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In an early morning Friday July 28th vote, the Senate Republican leadership’s so-called “skinny” Affordable Care Act (ACA) repeal bill failed to gather the 50 votes required for passage. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and John McCain (R-AZ) sided with Democrats in a 49-51 roll call vote. Released a few hours before more»

On July 26, 2017, NAR, as part of a broad coalition of housing, lending, insurance and consumer groups, opposed a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) regulation barring lenders from accepting private flood insurance on FHA insured loans, and urged its immediate reversal. On the same day, NAR wrote the full Senate requesting support and co-sponsorship of S. more»

Fulfilling a portion of an executive order by President Donald Trump, the EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have released a proposal to rescind the Waters of the United States rule that expanded federal jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act. The proposal published in the Federal Register on Thursday, July 28 would nix the 2015 WOTUS rule and more»

NAR filed comments with the Federal Communications Commission on Monday July 17 urging the agency to maintain the Open Internet Order that was put into effect in 2015. This order creates rules establishing network neutrality. The FCC has proposed rolling back those rules and is currently seeking public comment. Net neutrality is shorthand for the concept more»

On July 19, 2017, NAR signed onto an industry coalition letter in support of the “Credit Score Competition Act,” introduced by Senators Scott (R-SC) and Warner (D-VA). The legislation would instruct Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to utilize newer, more predictive and inclusive credit models, which will responsible expand access to mortgage financing more»

On July 14, NAR, in coalition with other commercial real estate trade groups, sent a letter to the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, & Urban Affairs, providing them with a list of ways the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) can be improved to be more responsive and effective for commercial real estate. The Senate Banking Committee is currently more»

NAR commented on a Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Request for Information regarding the regulatory environment surrounding the individual and small group health insurance markets. A division of the Department of Health and Human Services, CMS was provided useful evidence on NAR’s unique self-employed and small business membership more»

On July 10, 2017 NAR submitted comments to the FHFA regarding the Agency's proposed “Duty to Serve Underserved Markets” Plans. Ensuring the continued availability of affordable mortgage credit to all qualified borrowers is an obligation of both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Without the affirmative obligation of either of the Enterprises to more»