II
113th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 1217
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
June 25, 2013
Mr. Corker (for himself, Mr. Warner, Mr. Johanns, Mr. Tester, Mr. Heller, Ms. Heitkamp, Mr. Moran, and Mrs. Hagan) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
A BILL
To provide secondary mortgage market reform, and for other purposes.
Short title; table of contents
Short title
This Act may be cited
as the
Housing Finance Reform and
Taxpayer Protection Act of 2013
.
Table of Contents
The table of contents for this Act is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Definitions.
TITLE I—Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation
Sec. 101. Establishment.
Sec. 102. Director.
Sec. 103. Board of Directors.
Sec. 104. Office of the Inspector General.
Sec. 105. Staff, experts, and consultants.
Sec. 106. Reports; testimony; audits.
Sec. 107. Initial funding.
TITLE II—Duties, Responsibilities, and Structure of the FMIC
Subtitle A—Duties and Authorities
Sec. 201. Duties and responsibilities of the FMIC.
Sec. 202. Standard form credit risk-sharing mechanisms, products, structures, contracts, or other security agreements.
Sec. 203. Mortgage Insurance Fund.
Sec. 204. Insurance.
Sec. 205. Authority to protect taxpayers in unusual and exigent market conditions.
Sec. 206. General powers.
Sec. 207. Exemptions.
Subtitle B—Oversight of market participants
Sec. 211. Approval of private mortgage insurers.
Sec. 212. Approval of servicers.
Sec. 213. Approval of issuers.
Sec. 214. Approval of bond guarantors.
Sec. 215. Authority to establish FMIC Mutual Securitization Company.
Sec. 216. Additional authority relating to oversight of market participants.
Sec. 217. Civil money penalties.
Sec. 218. Protection of privilege and other matters relating to disclosures by market participants.
Subtitle C—Transparency in market operations
Sec. 221. Review of loan documents; disclosures.
Sec. 222. Investor immunity.
Sec. 223. Uniform securitization agreements.
Sec. 224. Uniform mortgage database.
Sec. 225. Electronic registration of eligible mortgages.
Subtitle D—FMIC Structure
Sec. 231. Office of Underwriting.
Sec. 232. Office of Securitization.
Sec. 233. Office of Federal Home Loan Bank Supervision.
TITLE III—Transfer of powers, personnel, and property to FMIC from FHFA
Sec. 301. Powers and duties transferred.
Sec. 302. Transfer and rights of employees of the FHFA.
Sec. 303. Abolishment of FHFA.
Sec. 304. Transfer of property and facilities.
Sec. 305. Technical and conforming amendments.
TITLE IV—Improving transparency, accountability, and efficacy within affordable housing
Sec. 401. Affordable housing allocations.
Sec. 402. Housing Trust Fund.
Sec. 403. Capital Magnet Fund.
Sec. 404. Additional taxpayer protections.
TITLE V—Wind Down of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac
Sec. 501. Repeal of GSE charters.
Sec. 502. Wind down.
Sec. 503. Aligning purpose of conservatorship with FMIC.
Sec. 504. Conforming loan limits.
Sec. 505. Portfolio reduction.
Sec. 506. Repeal of mandatory housing goals.
TITLE VI—Improvements to functioning of housing market
Sec. 601. Continuation of multifamily business of the enterprises.
Sec. 602. Multiple lender issues.
Sec. 603. GAO report on full privatization of secondary mortgage market.
TITLE VII—General provisions
Sec. 701. Authority to issue regulations.
Sec. 702. Fair value accounting.
Sec. 703. Rule of construction.
Sec. 704. Severability.
Definitions
As used in this Act, the following definitions shall apply:
Approved bond guarantor
The term
approved bond guarantor
means any entity that provides credit
enhancement that is approved by the Corporation pursuant to section 214 to
guarantee the timely payment of principal and interest on securities
collateralized by eligible mortgages and insured by the Corporation.
Approved issuer
The term approved issuer
means an issuer
that is approved by the Corporation pursuant to section 213—
to issue covered securities; and
to purchase insurance offered by the Corporation pursuant to title II on a covered security for which first loss credit enhancement has been secured.
Approved private mortgage insurer
The term approved private
mortgage insurer
means an insurer that is approved by the Corporation
pursuant to section 211 to provide private mortgage insurance on eligible
mortgages.
Approved servicer
The term approved servicer
means a
servicer that is approved by the Corporation pursuant to section 212 to
administer eligible mortgages.
Area
The
term area
—
means a metropolitan statistical area as established by the Office of Management and Budget; and
for purposes of paragraph (11)(A)(ii), the median 1-family house price for an area shall be equal to the median 1-family house price of the county within the area that has the highest such median price.
Board; Board of Directors
The terms Board
and Board of
Directors
mean the Board of Directors of the Federal Mortgage Insurance
Corporation.
Charter
The term charter means—
with respect to the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act (12 U.S.C. 1716 et seq.); and
with respect to the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act (12 U.S.C. 1451 et seq.).
Corporation
The
term Corporation
means the Federal Mortgage Insurance
Corporation established under title I.
Covered security
The term covered security means a mortgage-backed security—
collateralized by eligible mortgages;
which is issued subject to a standard form credit-risk sharing mechanism, product, structure, contract, or other securitization agreement developed by the Corporation pursuant to title II; and
which is eligible for insurance by the Corporation pursuant to title II, which insurance is purchased by an approved issuer who issues covered securities.
Director
The
term Director
means the Director of the Federal Mortgage
Insurance Corporation, unless the context otherwise requires.
Eligible mortgage
The term eligible mortgage means a mortgage—
that is a
residential real estate loan secured by a property with 1 to 4 single family
units that has been originated in compliance with the provisions of section
1026 of title 12 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as promulgated by the
Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection pursuant to
section 129C(b) of the
Truth in Lending Act (
15 U.S.C. 1639c(b)
) (commonly referred to as the
Ability-to-Repay and Qualified Mortgage Rule
);
has a maximum original principal obligation amount that does not exceed the conforming loan limitation determined under section 504;
the outstanding principal balance of which at the time of purchase of insurance available under title II—
is less than 80 percent of the value of the property securing the mortgage;
is not less than 80 percent but not more than 85 percent of the value of the property securing the mortgage, provided that not less than 12 percent of the unpaid principal balance of the mortgage, accounting for any downpayment required under subparagraph (D), is insured by—
an approved private mortgage insurer; or
lender recourse or other credit enhancement that—
meets standards comparable to the standards required of private mortgage insurers under section 211; and
is approved by the Corporation;
is not less than 85 percent but not more than 90 percent of the value of the property securing the mortgage, provided that not less than 25 percent of the unpaid principal balance of the mortgage, accounting for any downpayment required under subparagraph (D), is insured by—
an approved private mortgage insurer; or
lender recourse or other credit enhancement that—
meets standards comparable to the standards required of private mortgage insurers under section 211; and
is approved by the Corporation; or
is not less than 90 percent but not more than 95 percent of the value of the property securing the mortgage, provided that not less than 30 percent of the unpaid principal balance of the mortgage, accounting for any downpayment required under subparagraph (D), is insured by—
an approved private mortgage insurer; or
lender recourse or other credit enhancement that—
meets standards comparable to the standards required of private mortgage insurers under section 211; and
is approved by the Corporation;
having a downpayment which shall be equal to not less than 5 percent of purchase price of the property securing the mortgage;
that is insured by an approved State licensed title insurance company;
that contains such terms and provisions with respect to insurance, property maintenance, repairs, alterations, payment of taxes, default, reserves, delinquency charges, foreclosure proceedings, anticipation of maturity, additional and secondary liens, and other matters, including matters that set forth terms and provisions for establishing escrow accounts, performing financial assessments, or limiting the amount of any payment made available under the mortgage as the Corporation may prescribe; and
that contains such other terms or characteristics as the Corporation, in consultation with the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, may determine necessary or appropriate.
Enterprise
The term enterprise means—
the Federal National Mortgage Association and any affiliate thereof; and
the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation and any affiliate thereof.
Federal banking agencies
The term—
Federal
banking agency
means, individually, the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Bureau of Consumer Financial
Protection, the National Credit Union Administration, the Securities and
Exchange Commission, the Commodities Futures Trading Commission, the Federal
Housing Finance Agency, and the Secretary of the Treasury; and
Federal
banking agencies
means all of the agencies referred to in subparagraph
(A), collectively.
Federal Home Loan Bank
The term Federal Home Loan Bank means a bank established under the authority of the Federal Home Loan Bank Act (12 U.S.C. 1421 et seq.).
Federal Home Loan Bank System
The term Federal Home Loan Bank System means the Federal Home Loan Banks and the Office of Finance and any authorized subsidiary of one or more Federal Home Loan Banks.
FMIC certification date
The term FMIC certification
date
means the date on which the Board of Directors certifies that the
Corporation is operational and able to perform the insurance functions for
covered securities as provided in this Act, which date shall be not later than
5 years after the date of enactment of this Act.
Insured depository institution
The term insured depository
institution
means—
an insured depository institution, as defined under section 3 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act ( 12 U.S.C. 1813 ); and
a credit union
that meets the definition of depository institution
as that term
is defined under
section 19(b) of the Federal Reserve Act (12 U.S.C.
461).
Senior Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement defined
The term Senior Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement means—
the Amended and Restated Senior Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement, dated September 26, 2008, as such Agreement has been amended on May 6, 2009, December 24, 2009, and August 17, 2012, respectively, and as such Agreement may be further amended and restated, entered into between the Department of the Treasury and each enterprise, as applicable; and
any provision of any certificate in connection with such Agreement creating or designating the terms, powers, preferences, privileges, limitations, or any other conditions of the Variable Liquidation Preference Senior Preferred Stock of an enterprise issued or sold pursuant to such Agreement.
Transfer date
The term transfer date
means the date that is
1 year after the date of enactment of this Act.
Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation
Establishment
Establishment
There is hereby established the Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation which shall have the powers hereinafter granted.
Purpose
The purpose of the Corporation shall be to—
provide liquidity, transparency, and access to mortgage credit by supporting a robust secondary mortgage market and the production of residential mortgage-backed securities; and
protect the taxpayer from having to absorb losses incurred in the secondary mortgage market during periods of economic stress.
Federal Status
The Corporation shall be an independent agency of the Federal Government.
Succession
The Corporation shall have succession until dissolved by Act of Congress.
Principal office
The Corporation shall maintain its principal office in the District of Columbia and shall be deemed, for purposes of venue in civil actions, to be a resident thereof.
Authority To establish other offices
The Corporation may establish such other offices in such other place or places as the Corporation may deem necessary or appropriate in the conduct of its business.
