Housing Finance Reform Bills Advance in Congress

FHA U.S. Senate U.S. House Housing Finance Reform

On July 24, the House Financial Services Committee approved a comprehensive housing finance reform bill, outlined recently by Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX). The Chairman has indicated that the bill could move to the House floor for consideration by the full body shortly after the August recess and that in the interim he will work to explain the bill to his conference and build support. The House bill differs in several substantial ways from a Senate proposal.  For instance, the House bill provides for an overhaul of the Federal Housing Administration while the Senate Banking Committee intends to address the FHA separately from, and in advance of, the Senate’s broader housing finance reform bill. The Senate Banking Committee held a hearing this week on its FHA legislation and intends to amend and vote on the bill next week.