Friday, September 11, 2009

Update on Proposed Bankruptcy Cramdown

At a House subcommittee meeting this week, Congressman Barney Frank stated that if the mortgage servicers do not act to stem the foreclosure crisis by modifying more mortgages, there would be an increased chance that Congress will enact bankruptcy laws allowing certain mortgage modifications. Frank stated that “the best lobbyists we have for getting bankruptcy legislation passed are the servicers who are not doing a very good job of getting mortgages modified.”

Frank reportedly told the Wall Street Journal that he intends to eventually include a mortgage modification provision in legislation that will overhaul the financial system. He also stated that legislation should address the problem of mortgage service's claiming lack of authority due to securitization. Frank also argued that proposed bankruptcy mortgage modification will not affect the flow of credit as it will be limited to mortgages already in existence.

It is also reported this week that Michigan Congressman John Conyers told a House panel that it is time to reconsider the proposed bankruptcy mortgage modification bill - the Helping Families Save Their Homes in Bankruptcy Act.

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