Prohibition
The Corporation shall not engage in mortgage origination.
Director
Establishment of position
There is established the position of the Director of the Corporation, who shall be the head of the Corporation.
Appointment; term
Appointment
The Director shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, from among individuals who—
are citizens of the United States; and
have a demonstrated technical, academic, or professional understanding of, and practical, disciplinary, vocational, or regulatory experience working in, the mortgage securities markets and housing finance.
Term
The Director shall be appointed for a term of 5 years, unless removed before the end of such term for cause by the President.
Vacancy
In general
A vacancy in the position of Director that occurs before the expiration of the term for which a Director was appointed shall be filled in the manner established under paragraph (1), and the Director appointed to fill such vacancy shall be appointed only for the remainder of such term.
Acting Director
Designation by the President
Eligible individuals
If the Senate has not confirmed a Director, the President may designate either the individual nominated, but not yet confirmed, for the position of Director or a member of the Board of Directors to serve as the Acting Director, and such Acting Director shall have all the rights, duties, powers, and responsibilities of the Director, until such time as a Director is confirmed by the Senate.
Limitation
No individual may serve concurrently as the Acting Director of the Corporation and the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency.
Service after end of term
An individual may serve as the Director after the expiration of the term for which appointed until a successor has been appointed.
Compensation
The Director shall be compensated at the rate prescribed for level II of the Executive Schedule under section 5313 of title 5, United States Code.
Rules of construction
No individual—
may serve concurrently as the Director of the Corporation and the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency; and
that has, at any time prior to, on, or after the date of enactment of this Act, served as the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency may serve as the Director of the Corporation.
Membership on FSOC
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act is amended—
in section 2, by amending paragraph (12)(E) to read as follows:
the Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation, with respect to—
the Mortgage Insurance Fund established under title II of the Housing Finance Reform and Taxpayer Protection Act of 2013 ; and
the Federal Home Loan Banks or the Federal Home Loan Bank System.
; and
in section
111(b)(1)(H), by striking
Director of the Federal Housing Finance
Agency
and inserting Chairperson of the Federal Mortgage
Insurance Corporation
.
Board of Directors
Board of Directors
Voting members
The management of the Corporation shall be vested in a Board of Directors consisting of 5 voting members—
1 of whom shall be the Director, who shall serve as Chairperson of the Board; and
4 of whom shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, from among individuals who are citizens of the United States—
1 of whom shall have demonstrated technical, academic, or professional understanding of, and practical, disciplinary, vocational, or regulatory experience working in, the field of asset management;
1 of whom shall have demonstrated technical, academic, or professional understanding of, and practical, disciplinary, vocational, or regulatory experience working in, mortgage insurance markets;
1 of whom shall have a demonstrated technical, academic, or professional understanding of, and practical, disciplinary, vocational, or regulatory experience working with, lenders having less than $10,000,000,000 in total assets; and
1 of whom shall have a demonstrated technical, academic, or professional understanding of, and practical, disciplinary, vocational, or regulatory experience working with, multifamily housing development.
Non-voting member
The President shall appoint the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency as an additional non-voting member of the Board of Directors. The Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency shall serve as non-voting member of the Board of Directors until such time as that position is abolished pursuant to title III.
Independence
In general
Each voting member of the Board of Directors shall be independent and neutral and maintain a fiduciary relationship to the Corporation in performing his or her duties.
Independence determination
In order to be considered independent for purposes of this paragraph, a voting member of the Board of Directors—
may not, other than in his or her capacity as a member of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof—
accept any consulting, advisory, or other compensatory fee from the Corporation; or
be a person associated with the Corporation or with any affiliated company thereof; and
shall be disqualified from any deliberation involving any transaction of the Corporation in which the member has a financial interest in the outcome of the transaction.
Rule of construction
No individual that has, at any time prior to, on, or after the date of enactment of this Act, served as the Director or Acting Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency may serve as a voting member of the Board of Directors.
Administration
Except as otherwise may provided in this Act, the Board of Directors shall administer the affairs of the Corporation fairly and impartially and without discrimination.
Consultation
The Board of Directors may, in carrying out any duty, responsibility, requirement, or action authorized under this Act, consult with the Federal banking agencies or any individual Federal banking agency, as the Board determines necessary and appropriate.
Terms
Appointed members
Each appointed voting member shall be appointed for a term of 5 years and shall serve on a full-time basis.
Interim appointments
Any voting member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring before the expiration of the term for which such member's predecessor was appointed shall be appointed only for the remainder of such term.
Continuation of service
The Chairperson and each appointed voting member may continue to serve after the expiration of the term of office to which such member was appointed until a successor has been appointed and qualified.
Vacancy
A vacancy in the voting membership of the Board of Directors shall not affect the powers of the Board, and shall be filled in the manner in which the original appointment was made.
Voting
A majority vote of all voting members of the Board of Directors is necessary to resolve all voting issues of the Corporation.
Meetings
The Board of Directors shall meet in accordance with the bylaws of the Corporation—
at the call of the Chairperson; and
not less frequently than once each month.
Quorum
Three voting members of the Board of Directors then in office shall constitute a quorum.
Bylaws
A majority of the voting members of the Board of Directors may amend the bylaws of the Corporation.
Attendance
Members of the Board of Directors may attend meetings of the Corporation and vote in person, via telephone conference, or via video conference.
Ineligibility for other offices during service
In general
No voting member of the Board of Directors may during the time such member is in office—
be an officer or director of any insured depository institution, depository institution holding company, Federal Reserve bank, Federal home loan bank, approved servicer, approved private mortgage insurer, institution that originates eligible mortgages, or institution that issues a covered security; or
hold stock or a controlling interest in any insured depository institution or depository institution holding company, approved servicer, approved private mortgage insurer, institution that originates eligible mortgages, or institution that issues a covered security.
Certification
Upon taking office, each voting member of the Board of Directors shall certify under oath that such member has complied with this subsection and such certification shall be filed with the secretary of the Board of Directors.
Status of employees
In general
A director, member, officer, or employee of the Corporation has no liability under the Securities Act of 1933 (15 U.S.C. 77a et seq.) with respect to any claim arising out of or resulting from any act or omission by such person within the scope of such person's employment in connection with any transaction involving the Corporation. This subsection shall not be construed to limit personal liability for criminal acts or omissions, willful or malicious misconduct, acts or omissions for private gain, or any other acts or omissions outside the scope of such person's employment.
Effect on other law
In general
This subsection does not affect—
any other immunities and protections that may be available to such person under applicable law with respect to such transactions; or
any other right or remedy against the Corporation, against the United States under applicable law, or against any person other than a person described in paragraph (1) participating in such transactions.
Rule of construction
This subsection shall not be construed to limit or alter in any way the immunities that are available under applicable law for Federal officials and employees not described in this subsection.
Office of the Inspector General
Office of Inspector General
In general
There is established the Office of the Inspector General
of the Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation. The head of the Office of the
Inspector General of the Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation is the
Inspector General of the Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation (in this
section referred to as the Inspector General
), who shall be
appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the
Senate.
Additional responsibilities
In addition to carrying out the requirements established under the Inspector General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.), the Inspector General shall—
conduct, supervise, and coordinate audits and investigations relating to the programs and operations of the Corporation—
to ensure that the first loss position that the Corporation requires of private market holders of covered securities insured under this Act is adequate to cover losses that might be incurred as a result of adverse economic conditions, wherein such conditions are generally consistent with the economic conditions, including national home price declines, observed in the United States during moderate to severe recessions experienced during the last 100 years; and
with respect to the—
oversight and supervision of the Federal Home Loan Banks and the Federal Home Loan Bank System; and
the contracting practices and procedures of the Corporation; and
recommend policies for the purpose of addressing any deficiencies, inefficiencies, gaps, or failures in the administration of such programs and operations.
Inspector General report; report of independent actuary
Beginning 1 year after the FMIC certification date, and annually thereafter, the Inspector General and an independent actuary contracted for by the Director shall each conduct an examination and issue a separate report regarding—
the adequacy of insurance fees charged by the Board of Directors under title II; and
the adequacy of the Mortgage Insurance Fund established under title II.
Amendments to Inspector General Act of 1978
Section 11 of the Inspector General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.) is amended—
in paragraph (1),
by inserting Chairperson of the Federal Mortgage Insurance
Corporation;
after the Director of the Federal Housing Finance
Agency;
; and
in paragraph (2),
by inserting the Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation,
after
the Federal Housing Finance Agency,
.
Compensation
The annual rate of basic pay of the Inspector General shall be the annual rate of basic pay provided for positions at level III of the Executive Schedule under section 5314 of title 5, United States Code.
Staff, experts, and consultants
Compensation
In general
The Board of Directors may appoint and fix the compensation of such officers, attorneys, economists, examiners, and other employees as may be necessary for carrying out the functions of the Corporation.
Rates of pay
Rates of basic pay and the total amount of compensation and benefits for all employees of the Corporation may be—
set and adjusted by the Board of Directors without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 or subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code; and
reasonably increased, notwithstanding any limitation set forth in paragraph (3), if the Board of Directors determines such increases are necessary to attract and hire qualified employees.
Parity
The Board of Directors may provide additional compensation and benefits to employees of the Corporation, of the same type of compensation or benefits that are then being provided by any agency referred to under section 1206 of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 (12 U.S.C. 1833b) or, if not then being provided, could be provided by such an agency under applicable provisions of law, rule, or regulation. In setting and adjusting the total amount of compensation and benefits for employees, the Board of Directors shall consult with and seek to maintain comparability with the agencies referred to under section 1206 of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 ( 12 U.S.C. 1833b ).
Detail of government employees
Upon the request of the Board of Directors, any Federal Government employee may be detailed to the Corporation without reimbursement, and such detail shall be without interruption or loss of civil service status or privilege.
Experts and consultants
The Board of Directors may procure the services of experts and consultants as the Board considers necessary or appropriate.
Technical and professional advisory committees
The Board of Directors may appoint such special advisory, technical, or professional committees as may be useful in carrying out the functions of the Corporation.
Reports; testimony; audits
Reports
In general
The Corporation shall submit, on an annual basis, to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives a written report of its operations, activities, budget, receipts, and expenditures for the preceding 12-month period.
