. Sets forth approval criteria for a homestead program, including: (1) selection criteria that gives priority to displaced low-income families; (2) occupancy only pursuant to a written agreement which must be for a period of at least five years and which requires the occupant to make certain repairs. Requires the Secretary to audit authorized activities and permits monetary and other penalties penalties for noncompliance. Permits the waiver of certain environmental requirements. Prohibits the transfer, acceptance, or conveyance of property under this Act five years after enactment.

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Recovery Homesteading Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 13 December 2005

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Recovery Homesteading Act of 2005 - Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to transfer, without payment, federally owned (including property transferred to the Secretary from other agencies) or otherwise donated suitable residential property to state or local governments for use in an approved homestead program carried out by such governments in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi in areas designated disaster areas due to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Authorizes reimbursement to agencies transferring property. Sets forth approval criteria for a homestead program, including: (1) selection criteria that gives priority to displaced low-income families; (2) occupancy only pursuant to a written agreement which must be for a period of at least five years and which requires the occupant to make certain repairs. Requires the Secretary to audit authorized activities and permits monetary and other penalties penalties for noncompliance. Permits the waiver of certain environmental requirements. Prohibits the transfer, acceptance, or conveyance of property under this Act five years after enactment.

HOUSING OPTIONS IN THE AFTERMATH OF HURRICANES KATRINA AND RITA

United States · United States House of Representatives · 8 December 2005

162 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons evicted from private or local authority housing for anti-social behaviour in other parts of the country who have been resettled in County Wexford under the auspices of any of his Department’s current programmes or procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38604/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 8 December 2005

162 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons evicted from private or local authority housing for anti-social behaviour in other parts of the country who have been resettled in County Wexford under the auspices of any of his Department’s current programmes or procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38604/05]

Fair and Responsible Lending Act

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2005

Fair and Responsible Lending Act - Uniform National Mortgage Lending Standards Act - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to define high-cost home loans. Revises guidelines regarding: (1) requirements for high-cost home loans; (2) dispute and error resolution; (3) damages, rescission, and liability; (4) state law coordination; (5) state enforcement authority; and (6) disclosure guidelines. Prescribes consumer counseling requirements. Expanding Housing Opportunities Through Education and Counseling Act - Amends the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act to establish, in the Office of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Office of Housing Counseling to carry out homeownership and rental counseling functions, including related research, grant administration, public outreach, and development of policy and performance measures. Amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 to direct the Secretary to: (1) establish homeownership and rental counseling procedures, and a related a toll-free telephone number and World Wide Web site; (2) certify computer software programs for consumer evaluation of residential mortgage loans; (3) establish a housing counseling multimedia outreach program for vulnerable populations; (4) assist states, local government, and non-profit organizations with consumer education programs about mortgage, refinancing, home equity, or home repair loans; and (5) make grants for state, local government, and nonprofit organization housing counseling assistance. Requires organizations to use HUD-certified counselors in order to qualify for specified HUD assistance. Amends the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 to: (1) direct the Secretary to prepare an updated booklet to help consumers applying for federally related mortgage loans to understand the nature and costs of real estate settlement services; and (2) prescribe guidelines governing an option for notice of foreclosure prevention counseling availability.

To suspend temporarily the duty on certain integrated machines for manufacturing pneumatic tires.

United States · United States Congress · 8 December 2005

Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend, through December 31, 2008, the duty on certain integrated machines for molding or forming pneumatic tires, and containing in a single housing components for processing rubber, as well as components for positioning and assembling other tire components (including but not limited to belts, cords and other reinforcing materials) and of curing materials, to produce finished pneumatic tires.

260 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a decision will issue in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [38433/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 7 December 2005

260 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a decision will issue in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [38433/05]

263 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of long-term rent supplement recipient households which have been housed to date in 2005 under the rent supplement initiative; the type of housing they received under this initiative; the breakdown of the number of households housed under each housing option; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38483/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 7 December 2005

263 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of long-term rent supplement recipient households which have been housed to date in 2005 under the rent supplement initiative; the type of housing they received under this initiative; the breakdown of the number of households housed under each housing option; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38483/05]

261 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, further to Question No. 96 of 28 June 2005, his progress in meeting the target of housing 5,000 households which are long-term recipients of the rent supplement by the end of 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38481/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 7 December 2005

261 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, further to Question No. 96 of 28 June 2005, his progress in meeting the target of housing 5,000 households which are long-term recipients of the rent supplement by the end of 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38481/05]

257 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of approved voluntary housing associations in existence here; the number of units being managed by each association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38366/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 7 December 2005

257 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of approved voluntary housing associations in existence here; the number of units being managed by each association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38366/05]

256 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of units of housing accommodation provided under the capital loan and rental subsidy scheme to date in 2005 on a county basis; the number in planning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38365/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 7 December 2005

256 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of units of housing accommodation provided under the capital loan and rental subsidy scheme to date in 2005 on a county basis; the number in planning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38365/05]

Home Lead Safety Tax Credit Act of 2005

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2005

Home Lead Safety Tax Credit Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for 50 percent of the costs of reducing lead hazards in U.S. homes built before 1960 in which certain low-income children less than six years of age and women of child-bearing age reside. Allows a maximum credit of $3,000 for lead abatement costs and $1,000 for the cost of interim lead control measures.

College Life Safety and Fire Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 7 December 2005

College Life Safety and Fire Prevention Act - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a demonstration program to award grants to eligible entities for the purpose of contracting with fire alarm companies to install professionally fire alarm detection systems or other fire detection and prevention technologies in student housing, dormitories, and other buildings controlled by such entities.

520 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the social housing budget will be increased in order to significantly increase the output of local authority housing units. [38080/05]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 6 December 2005

520 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the social housing budget will be increased in order to significantly increase the output of local authority housing units. [38080/05]