Conservative critics of the housing-finance system say preserving the status quo is more likely than a release from conservatorship or a government monopoly.

By allowing the FHLBanks to once again provide credit enhancement for tax-exempt bonds, the bill’s sponsors hope it will reduce financing costs for community development in smaller municipalities.

The White House may face some opposition from its own party if it moves toward major GSE reform without Congress.

Freddie Mac taps a new CEO; Waters lashes out at Pulte; DOJ denies investigation into the FHFA director.

Industry observers note that, despite its bold pronouncements about a public offering for the GSEs, the Trump administration still has not addressed the key issues that make this a risky proposition.

Legislation could prompt a study by the GAO to see if a secondary market for securitizations of acquisition, development and construction loans would help increase the supply of new-built homes.

FHFA Director Bill Pulte’s decision to rescind or amend existing agency guidance on fair lending and fair housing requirements has muddled the compliance requirements for Fannie and Freddie.

Pershing Square founder Bill Ackman, who earlier this year pitched a swift end to the conservatorship, now says it could take as long as three years. He also has some near-term suggestions.

FHFA’s bid to reduce the GSEs’ low- and very-low-income benchmarks was praised by some lender groups, but disparaged by affordable housing advocates.

According to an analysis by a former FHFA economist, GSE market share ranges from 14.5% in Eagle Pass, TX, to 67.0% in Boulder, CO. Except for Puerto Rico, these disparities are widest in the South and Southwest.