Contents of report
The report required under subsection (a) shall include an analysis of—
with respect to the Mortgage Insurance Fund established under section 203—
the current financial condition of the Mortgage Insurance Fund;
the exposure of the Mortgage Insurance Fund to changes in those economic factors most likely to affect the condition of that fund;
a current estimate of the resources needed for the Mortgage Insurance Fund to achieve the purposes of this Act; and
any findings, conclusions, and recommendations for legislative and administrative actions considered appropriate to the future activities of the Corporation;
the secondary mortgage market, the housing market, and the economy, including through use of stress tests, and how such analysis was used to determine and set the reserve ratio for the Mortgage Insurance Fund for the preceding 12-month period;
whether or not the actual reserve ratio of the Mortgage Insurance Fund met—
the reserve ratio set for the preceding 12-month period; or
the reserve ratio goals established in section 203(e);
how the Corporation intends to ensure that the goals set for the reserve ratio for the Mortgage Insurance Fund are to be met and maintained for the next 12-month period, and such analysis shall include a detailed and descriptive plan of the actions that the Corporation intends to take pursuant to its authorities under this Act;
how the Corporation has provided liquidity, transparency, and access to mortgage credit in its support of a robust secondary mortgage market and the production of residential mortgage-backed securities;
the state of the private label mortgage-backed securities market, and such analysis shall include the submission of a reasonable set of administrative, regulatory, and legislative proposals on how to limit the Federal Government's footprint in the secondary mortgage market;
the effect that further decreases in loan limits would have on the secondary mortgage market, the housing market, and the economy; and
the state of the global covered bond market.
Testimony
The Chairperson of the Corporation, on a biannual basis, shall provide testimony to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives.
Audit of Corporation
Annual audit
The Comptroller General of the United States shall annually audit the financial transactions of the Corporation in accordance with the United States generally accepted government auditing standards as may be prescribed by the Comptroller General.
Place of audit
The audit required under this subsection shall be conducted at the place or places where accounts of the Corporation are normally kept.
Access
The representatives of the Comptroller General shall have access to the personnel and to all books, accounts, documents, papers, records (including electronic records), reports, files, and all other papers, automated data, or property belonging to or under the control of or used or employed by the Corporation pertaining to its financial transactions and necessary to facilitate the audit required under this subsection, and such representatives shall be afforded full facilities for verifying transactions with the balances or securities held by depositories, fiscal agents, and custodians.
Possession and custody
All such books, accounts, documents, records, reports, files, papers, and property of the Corporation used to carry out the audit required under this subsection shall remain in the possession and custody of the Corporation.
Permissible duplication
The Comptroller General may obtain and duplicate any such books, accounts, documents, records, working papers, automated data and files, or other information relevant to such audit without cost to the Comptroller General and the Comptroller General’s right of access to such information shall be enforceable pursuant to section 716(c) of title 31, United States Code.
Report
Submission to Congress
The Comptroller General shall submit to Congress a report of each annual audit conducted under this subsection.
Required content
The report to Congress required under subparagraph (A) shall—
set forth the scope of the audit; and
include—
the statement of assets and liabilities and surplus or deficit;
the statement of income and expenses;
the statement of sources and application of funds; and
such comments and information as the Comptroller General may deem necessary to inform Congress of the financial operations and condition of the Corporation, together with such recommendations with respect thereto as the Comptroller General may deem advisable.
Copies
A copy of each report required under subparagraph (A) shall be furnished to the President and to the Chairperson of the Corporation at the time such report is submitted to the Congress.
Assistance and costs
Permitted use of outside assistance
For the purpose of conducting an audit under this subsection, the Comptroller General may employ by contract, without regard to section 3709 of the Revised Statutes of the United States (41 U.S.C. 5), professional services of firms and organizations of certified public accountants for temporary periods or for special purposes.
Cost of audit covered by Corporation
In general
Upon the request of the Comptroller General, the Chairperson of the Corporation shall transfer to the Comptroller General from funds available, the amount requested by the Comptroller General to cover the reasonable costs of any audit and report conducted by the Comptroller General pursuant to this subsection.
Credit of funds
The Comptroller General shall credit funds transferred under clause (i) to the account at the Treasury established for salaries and expenses of the Government Accountability Office, and such amounts shall be available upon receipt and without fiscal year limitation to cover the full costs of the audit and report.
Initial funding
In general
Section 1316 of the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 (12 U.S.C. 4516) is amended by adding at the end the following:
Annual assessments relating to initial funding of the FMIC
Notwithstanding title V of the Housing Finance Reform and Taxpayer Protection Act of 2013 or any other provision of law, for the period beginning on the date of enactment of this subsection and ending on the FMIC certification date (as that date is set forth under section 2(16) of the Housing Finance Reform and Taxpayer Protection Act of 2013 , the Director, in consultation with the Chairperson of the Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation, shall establish and collect from the enterprises annual assessments in addition to those required under subsection (a) in an amount not exceeding the amount sufficient to provide for the reasonable costs (including administrative costs) and expenses of the Corporation. All amounts collected under this subsection shall be transferred to the Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation. The annual assessment shall be payable semiannually for each fiscal year, on October 1 and April 1.
.
Treatment of assessments
Deposit
Amounts received by the Corporation from assessments imposed under section 1316(i) of the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 shall be deposited by the Corporation in the manner provided in section 5234 of the Revised Statutes of the United States ( 12 U.S.C. 192 ) for monies deposited by the Comptroller of the Currency.
Not government funds
The amounts received by the Corporation from any assessment imposed under section 1316(i) of the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 shall not be construed to be Government or public funds or appropriated money.
No apportionment of funds
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the amounts received by the Corporation from any assessment imposed under section 1316(i) of the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 shall not be subject to apportionment for the purpose of chapter 15 of title 31, United States Code, or under any other authority.
Use of funds
In general
The Corporation may use any amounts received from assessments imposed under section 1316(i) of the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992—
for compensation of the employees of the Corporation; and
for all other expenses of the Corporation.
Treasury investments
The Corporation may request the Secretary of the Treasury to invest such portions of amounts received from assessments imposed under section 1316(i) of the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 that, in the discretion of the Corporation, are not required to meet the current working needs of the Corporation.
Government obligations
Pursuant to a request under subparagraph (B), the Secretary of the Treasury shall invest such amounts in Government obligations—
guaranteed as to principal and interest by the United States with maturities suitable to the needs of the Corporation; and
bearing interest at a rate determined by the Secretary of the Treasury taking into consideration current market yields on outstanding marketable obligations of the United States of comparable maturity.
Duties, Responsibilities, and Structure of the FMIC
Duties and Authorities
Duties and responsibilities of the FMIC
Duties
The principal duties of the Corporation shall be to—
carry out this Act in a manner that—
minimizes any potential long-term negative cost on the taxpayer; and
ensures, to the maximum extent possible—
a liquid and resilient housing finance market; and
the availability of mortgage credit;
develop standard form credit risk-sharing mechanisms, products, structures, contracts, or other security agreements that require private market holders of a covered security insured under this Act to assume the first loss position with respect to losses incurred on such securities;
provide insurance on any covered security for which private market holders of such security have assumed the first loss position with respect to losses that may be incurred on such security in order to provide a liquid and resilient housing finance market;
provide leadership to the housing finance market to help ensure that all geographic locations have access to mortgage credit;
charge and collect fees in exchange for providing such insurance, whereby such fees shall be sufficient to protect the taxpayer from the risk of providing such insurance and to fund the activities and operations of the Corporation;
establish and maintain a Mortgage Insurance Fund;
facilitate securitization of eligible mortgages originated by credit unions and community and mid-size banks without securitization capabilities;
ensure discipline and integrity in the market for covered securities by setting standards for the approval of private mortgage insurers, servicers, issuers, and bond guarantors;
establish, operate, and maintain a database for the collection, public use, and dissemination of uniform loan level information on eligible mortgages;
develop, adopt, and publish standard uniform securitization agreements for covered securities;
establish, operate, and maintain an electronic registry system for eligible mortgages that collateralize covered securities insured under this Act;
oversee and supervise the common securitization platform developed by the business entity announced by the Federal Housing Finance Agency and established by the enterprises; and
ensure that credit unions and community and mid-size banks—
have equal access to any such common securitization platform and any other securitization platforms; and
are not, in their access or use of such platforms, discriminated against through discounts for volume pricing or other mechanisms.
Scope of authority
The authority of the Corporation shall include the authority to exercise such incidental powers as may be necessary or appropriate to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of the Corporation set forth under subsection (a).
Delegation of authority
The Board of Directors may delegate to officers and employees of the Corporation any of the functions, powers, or duties of the Corporation, as the Board of Directors determines appropriate.
Standard form credit risk-sharing mechanisms, products, structures, contracts, or other security agreements
Requirements; share of loss; diversity
Pursuant to section 201(a)(2), the Corporation shall develop standard form credit-risk sharing mechanisms, products, structures, contracts, or other security agreements which shall require that the first loss position of private market holders of a covered security insured under this Act—
is adequate to cover losses that might be incurred as a result of adverse economic conditions, wherein such conditions are generally consistent with the economic conditions, including national home price declines, observed in the United States during moderate to severe recessions experienced during the last 100 years; and
is not less than 10 percent of the principal or face value of the covered security.
Development window for risk-Sharing mechanisms
In general
The Corporation shall complete the development and implementation of the mechanisms, products, structures, contracts, or other security agreements required under subsection (a) not later than 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act.
Examination of various mechanisms
In developing the mechanisms, products, structures, contracts, or other security agreements required under subsection (a), the Corporation shall—
examine proposals that include a senior-subordinated deal structure, credit-linked structures, and the use of regulated guarantors with sufficient equity capital to absorb losses associated with moderate or severe economic downturns;
consider any risk-sharing mechanisms, products, structures, contracts, or other security agreements undertaken by the business entity announced by the Federal Housing Finance Agency and established by the enterprises to provide a common securitization platform for issuers in the secondary mortgage market;
consider how each proposed mechanism, product, structure, contract, or other security agreement—
minimizes any potential long-term negative cost to the taxpayer;
impacts the availability of mortgage credit for—
small financial institutions, such as credit unions and community and mid-size banks; and
consumers;
influences mortgage affordability;
allows for loan modifications and foreclosure prevention alternatives;
interacts with the To-Be-Announced market; and
facilitates market liquidity and resiliency; and
ensure that lenders of all sizes and from all geographic locations, including rural locations, have equitable access to secondary mortgage market financing.
Report
In general
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter until the end of the 5-year period provided in paragraph (1), the Corporation shall submit a report to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives that—
details the benefits and drawbacks of each mechanism, product, structure, contract, or other security agreement that the Director considered in carrying out the requirement of this section;
describes the operation and execution of any mechanisms, products, structures, contracts, or other security agreements that the Director determines best fulfills the requirements of this section; and
explains how the Corporation arrived at the determination made under clause (ii).
Subsequent reports
After the expiration of the 5-year period provided in paragraph (1) and the submission of the report required under subparagraph (A), each time the Corporation develops an additional standard form credit risk-sharing mechanism, product, structure, contract, or other security agreement that fulfills the requirements of this section, the Corporation shall submit a report to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives addressing the identical concerns set forth under clauses (i) through (iii) of subparagraph (A).
