The House Committee on Rules recently unveiled text for the $1.75 trillion Build Back Better legislative framework, which would include $10 billion for a new first-generation downpayment assistance fund.

Mortgage industry stakeholders are on the same page with affordable housing and minority rights groups, at least when it comes to the FHFA’s proposal to require Fannie and Freddie to have concrete plans to improve equity in mortgage lending.

While some conservative and moderate Democrats have hinted that they’ll accept a substantially smaller infrastructure bill than originally planned, other key members of the party say housing must be part of the package.

The Downpayment Toward Equity Act, sponsored by Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-GA, would grant up to $25,000 in assistance to first-generation homebuyers. Its fate, though, depends on the final size of the Build Back Better Act.

The key concern among the industry is the GSEs’ reliance on loan-to-value ratios and debt-to-income ratios. They recommend Fannie and Freddie develop alternative underwriting criteria for low-income borrowers.

The industry trade group has announced a new policy initiative to help minority families build generational wealth through homeownership.

Trade groups run a victory lap over the Biden administration decision to end Trump-era restrictions on the GSEs.

Analysts speculate on the apparent choice of Mike Calhoun as FHFA director even though the White House has yet to formally nominate him.

Trade groups criticize funding mechanisms of Biden plans to promote affordable housing and fair lending while also saying the blueprints aren’t ambitious enough.

With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention no longer able to offer eviction protection to delinquent renters, the speculation now is whether the housing finance agencies will institute a moratorium of their own.