GSE Reform Bill’s Delay Boosts Odds of Fannie’s/Freddie’s Survival
May 2, 2014
This week’s abrupt, last-minute postponement of a much-anticipated markup of a Senate housing finance reform draft bill effectively doomed the prospects of the legislation making it to a floor vote, note industry observers. The delay came amid continued progressive dissatisfaction with the legislation and an increasingly bold effort by advocates to keep Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac alive. Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Johnson, D-SD, and Ranking Member Mike Crapo, R-ID, announced to a packed committee chamber that they would delay consideration of S. 1217 in order “to build a larger coalition of support.”
The new FHFA director’s whirlwind first week resulted in widespread staffing cuts at the regulator and a dramatic change in leadership at the GSEs. So far, criticism has been muted.
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