Mortgage Insurance Fund
Establishment
There is established the Mortgage Insurance Fund, which the Corporation shall—
maintain and administer; and
use to cover losses incurred on covered securities insured under this Act, when such losses exceed the first position losses absorbed by private market holders of such securities.
Deposits
The Mortgage Insurance Fund shall be credited with any—
insurance fee amounts required to be deposited in the Fund under this section;
guarantee fee amounts collected under section 601; and
amounts earned on investments pursuant to subsection (h).
Fiduciary responsibility
The Corporation has the responsibility to ensure that the Mortgage Insurance Fund remains financially sound.
Use
In general
The Mortgage Insurance Fund shall be solely available to the Corporation for use by the Corporation to carry out the functions authorized by this Act and may not be used or otherwise diverted to cover any other expense of the Federal Government.
Exemption from apportionment
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, amounts received by the Mortgage Insurance Fund pursuant to any fees collected under this section shall not be subject to apportionment for the purposes of chapter 15 of title 31, United States Code, or under any other authority.
Reserve ratio goals for Mortgage Insurance Fund
The Corporation shall endeavor to ensure that the Mortgage Insurance Fund attains a reserve balance—
of 1.25 percent of the sum of the outstanding principal balance of the covered securities for which insurance is being provided under this title within 5 years of the FMIC certification date, and to strive to maintain such ratio thereafter, subject to subparagraph (B); and
of 2.50 percent of the sum of the outstanding principal balance of the covered securities for which insurance is being provided under this title within 10 years of the FMIC certification date, and to strive to maintain such ratio at all times thereafter.
Maintenance of reserve ratio; establishment of fees
Establishment of fees
The Corporation shall charge and collect a fee, and may in its discretion increase or decrease such fee, in connection with any insurance provided under this title to—
achieve and maintain the reserve ratio goals established under subsection (e);
achieve such reserve ratio goals, if the actual balance of such reserve is below the goal amounts established under subsection (e); and
fund the operations of the Corporation.
Fee considerations
In exercising the authority granted under paragraph (1), the Corporation shall consider—
the expected operating expenses of the Mortgage Insurance Fund;
the risk of loss to the Mortgage Insurance Fund in carrying out the requirements under this Act;
the risk presented by, and the loss absorption capacity of, the credit enhancement that is provided on the pool of eligible mortgages collateralizing the covered security to be insured under this title;
economic conditions generally affecting the mortgage markets;
the extent to which the reserve ratio of the Mortgage Insurance Fund met—
the reserve ratio set for the preceding 12-month period; or
the reserve ratio goals established in subsection (e); and
any other factor that the Corporation determines appropriate.
Fee Uniformity
The fee required under paragraph (1)—
shall be set at a uniform amount applicable to all institutions purchasing insurance under this title;
may not vary—
by geographic location; or
by the size of the institution to which the fee is charged; and
may not be based on the volume of insurance to be purchased by an approved issuer.
Deposit into Mortgage Insurance Fund
Any fee amounts collected under this subsection shall be deposited in the Mortgage Insurance Fund.
Full Faith and Credit
The full faith and credit of the United States is pledged to the payment of all amounts from the Mortgage Insurance Fund which may be required to be paid under any insurance provided under this title.
Investments
Amounts in the Mortgage Insurance Fund that are not otherwise employed—
shall be invested in obligations of the United States; and
may not be invested in any covered security insured under this Act.
Insurance
Authority
The Corporation shall, upon application and in exchange for a fee in accordance with section 203(f), insure the payment of principal and interest on a covered security with respect to losses that may be incurred on such security.
Precondition; ensuring placement of first loss capital
The Corporation shall develop standards and processes to ensure that prior to making any commitment to provide insurance under this section that private market holders have taken first loss position in a covered security and that such holders have sufficient capital to cover their risk-sharing obligations.
Cash payments; continued operations
In the event of a payment default on an eligible mortgage that collateralizes a covered security insured under this section that exceeds the first loss position assumed by a private market holder or that, in the case of an approved bond guarantor, if the guarantor has become insolvent, the Corporation shall—
pay, in cash when due, any shortfalls in payment of principal and interest under the eligible mortgage; and
continue to charge and collect any fees for the provision of insurance (in accordance with section 203(f)) relating to the covered security.
Full faith and credit
The full faith and credit of the United States is pledged to the payment of all amounts which may be required to be paid under any insurance provided under this section.
Prohibition on Federal assistance
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no Federal funds may be used to purchase or guarantee obligations of, issue lines of credit to, provide direct or indirect access to any financing provided by the United States Government to, or provide direct or indirect grants and aid to any private market holder of the first loss position on a covered security which, on or after the date of enactment of this Act, has defaulted on its obligations, is at risk of defaulting, or is likely to default, absent such assistance from the United States Government.
Authority to protect taxpayers in unusual and exigent market conditions
In general
If the Corporation, upon the written agreement of the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Secretary of the Treasury, and in consultation with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, determines that unusual and exigent circumstances have created or threatened to create an anomalous lack of mortgage credit availability within the housing markets that could materially and severely disrupt the functioning of the housing finance system of the United States, the Corporation may, for a period not to exceed 6 months, provide insurance in accord with section 204 to any covered security regardless of whether such security has satisfied the requirements of section 202(a).
Considerations
In exercising the authority granted under subsection (a), the Corporation shall consider the severity of the conditions present in the housing markets and the risks presented to the Mortgage Insurance Fund in exercising such authority.
Limitation
The authority granted to the Corporation under subsection (a) may not be exercised more than once in any given 3-year period.
General powers
Corporate powers
The Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation shall have power—
to adopt, alter, and use a corporate seal, which shall be judicially noticed;
to enter into and perform contracts, leases, cooperative agreements, or other transactions, on such terms as it may deem appropriate, with any agency or instrumentality of the United States, or with any State, Territory, or possession, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or with any political subdivision thereof, or with any person, firm, association, or corporation;
to execute, in accordance with its bylaws, all instruments necessary or appropriate in the exercise of any of its powers;
in its corporate name, to sue and to be sued, and to complain and to defend, in any court of competent jurisdiction, State or Federal, but no attachment, injunction, or other similar process, mesne or final, shall be issued against the property of the Corporation;
to conduct its business without regard to any qualification or similar statute in any State of the United States, including the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the Territories and possessions of the United States;
to lease, purchase, or acquire any property, real, personal, or mixed, or any interest therein, to hold, rent, maintain, modernize, renovate, improve, use, and operate such property, and to sell, for cash or credit, lease, or otherwise dispose of the same, at such time and in such manner as and to the extent that it may deem necessary or appropriate;
to prescribe, repeal, and amend or modify, rules, regulations, or requirements governing the manner in which its general business may be conducted;
to accept gifts or donations of services, or of property, real, personal, or mixed, tangible, or intangible, in aid of any of its purposes; and
to do all things as are necessary or incidental to the proper management of its affairs and the proper conduct of its business.
Expenditures
Except as may be otherwise provided in this title, in chapter 91 of title 31, United States Code, or in other laws specifically applicable to Government corporations, the Corporation shall determine the necessity for, and the character and amount of its obligations and expenditures, and the manner in which they shall be incurred, allowed, paid, and accounted for.
Exemption from certain taxes
The Corporation, including its franchise, capital, reserves, surplus, mortgages or other security holdings, and income shall be exempt from all taxation now or hereafter imposed by the United States, by any territory, dependency, or possession thereof, or by any State, county, municipality, or local taxing authority, except that any real property of the Corporation shall be subject to State, territorial, county, municipal, or local taxation to the same extent according to its value as other real property is taxed.
Exclusive use of name
No individual, association, partnership, or corporation,
except the bodies corporate named under section 101, shall hereafter use the
words Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation
or any combination
of such words, as the name or a part thereof under which the individual,
association, partnership, or corporation shall do business. Violations of the
foregoing sentence may be enjoined by any court of general jurisdiction at the
suit of the proper body corporate. In any such suit, the plaintiff may recover
any actual damages flowing from such violation, and, in addition, shall be
entitled to punitive damages (regardless of the existence or nonexistence of
actual damages) of not exceeding $100 for each day during which such violation
is committed or repeated.
Fiscal agents
The Federal Reserve banks are authorized and directed to act as depositories, custodians, and fiscal agents for each of the bodies corporate named in section 101, for its own account or as fiduciary, and such banks shall be reimbursed for such services in such manner as may be agreed upon; and each of such bodies corporate may itself act in such capacities, for its own account or as fiduciary, and for the account of others.
Exemptions
Securities exempt from SEC regulation
In general
All covered securities insured or guaranteed by the Corporation shall, to the same extent as securities that are direct obligations of or obligations guaranteed as to principal or interest by the United States, be deemed to be exempt securities within the meaning of the laws administered by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Conforming amendment
The first sentence
of
section 3(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933 (
15 U.S.C. 77c(a)(2)
) is
amended by inserting or any covered security, as such term is defined
under section 2(9) of the Housing Finance
Reform and Taxpayer Protection Act of 2013
;
after
Federal Reserve bank;
.
QRM exemption
Section 15G(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ( 15 U.S.C. 78o–11(e) ) is amended—
in paragraph (3)(B)—
by striking
Association, the
and inserting Association and
the
; and
by striking
and the Federal home loan banks
; and
by adding at the end the following:
Covered securities insured by the Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation
Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the requirements of this section shall not apply to any covered security, as such term is defined under section 2(9) of the Housing Finance Reform and Taxpayer Protection Act of 2013 , insured or guaranteed by the Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation or any institution that is subject to the supervision of the Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation.
.
Oversight of market participants
Approval of private mortgage insurers
Standards for approval of private mortgage insurers
In general
The Corporation shall develop, adopt, and publish standards for the approval by the Corporation of private mortgage insurers to provide private mortgage insurance on eligible mortgages.
Required standards
The standards required under paragraph (1) shall include—
the financial history and condition of the insurer;
the adequacy of the insurer's capital structure, including whether the insurer has sufficient capital to cover the first loss insurance obligations it assumes under this Act and that might be incurred in a period of economic stress, including, but not limited to, any period of economic stress that would result in a 30 percent (or greater) national home price decline;
the general character and fitness of the management of the insurer, including compliance history with Federal and State laws;
the risk presented by such insurer to the Mortgage Insurance Fund;
the adequacy of insurance and fidelity coverage of the insurer;
a requirement that the insurer submit audited financial statements to the Director; and
any other standard the Corporation determines necessary or appropriate.
