FHFA Moves to Protect GSEs From Eminent Domain as MBS Portfolios Back GSE Earnings
August 10, 2012
The Federal Housing Finance Agency this week joined a growing chorus raising warnings about proposals to use the eminent domain powers of local government to seize performing underwater mortgages out of non-agency MBS pools. In an unusual move, the agency said it has significant concerns about the use of eminent domain to revise existing financial contracts and the alteration of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Federal Home Loan Bank securities holdings. The FHFA formally invited public comment on the concept and warned that action may be necessary on its part [as conservator and regulator of the government-sponsored enterprises] to avoid a risk to safe and sound operations and to avoid taxpayer expense. The issue drew attention this week because both Fannie and Freddie managed...[Includes one data chart]