On the recordMarch 10, 2011
Let me say this: I would prefer that this amendment notify all Americans, particularly taxpayers, that we are stopping a program that authorizes $8 billion worth of spending. Having said that, I think this is a good amendment. I know there may be Members who say they don't want to be contacted, but I will tell you this: People do call us from time to time, and they say, I'm having trouble with paying my mortgage. I'm facing foreclosure, and I can't get in touch with my lender or my servicer, and I'm not sure who I should talk to. We put them in communication many times with the servicer or the lender. We go further and actually help some of them with their applications. On 18 occasions this last year, we helped citizens with applications to lenders for modifications. I think it's a good service, particularly with the recession we have now. I think it's a far, far better approach than a government program that uses taxpayer dollars, because we are contacting the lender or the servicer, and that is who ought to talk to the borrower. That's who could have an obligation or who has an interest in working it out. On almost every occasion with the mortgages, it is in the interest of the borrower and the lender to work it out.