Application and approval
Application process
The Corporation shall establish an application process, in such form and manner and requiring such information as the Corporation may require, for the approval of private mortgage insurers under this section.
Approval
The Corporation may approve any application made pursuant to paragraph (1) provided the private mortgage insurer meets the standards adopted under subsection (a).
Publication
The Corporation shall—
publish in the Federal Register a list of newly approved private mortgage insurers; and
maintain an updated list of approved private mortgage insurers on the website of the Corporation.
Review, suspension, and revocation of approved status
In general
The Corporation may review the status of any approved private mortgage insurer if the Corporation is notified of or becomes aware of any violation by the insurer of this Act or the rules promulgated pursuant to this Act.
Suspension or Revocation
Corporation authority
If the Corporation determines, in a review pursuant to paragraph (1), that an approved private mortgage insurer no longer meets the standards for approval, the Corporation may suspend or revoke the approved status of such insurer.
Rule of construction
The suspension or revocation of an approved private mortgage insurer's approved status under this paragraph shall have no effect on the status of any covered security.
Publication
The Corporation shall—
publish in the Federal Register a list of any approved private mortgage insurers who lost their approved status; and
maintain an updated list of such insurers on the website of the Corporation.
Appeals
In general
Appeals of denials of application
A private mortgage insurer who submits an application under subsection (b)(1) to become an approved private mortgage insurer may appeal a decision of the Corporation denying such application.
Appeals of denials of benefits or suspensions of participation
An approved private mortgage insurer may appeal a decision of the Corporation suspending or revoking the approved status of such insurer.
Filing of appeal
Any insurer who files an appeal under paragraph (1) shall file the appeal with the Corporation not later than 90 days after the date on which the person receives notice of the decision of the Corporation being appealed.
Final determination
The Corporation shall make a final determination with respect to an appeal under paragraph (1) not later than 180 days after the date on which the appeal is filed under paragraph (2).
Avoidance of conflicts of interest
With respect to any eligible mortgage collateralizing a covered security insured under this Act, an approved private mortgage insurer may not provide insurance both—
in satisfaction of the credit enhancement required under section 2(11)(C); and
to cover the first loss position of private market holders of such covered security.
Approval of servicers
Standards for approval of servicers
In general
The Corporation shall develop, adopt, and publish standards for the approval by the Corporation of servicers to administer eligible mortgages, including standards with respect to—
the collection and forwarding of principal and interest payments;
the maintenance of escrow accounts;
the collection and payment of taxes and insurance premiums;
the maintenance of records on eligible mortgages;
the establishment of foreclosure loss mitigation programs that seek to enhance investor value and prevent, to greatest extent possible, the need to trigger any claim on insurance offered by the Corporation pursuant to this title;
the advancement of principal and interest payments to investors in the case of a delinquency by a borrower until such time as the borrower has made all payments in arrears or the property securing the eligible mortgage has been liquidated; and
implementing the terms of any loss mitigation and foreclosure prevention as required by a uniform securitization agreement developed under section 223.
Additional required standards
The standards required under paragraph (1) shall also include—
the financial history and condition of the servicer;
the general character and fitness of the management of the servicer, including compliance history with Federal and State laws;
the risk presented by such servicer to the Mortgage Insurance Fund;
a requirement that the servicer submit audited financial statements to the Corporation; and
any other standard the Corporation determines necessary or appropriate.
Coordination with other regulators
In developing the standards required under paragraph (1), the Corporation shall—
coordinate with the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection; and
to the extent the Corporation determines practical and appropriate, shall coordinate with the other Federal banking agencies.
Application and approval
Application process
The Corporation shall establish an application process—
in such form and manner and requiring such information as the Corporation may require, for the approval of servicers under this section; and
that does not discriminate against or otherwise disadvantage small servicers.
Approval
The Corporation may approve any application made pursuant to paragraph (1) provided the servicer meets the standards adopted under subsection (a).
Publication
The Corporation shall—
publish in the Federal Register a list of newly approved servicers; and
maintain an updated list of approved servicers on the website of the Corporation.
Review, suspension, and revocation of approved status
In general
The Corporation may review the status of any approved servicer if the Corporation is notified of or becomes aware of any violation by the servicer of this Act or the rules promulgated pursuant to this Act, including any failure by an approved servicer to comply with terms set forth in any uniform securitization agreement developed under section 223.
Suspension or Revocation
Corporation authority
If the Corporation determines, in a review pursuant to paragraph (1), that an approved servicer no longer meets the standards for approval, the Corporation may suspend or revoke the approved status of such servicer.
Rule of construction
The suspension or revocation of an approved servicer's approved status under this paragraph shall have no effect on the status of any covered security.
Publication
The Corporation shall—
publish in the Federal Register a list of any approved servicers who lost their approved status; and
maintain an updated list of such servicers on the website of the Corporation.
Appeals
In general
Appeals of denials of application
A servicer who submits an application under subsection (b)(1) to become an approved servicer may appeal a decision of the Corporation denying such application.
Appeals of denials of benefits or suspensions of participation
An approved servicer may appeal a decision of the Corporation suspending or revoking the approved status of such servicer.
Filing of appeal
Any servicer who files an appeal under paragraph (1) shall file the appeal with the Corporation not later than 90 days after the date on which the person receives notice of the decision of the Corporation being appealed.
Final determination
The Corporation shall make a final determination with respect to an appeal under paragraph (1) not later than 180 days after the date on which the appeal is filed under paragraph (2).
Petitions for change of servicer by private market holders
The Corporation shall develop a process by which private market holders of the first loss position in a covered security may petition the Corporation for a change in approved servicers if the private market holders can demonstrate that their current approved servicer has failed to appropriately protect their investment, including by failing to meet any standard identified under subsection (a)(1).
Approval of issuers
Standards for approval of issuers
In general
The Corporation shall develop, adopt, and publish standards for the approval by the Corporation of issuers to issue covered securities, including standards with respect to an issuer's ability to—
aggregate eligible mortgage loans into pools;
securitize eligible mortgage loans for sale to private investors as a covered security;
transfer investment risk and credit to private market participants in accordance with the risk-sharing mechanisms developed by the Corporation under section 202;
ensure equitable access to the secondary mortgage market for covered securities for all institutions regardless of size or geographic location;
create mechanisms for multi-lender pools; and
ensure that eligible mortgage loans that collateralize a covered security insured under this title are originated in compliance with the requirements of this Act.
Additional required standards
The standards required under paragraph (1) shall also include—
the financial history and condition of the issuer;
the adequacy of the capital structure of the issuer;
the general character and fitness of the management of the issuer, including compliance history with Federal and State laws;
the risk presented by such issuer to the Mortgage Insurance Fund;
the adequacy of insurance and fidelity coverage of the issuer;
a requirement that the issuer submit audited financial statements to the Corporation;
the capacity of the issuer to secure first loss credit enhancement; and
any other standard the Corporation determines necessary or appropriate.
Application and approval
Application process
In general
The Corporation shall establish an application process, in such form and manner and requiring such information as the Corporation may require, for the approval of issuers under this section.
Application process for insured depository institutions
If an insured depository institution seeks to become an approved issuer under this section, such institution may only submit its application via a separately capitalized affiliate or subsidiary.
Approval
The Corporation—
may approve—
any application made pursuant to paragraph (1) provided the issuer meets the standards adopted under subsection (a); and
any application to become an approved issuer made by the Federal Home Loan Bank System; and
shall ensure that at least one issuer approved to issue covered securities under this section is dedicated to serving the securitization needs of credit unions and community and mid-size banks without securitization capabilities.
Publication
The Corporation shall—
publish in the Federal Register a list of newly approved issuers; and
maintain an updated list of approved issuers on the website of the Corporation.
Federal Home Loan Bank System
In general
If the Federal Home Loan Bank System is approved by the Corporation to become an approved issuer under this section, the Corporation shall—
develop a process by which each individual Federal Home Loan Bank may elect not to engage or otherwise contribute to any activity practiced by the Federal Home Loan Bank System as an approved issuer;
ensure that, notwithstanding section 11 of the Federal Home Loan Bank Act ( 12 U.S.C. 1431 ), any covered securities issued by the Federal Home Loan Bank System as an approved issuer are not issued as consolidated Federal Home Loan Bank debentures and are explicitly designated or otherwise treated as not being the joint and several obligations of any individual Federal Home Loan Bank that has made an election under subparagraph (A); and
ensure that in establishing the capital standards set forth under subsection (a)(2)(B) with respect to the Federal Home Loan Bank System, that such standards shall—
not be applicable to any individual Federal Home Loan Bank that has made an election under subparagraph (A);
be based on the volume of eligible mortgage loan originations made by the Federal Home Loan Banks that have not made an election under subparagraph (A); and
not adversely impact the traditional liquidity and advance business of the Federal Home Loan Banks or the Federal Home Loan Bank System.
Federal Home Loan Bank Act
Amendment
Section 12 of the Federal Home Loan Bank Act ( 12 U.S.C. 1432 ) is amended by adding at the end the following:
Subject to such regulations as may be prescribed by the Corporation, one or more Federal Home Loan Banks may establish a subsidiary. Any subsidiary established under this subsection shall be subject to supervision by the Office of Federal Home Loan Bank Supervision of the Corporation and shall be restricted to engaging in activities related to being an approved issuer, as that term is defined under section 2(2) of the Housing Finance Reform and Taxpayer Protection Act of 2013 .
.
Effective date
The amendment made by subparagraph (A) shall take effect on the transfer date.
Review, suspension, and revocation of approved status
In general
The Corporation may review the status of any approved issuer if the Corporation is notified of or becomes aware of any violation by the issuer of this Act or the rules promulgated pursuant to this Act.
Suspension or Revocation
Corporation authority
If the Corporation determines, in a review pursuant to paragraph (1), that an approved issuer no longer meets the standards for approval, the Corporation may suspend or revoke the approved status of such issuer.
Rule of construction
The suspension or revocation of an approved issuer's approved status under this paragraph shall have no effect on the status of any covered security.
Publication
The Corporation shall—
publish in the Federal Register a list of any approved issuers who lost their approved status; and
maintain an updated list of such issuers on the website of the Corporation.
Appeals
In general
Appeals of denials of application
An issuer who submits an application under subsection (b)(1) to become an approved issuer may appeal a decision of the Corporation denying such application.
Appeals of denials of benefits or suspensions of participation
An approved issuer may appeal a decision of the Corporation suspending or revoking the approved status of such issuer.
Filing of appeal
Any issuer who files an appeal under paragraph (1) shall file the appeal with the Corporation not later than 90 days after the date on which the person receives notice of the decision of the Corporation being appealed.
Final determination
The Corporation shall make a final determination with respect to an appeal under paragraph (1) not later than 180 days after the date on which the appeal is filed under paragraph (2).
Limitation on market share
In general
The Corporation may not enter into any contract, covenant, or other agreement with an approved issuer, if such contract, covenant, or agreement would provide the issuer a share of the covered security issuer market in excess of 15 percent of the total market, as such market is measured by the total outstanding principal balance at origination of eligible mortgages collateralizing covered securities issued in the previous 12-month period.
Exception
The limitation set forth under paragraph (1) shall not apply to—
an approved issuer described under subsection (b)(2)(A)(ii);
the FMIC Mutual Securitization Company;
any approved issuer which securitizes only eligible mortgage loans originated by the issuer or an affiliate of the issuer; or
any approved issuer to which the Corporation grants a waiver pursuant to paragraph (3).
Waiver
The Corporation may, during the 3-year period beginning on the FMIC certification date, grant a waiver from the limitation set forth under paragraph (1) to an approved issuer if the Corporation determines that the number of approved issuers is insufficient, such that imposition of the limitation would adversely affect the availability of mortgage credit.
Limited authority To hold eligible mortgage loans
An approved issuer may, for a period not to exceed 6-months, hold—
eligible mortgage loans on the balance sheet of such issuer; and
the first loss position in a covered security for purposes of obtaining insurance under this title.
Approval of bond guarantors
Standards for approval of bond guarantors
In general
The Corporation shall develop, adopt, and publish standards for the approval by the Corporation of bond guarantors to guarantee the timely payment of principal and interest on securities collateralized by eligible mortgages and insured by the Corporation.
Required standards
The standards required under paragraph (1) shall include—
the financial history and condition of the guarantor;
that the guarantor maintain a minimum capital level equal to not less than 10 percent of the unpaid principal balance of outstanding mortgage-backed securities for which the guarantor is providing insurance, net of any transactions, including derivative transactions, repurchase agreements, reverse repurchase agreements, securities lending transactions, or securities borrowing transactions, that in the determination of the Corporation are used by the guarantor to hedge or mitigate against credit risk, provided that any such hedging transaction does not diminish the total amount of loss absorption capital in the secondary mortgage market that stands in front of the insurance provided by the Corporation under this title;
the general character and fitness of the management of the guarantor, including compliance history with Federal and State laws;
the risk presented by such guarantor to the Mortgage Insurance Fund;
the adequacy of insurance and fidelity coverage of the guarantor;
a requirement that the guarantor submit audited financial statements to the Director;
a requirement that the guarantor meet a minimum tangible common equity level, or other minimum capital threshold as the Corporation determines necessary; and
any other standard the Corporation determines necessary or appropriate.
Rule of construction
Any covered security issued by an approved issuer and insured by an approved bond guarantor shall be deemed to have satisfied the credit-risk sharing requirements under section 202(a)(1) with respect to the eligibility of that security to obtain insurance under this title.
Application and approval
Application process
In general
The Corporation shall establish an application process, in such form and manner and requiring such information as the Corporation may require, for the approval of bond guarantors under this section.
Application process by insured depository institutions
If an insured depository institution seeks to become an approved bond guarantor under this section, such institution may only submit its application via a separately capitalized affiliate or subsidiary.
Approval
The Corporation may approve any application made pursuant to paragraph (1) provided the bond guarantor meets the standards adopted under subsection (a).
Publication
The Corporation shall—
publish in the Federal Register a list of newly approved bond guarantors; and
maintain an updated list of approved bond guarantors on the website of the Corporation.
Review, suspension, and revocation of approved status
In general
The Corporation may review the status of any approved bond guarantor if the Corporation is notified of or becomes aware of any violation by the insurer of this Act or the rules promulgated pursuant to this Act.
Suspension or Revocation
Corporation authority
If the Corporation determines, in a review pursuant to paragraph (1), that an approved bond guarantor no longer meets the standards for approval, the Corporation shall revoke the approved status of such guarantor.
rule of construction
The revocation of an approved bond guarantor's approved status under this paragraph shall have no effect on the status of any covered security.
Publication
The Corporation shall—
publish in the Federal Register a list of any approved bond guarantors who lost their approved status; and
maintain an updated list of such guarantors on the website of the Corporation.
Appeals
In general
Appeals of denials of application
A bond guarantor who submits an application under subsection (c)(1) to become an approved bond guarantor may appeal a decision of the Corporation denying such application.
Appeals of denials of benefits or suspensions of participation
An approved bond guarantor may appeal a decision of the Corporation suspending or revoking the approved status of such guarantor.
Filing of appeal
Any bond guarantor who files an appeal under paragraph (1) shall file the appeal with the Corporation not later than 90 days after the date on which the person receives notice of the decision of the Corporation being appealed.
Final determination
The Corporation shall make a final determination with respect to an appeal under paragraph (1) not later than 180 days after the date on which the appeal is filed under paragraph (2).
Limitations on approved bond guarantors
With respect to any eligible mortgage collateralizing a covered security insured under this Act, an approved bond guarantor may not provide insurance—
in satisfaction of the credit enhancement required under section 2(11)(C) or as an approved private mortgage insurer pursuant to section 211; and
as an approved bond guarantor under this section.
Permission To carry out other activities
Nothing in this Act prohibits an approved bond guarantor from being or controlling an approved issuer, provided that each issuer and bond guarantor, independent of each other, meet the approval standards established by the Corporation under this title.
Authority to establish FMIC Mutual Securitization Company
In general
The Corporation shall establish a mutual corporation to
be known as the FMIC Mutual Securitization Company
.
Purpose
The purpose of the FMIC Mutual Securitization Company is to—
develop, securitize, sell, and otherwise meet the issuing needs of credit unions, community and mid-size banks, and non-depository mortgage originators with respect to covered securities; and
purchase from its member participants for cash, on a single loan basis, eligible mortgage loans to securitize in a covered security.
Sale of necessary technology
Upon the FMIC certification date, the enterprises shall sell to the FMIC Mutual Securitization Company any function, activity, infrastructure, property, including intellectual property, platform, or any other object or service of an enterprise that the Corporation determines necessary for the FMIC Mutual Securitization Company to carry out its activities and operations.
Designation as an approved issuer
The FMIC Mutual Securitization Company shall be an approved issuer for purposes of section 213.
Eligibility
Eligibility to participate as a member in the FMIC Mutual Securitization Company shall be limited to—
insured depository institutions having less than $15,000,000,000 in total consolidated assets at the time of the institution's initial participation in the Company; or
any non-depository mortgage originator having a minimum net worth of $2,500,000.
Governance
Recognition of important role of smaller institutions
The Corporation shall take all necessary steps to ensure that the governance provisions of the FMIC Mutual Securitization Company reflect the important role in the mortgage market played by the small and mid-sized member participants of the FMIC Mutual Securitization Company.
Establishment of position of Director
There is established the position of the Director of the FMIC Mutual Securitization Company who shall be the head of the Company.
Board of Directors
In general
The management of the FMIC Mutual Securitization Company
shall be vested in a Board of Directors (hereafter referred to as the
Mutual Board
), which shall include representatives of member
participants of the Company, including representatives of—
mortgage bankers;
community banks; and
credit unions.
Initial appointment
The Corporation shall make initial appointments of the members of the Mutual Board. Each such initial appointment shall be for a term 1 year.
Appointments
Following the initial 1-year appointment of the members of the Mutual Board, member participants in the FMIC Mutual Securitization Company shall elect the members of the Mutual Board from within the membership of the Company.
Administration
The Mutual Board shall administer the affairs of the FMIC Mutual Securitization Company fairly and impartially and without discrimination.
No preferences for size
Member participants of the FMIC Mutual Securitization Company shall have equal voting rights on any matters before the Company, regardless of the size of the individual member participant.
Approval of member participants
In general
The Mutual Board shall develop standards and procedures to approve the application of member participants in the FMIC Mutual Securitization Company.
Content of standards
The standards required under paragraph (1) shall include standards relating to the safety and soundness of prospective member participants, including standards regarding the underwriting practices of such prospective members.
Coordination with other regulators
Consultation
In approving any prospective member to become a member participant in the FMIC Mutual Securitization Company, the Mutual Board may consult and share information with the primary prudential regulator of the prospective member.
Privilege preserved
Information shared pursuant to subparagraph (A) shall not be construed as waiving, destroying, or otherwise affecting any privilege or confidential status that a prospective member may claim with respect to such information under Federal or State law as to any person or entity other than the Mutual Board or its primary prudential regulator.
Rule of construction
No provision of this subsection may be construed as implying or establishing that—
any prospective member waives any privilege applicable to information that is shared or transferred under any circumstance to which this subsection does not apply; or
any prospective would waive any privilege applicable to any information by submitting the information directly to its primary prudential regulator, but for this subsection.
Funding authority
Authority to establish membership fees
The Mutual Board shall have the authority to charge and collect fees, and may in its discretion increase or decrease such fee, on its member participants for membership in the FMIC Mutual Securitization Company, including to cover the costs of—
the initial capitalization of the Company;
the purchase of any function, activity, infrastructure, property, including intellectual property, platform, or any other object or service from an enterprise pursuant to subsection (c); and
the continued operation of the Company.
Limitation
The fees authorized under paragraph (1)—
shall be equitably assessed; and
may be based on the volume of eligible mortgages that the member participant sells to the FMIC Mutual Securitization Company.
Coordination of servicer approval
The Mutual Board may coordinate with the Corporation to facilitate the application process for its member participants to become approved servicers of the Corporation pursuant to section 212.
Additional authority relating to oversight of market participants
In carrying out its authorities under this subtitle, the Corporation may, in its discretion, develop, publish, and adopt such other additional standards or requirements as the Corporation determines necessary to ensure—
competition among approved private mortgage insurers, servicers, issuers, and bond guarantors and other market participants in the secondary mortgage market;
competitive pricing among approved private mortgage insurers, servicers, issuers, and bond guarantors and other market participants in the secondary mortgage market; and
liquidity, transparency, and access to mortgage credit in the secondary mortgage market.
Civil money penalties
Authority
In addition to any suspension or revocation of the approved status of an approved private mortgage insurer, servicer, issuer, or bond guarantor under this subtitle, the Corporation may, in its discretion, impose a civil money penalty on any such approved private mortgage insurer, servicer, issuer, or bond guarantor that has failed to comply with or otherwise violates—
any standard adopted by the Corporation pursuant to this subtitle; or
any other requirement or provision of this Act, or any order, condition, rule, or regulation issued pursuant to this Act, applicable to such private mortgage insurer, servicer, issuer, or bond guarantor, as the case may be.
Procedures
Establishment
The Corporation shall establish standards and procedures governing the imposition of civil money penalties under this section. Such standards and procedures—
shall provide for the Corporation to notify the approved private mortgage insurer, servicer, issuer, or bond guarantor, as the case may be, in writing of the determination of the Corporation to impose the penalty, which shall be made on the record;
shall provide for the imposition of a penalty only after the approved private mortgage insurer, servicer, issuer, or bond guarantor, as the case may be, has been given an opportunity for a hearing on the record; and
may provide for review by the Corporation of any determination or order, or interlocutory ruling, arising from a hearing.
Factors determining amount of penalty
In determining the amount of a penalty under this section, the Corporation shall give consideration to factors including—
the gravity of the offense;
any history of prior offenses;
ability to pay the penalty;
injury to the public;
benefits received;
deterrence of future violations; and
such other factors as the Corporation may determine, by regulation, to be appropriate.
Action To collect penalty
If the approved private mortgage insurer, servicer, issuer, or bond guarantor, as the case may be, fails to comply with an order by the Corporation imposing a civil money penalty under this section, the Corporation may bring an action in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia to obtain a monetary judgment against the approved private mortgage insurer, servicer, issuer, or bond guarantor, as the case may be, and such other relief as may be available. The monetary judgment may, in the court's discretion, include the attorneys' fees and other expenses incurred by the United States in connection with the action. In an action under this subsection, the validity and appropriateness of the order imposing the penalty shall not be subject to review.
Settlements
The Corporation may compromise, modify, or remit any civil money penalty which may be, or has been, imposed under this section.
Deposit of Penalties
The Corporation shall use any civil money penalties collected under this section to help fund the Mortgage Insurance Fund established under section 203.
Protection of privilege and other matters relating to disclosures by market participants
Information sharing and maintenance of privilege
The Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1811 et seq.) is amended—
in section 11(t)(2)(A) ( 12 U.S.C. 1821(t)(2)(A) ), by inserting after clause (v) the following:
The Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation.
; and
in section 18(x) ( 12 U.S.C. 1828(x) )—
by inserting
the Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation,
before any
Federal banking agency
each place that term appears; and
by striking
such agency
each place that term appears and inserting
Corporation, agency
.
Permissible consultation with Federal banking agencies
In general
Pursuant to its authority under section 103(c), to facilitate the consultive process, the Corporation may share information with the Federal banking agencies, or any individual Federal banking agency, or any State bank supervisor, or foreign banking authority, on a one-time, regular, or periodic basis as determined by the Corporation regarding the capital, asset and liabilities, financial condition, risk management practices or any other practice of any approved private mortgage insurer, servicer, issuer, or bond guarantor.
Privilege preserved
Information shared by the Corporation pursuant to paragraph (1) shall not be construed as waiving, destroying, or otherwise affecting any privilege or confidential status that any approved private mortgage insurer, servicer, issuer, or bond guarantor or any other person may claim with respect to such information under Federal or State law as to any person or entity other than such agencies, agency, supervisor, or authority.
Rule of construction
No provision of this subsection may be construed as implying or establishing that—
any person waives any privilege applicable to information that is shared or transferred under any circumstance to which this subsection does not apply; or
any person would waive any privilege applicable to any information by submitting the information directly to the Federal banking agencies, or any individual Federal banking agency, or any State bank supervisor, or foreign banking authority, but for this subsection.
Transparency in market operations
Review of loan documents; disclosures
In general
The Corporation shall, by rule—
require that approved issuers—
grant access to private market investors seeking to take the first loss position in a covered security to all—
documents relating to eligible mortgage loans collateralizing that covered security; and
servicing reports of the approved servicer relating to such mortgages; and
disclose any other material information that a reasonable investor would want to know, and make no material omission of such information, relating to eligible mortgage loans collateralizing a covered security; and
establish the timing, frequency, and manner in which such access and disclosures are made.
Privacy protections
In prescribing the rules required under this section, the Corporation shall take into consideration issues of consumer privacy and all statutes, rules, and regulations related to privacy of consumer credit information and personally identifiable information. Such rules shall expressly prohibit the identification of specific borrowers.
Investor immunity
Any private market investor that has taken the first loss position in a covered security or that has otherwise invested in any covered security insured under this Act shall have immunity and protection from civil liability under Federal and State law, and no cause of action may be brought under Federal or State law against such investor, with respect to whether or not eligible mortgages that collateralize a covered security insured under this Act have complied with the requirements of this Act, including, but not limited to, with respect to any underwriting requirements applicable to such mortgage, any representations or warranties made by an approved issuer or an approved bond guarantor with respect to such mortgages, or whether or not the terms of any uniform securitization agreement have been met.
Uniform securitization agreements
In general
The Corporation shall develop, adopt, and publish standard uniform securitization agreements for covered securities which are insured under this Act.
Required content
The standard uniform securitization agreements required to be developed under subsection (a) shall include terms relating to—
pooling and servicing, including the development of uniform standards and practices—
regarding remittance schedules and payment delays; and
permitting the transfer of servicing rights, if such transfer is determined to be in the best financial interest of the investor, as such interest is calculated on a net present value basis;
representations and warranties, including representations and warranties as to compliance or conformity with the requirements of this Act;
indemnification and remedies, including for the restitution or indemnification of the Corporation with respect to early term delinquencies of eligible mortgages collateralizing a covered security;
the qualification, responsibilities, and duties of trustees; and
any other terms or standards the Corporation determines necessary or appropriate.
Defining representation and warranty violations
In developing the uniform securitization agreements required under subsection (a), the Corporation shall also develop, adopt, and publish clear and uniform standards that define and illustrate what actions, or omissions to act, comprise a violation of the representations and warranties clauses that are made a part of such agreements.
Consultation
The Corporation shall work with industry groups, including servicers, originators, issuers, and mortgage investors to develop the uniform securitization agreements required under subsection (a).
Uniform mortgage database
Uniform Mortgage Database
The Corporation shall establish, operate, and maintain a database for the collection, public use, and dissemination of uniform loan level information on eligible mortgages relating to—
loan characteristics;
borrower information;
the property securing the eligible mortgages;
loan data required at the time of application for insurance from the Corporation under this title;
the quality and consistency of appraisal and collateral data on eligible mortgages;
industry-wide servicing data standards; and
such other data, datasets, information, facts, or measurements as the Corporation determines appropriate to improve and enhance loan quality and operational efficiencies within the secondary mortgage market.
Considerations
In establishing the database required under subsection (a), the Corporation shall take into consideration, build upon, and adopt to the extent the Corporation determines appropriate, the existing data standards set forth under the Uniform Mortgage Data Program initiative established by the Federal Housing Finance Agency.
Regulations
The Corporation shall, by regulation—
establish the manner and form by which any loan level information collected under subsection (a) may be accessed by the public, including whether or not to establish a fee for such access;
require that such loan level information be made available to the public in a uniform manner, in a form designed for ease and speed of access, ease and speed of downloading, and ease and speed of use; and
ensure the protection of any personally identifiable information contained in any information, or mix of information, collected and made available for public access.
Monthly update
The database required under subsection (a) shall be updated not less frequently than once a month.
Electronic registration of eligible mortgages
Establishment of electronic registration system
The Corporation shall establish, operate, and maintain an electronic registry system for eligible mortgages that collateralize a covered security insured under this Act in order to automate, centralize, standardize, and improve the process of tracking changes in servicing rights and beneficial ownership interests in such eligible mortgages.
Considerations
In establishing the electronic registry system required under subsection (a), the Corporation shall take into consideration, build upon, and adopt to the extent the Corporation determines appropriate, any existing efforts of the Federal Housing Finance Agency or expertise among the private sector to develop a sound, efficient system for document custody and electronic registration of mortgages, notes, titles, and liens.
FMIC Structure
Office of Underwriting
Establishment
There is established within the Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation an Office of Underwriting which shall be headed by the Deputy Director of Underwriting, who shall be appointed by the Board of Directors.
Responsibilities
The Office of Underwriting shall ensure, through oversight, analysis, and examination, that eligible mortgages that collateralize a covered security insured under this Act comply with the requirements of this Act, including with respect to—
the submission of complete and accurate loan data on eligible mortgages;
the identification of ineligible mortgage loans;
assisting lenders with originating high-quality, lower-risk eligible mortgages; and
any other activity that the Director determines appropriate.
Office of Securitization
Establishment
There is established within the Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation an Office of Securitization which shall be headed by the Deputy Director of Securitization, who shall be appointed by the Board of Directors.
Responsibilities
In general
The Office of Securitization shall—
oversee and supervise the common securitization platform developed by the business entity announced by the Federal Housing Finance Agency and established by the enterprises, including by requiring that the platform have system capabilities to permit the issuance of multi-lender covered securities;
ensure that credit unions, community and mid-size banks, and small non-depository lenders have equitable access to any such platform, including through the development and facilitation of options for multi-lender pools of eligible mortgages to be securitized and issued as covered securities through such platform; and
coordinate and consult with the Federal Home Loan Bank System to establish a securitization platform that addresses the needs of its members.
Rules for use of common securitization platform
In general
The Corporation, acting through the Office of Securitization, may promulgate rules—
regarding the use of the common securitization platform described under paragraph (1)(A); and
to permit securities other than covered securities to be issued through such platform for reasonable compensation.
Content of rules
Any rule that may be promulgated under subparagraph (A) may include a requirement that any security to be issued through the common securitization platform be subject to a uniform securitization agreement developed under section 223.
Establishment of database To provide notice to different classes of lien holders
The Office of Securitization shall establish, operate, and maintain a database that—
can be accessed by any holder of a lien on an eligible mortgage;
identifies and tracks if a junior lien or any other subordinate lien has been issued on the property securing an eligible mortgage;
notifies, to the extent feasible, any senior or first lien holder of the existence of such junior or subordinate lien; and
informs—
the senior or first lien holder of the monthly performance of the junior or subordinate lien; and
the junior or subordinate lien holder of the monthly performance of the senior or first lien.
Office of Federal Home Loan Bank Supervision
Establishment
There is established within the Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation an Office of Federal Home Loan Bank Supervision which shall be headed by the Deputy Director of Federal Home Loan Bank Supervision, who shall be appointed by the Board of Directors.
Responsibilities
The Office of Federal Home Loan Bank Supervision shall—
oversee, coordinate, and supervise the Federal Home Loan Banks and the Federal Home Loan Bank System, including the transition of all activities transferred to the Corporation pursuant to section 301; and
supervise any authorized subsidiary of one or more Federal Home Loan Banks that is approved as an approved issuer pursuant to section 213(b)(2)(A)(ii), including with respect to the initial capitalization of any such subsidiary.
Transfer of powers, personnel, and property to FMIC from FHFA
Powers and duties transferred
Federal Home Loan Bank functions transferred
Transfer of functions
There are transferred to the Corporation all functions of the Federal Housing Finance Agency and the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency relating to—
the supervision of the Federal Home Loan Banks and the Federal Home Loan Bank System; and
all rulemaking authority of the Federal Housing Finance Agency and the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency relating to the Federal Home Loan Banks and the Federal Home Loan Bank System.
Powers, authorities, rights, and duties
The Corporation shall succeed to all powers, authorities, rights, and duties that were vested in the Federal Housing Finance Agency and the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, including all conservatorship or receivership authorities, on the day before the transfer date in connection with the functions and authorities transferred under paragraph (1).
Effective date
The transfer of functions under this paragraph shall take effect on the transfer date.
Continuation and coordination of certain actions
In general
All regulations, orders, determinations, and resolutions described under paragraph (2) shall remain in effect according to the terms of such regulations, orders, determinations, and resolutions, and shall be enforceable by or against the Corporation until modified, terminated, set aside, or superseded in accordance with applicable law by the Corporation, any court of competent jurisdiction, or operation of law.
Applicability
A regulation, order, determination, or resolution is described under this subsection if it—
was issued, made, prescribed, or allowed to become effective by—
the Federal Housing Finance Agency; or
a court of competent jurisdiction, and relates to functions transferred by this Act;
relates to the performance of functions that are transferred by this section; and
is in effect on the transfer date.
Disposition of affairs
During the period preceding the transfer date, the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, for the purpose of winding up the affairs of the Federal Housing Finance Agency in connection with the performance of functions that are transferred by this section—
shall manage the employees of such Agency and provide for the payment of the compensation and benefits of any such employees which accrue before the transfer date; and
may take any other action necessary for the purpose of winding up the affairs of the Office.
Use of property and services
Property
The Corporation may use the property and services of the Federal Housing Finance Agency to perform functions which have been transferred to the Corporation until such time as the Agency is abolished under section 303 to facilitate the orderly transfer of functions transferred under this section, any other provision of this Act, or any amendment made by this Act to any other provision of law.
Agency services
Any agency, department, or other instrumentality of the United States, and any successor to any such agency, department, or instrumentality, that was providing supporting services to the Agency before the transfer date in connection with functions that are transferred to the Corporation shall—
continue to provide such services, on a reimbursable basis, until the transfer of such functions is complete; and
consult with any such agency to coordinate and facilitate a prompt and reasonable transition.
Continuation of services
The Corporation may use the services of employees and other personnel of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, on a reimbursable basis, to perform functions which have been transferred to the Corporation for such time as is reasonable to facilitate the orderly transfer of functions pursuant to this section, any other provision of this Act, or any amendment made by this Act to any other provision of law.
Savings provisions
Existing rights, duties, and obligations not affected
Subsection (a) and section 303 shall not affect the validity of any right, duty, or obligation of the United States, the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, or any other person, that existed on the day before transfer date.
Continuation of suits
No action or other proceeding commenced by or against the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency in connection with the functions that are transferred to the Corporation under this section shall abate by reason of the enactment of this Act, except that the Corporation shall be substituted for the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency as a party to any such action or proceeding.
Conforming amendments
Federal Home Loan Bank Act
The Federal Home Loan Bank Act ( 12 U.S.C. 1421 et seq. ) is amended—
by striking
the Director
and inserting the Corporation
each
place that term appears;
by striking
The Director
and inserting The Corporation
each
place that term appears;
by striking
Chairman of the Director of Governors
and inserting
Chairman of the Board of Governors
each place that term
appears;
by striking
the Agency
and inserting the Corporation
each
place that term appears;
in section 2, by striking paragraphs (11) and (12) and inserting the following:
Corporation
The
term Corporation
means the Federal Mortgage Insurance
Corporation established under title I of the Housing Finance Reform and Taxpayer Protection Act of
2013
.
; and
in section
11(l)(5), in the header to such paragraph, by striking
of the director
.
Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act
Section 1316 of the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 (12 U.S.C. 4516) is amended—
in subsection (a)—
in
the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking the regulated
entities
and inserting each enterprise
; and
in
paragraph (1), by striking and under section 20 of the Federal Home Loan
Bank Act
;
in subsection (b), by striking paragraph (2);
in subsection (c)—
by
striking any regulated entity
and inserting any
enterprise
;
by
striking the regulated entity
and inserting the
enterprise
;
by striking
a regulated entity
and inserting an enterprise
each place that term appears;
by
striking such regulated entity
and inserting such
enterprise
each place that term appears; and
by
striking such entity
and inserting such
enterprise
; and
in subsection (e)—
by
striking each regulated entity
and inserting each
enterprise
; and
by
striking such regulated entity
and inserting such
enterprise
.
Right to Financial Privacy Act of 1978
Section 1113(o) of the Right to Financial Privacy Act of 1978 ( 12 U.S.C. 3413(o) ) is amended—
in the heading to
the subsection, by
Federal Housing Finance Agency
and
inserting
Federal
Mortgage Insurance Corporation
;
by striking
Federal Housing Finance Agency
and inserting Federal
Mortgage Insurance Corporation
; and
by striking
Federal Housing Finance Agency's
and inserting Federal
Mortgage Insurance Corporation's
.
Effective date
The amendments made by this subsection shall take effect on the transfer date.
Transfer and rights of employees of the FHFA
Transfer
Each employee of the Federal Housing Finance Agency that is employed in connection with functions that are transferred to the Corporation under section 301 shall be transferred to the Corporation for employment, not later than the transfer date, and such transfer shall be deemed a transfer of function for purposes of section 3503 of title 5, United States Code.
Status of employees
The transfer of functions under this title, and the abolishment of the Federal Housing Finance Agency under section 303, may not be construed to affect the status of any transferred employee as an employee of an agency of the United States for purposes of any other provision of law.
Guaranteed positions
Each employee transferred under subsection (a) shall be guaranteed a position with the same status, tenure, grade, and pay as that held on the day immediately preceding the transfer.
Appointment authority for excepted employees
In general
In the case of an employee occupying a position in the excepted service, any appointment authority established under law or by regulations of the Office of Personnel Management for filling such position shall be transferred, subject to paragraph (2).
Decline of transfer
The Corporation may decline a transfer of authority under paragraph (1), to the extent that such authority relates to a position excepted from the competitive service because of its confidential, policymaking, policy-determining, or policy-advocating character.
Reorganization
If the Corporation determines, after the end of the 1-year period beginning on the transfer date, that a reorganization of the combined workforce is required, that reorganization shall be deemed a major reorganization for purposes of affording affected employee retirement under section 8336(d)(2) or 8414(b)(1)(B) of title 5, United States Code.
Employee benefit programs
In general
Any employee of the Federal Housing Finance Agency accepting employment with the Corporation as a result of a transfer under subsection (a) may retain, for 12 months after the date on which such transfer occurs, membership in any employee benefit program of the Agency or the Corporation, as applicable, including insurance, to which such employee belongs on the transfer date if—
the employee does not elect to give up the benefit or membership in the program; and
the benefit or program is continued by the Corporation.
Cost differential
In general
The difference in the costs between the benefits which would have been provided by the Federal Housing Finance Agency and those provided by this section shall be paid by the Corporation.
Health Insurance
If any employee elects to give up membership in a health insurance program or the health insurance program is not continued by the Corporation, the employee shall be permitted to select an alternate Federal health insurance program not later than 30 days after the date of such election or notice, without regard to any other regularly scheduled open season.
Abolishment of FHFA
Effective upon the FMIC certification date, the Federal Housing Finance Agency and the position of the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency are abolished.
Transfer of property and facilities
Effective upon the FMIC certification date all property of the Federal Housing Finance Agency shall transfer to the Corporation.
Technical and conforming amendments
Effective date
The amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act.
References in Federal law
On and after the date of enactment of this Act, any reference in Federal law to the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency or the Federal Housing Finance Agency, in connection with any function of the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency or the Federal Housing Finance Agency transferred under section 301, shall be deemed a reference to the Chairperson of the Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation or the Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation, as appropriate and consistent with the amendments made by this Act.
Title 18, United States Code
Title 18, United States Code, is amended—
in section 1905,
by inserting or the Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation
after
Federal Housing Finance Agency
;
in subparagraph
(F), by striking ; and
and inserting a semicolon;
in
subparagraph (G), by striking the period at the end and inserting ;
and
; and
by adding at the end the following:
the Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation.
;
in section 657,
by inserting the Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation,
after
Federal Housing Finance Agency,
;
in section 1006,
by inserting the Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation,
after
Federal Housing Finance Agency,
; and
in section 1014,
by inserting the Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation,
after
Federal Housing Finance Agency,
.
Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973
Section 102(b)(5) of the Flood Disaster
Protection Act of 1973 (
42 U.S.C. 4012a(b)(5)
) is amended in subsection (b)(5),
by inserting the Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation,
after
Federal Housing Finance Agency,
.
Title 5, United States Code
Title 5, United States Code, is amended—
in section 5313, by inserting the following new item after the item relating to the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency:
Director of the Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation.
; and
in section
3132(a)(1)(D), by inserting the Federal Mortgage Insurance
Corporation,
after
Federal Housing Finance
Agency,
.
Sarbanes-Oxley Act
Section 105(b)(5)(B)(ii)(II) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002 (
15 U.S.C. 7215(b)(5)(B)(ii)(II)
) is amended by inserting or the
Chairperson of the Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation
after
Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency
.
Federal Deposit Insurance Act
The Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1811 et seq.) is amended—
in section
7(a)(2)(A), by inserting the Federal Mortgage Insurance
Corporation,
after
Federal Housing Finance Agency,
each
place that term appears;
in section
8(e)(7)(A)(vi), by inserting , the Federal Mortgage Insurance
Corporation,
after
Federal Housing Finance
Agency
;
in section 11(t)(2)(A), by adding at the end the following:
The Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation.
; and
in section 33(e),
by inserting , the Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation,
after
Federal Housing Finance Agency
.
Riegle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994
Section 117(e) of the Riegle Community Development and
Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994 (
12 U.S.C. 4716(e)
) is amended by inserting
the Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation,
after
Federal
Housing Finance Agency,
.
MAHRA Act of 1997
Section 517(b)(4) of the Multifamily Assisted Housing Reform
and Affordability Act of 1997 (
42 U.S.C. 1437f
note) is amended by inserting
the Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation,
after
Federal
Housing Finance Agency,
.
Title 44, United States Code
Section 3502(5) of title 44, United States
Code, is amended by inserting the Federal Mortgage Insurance
Corporation,
after
Federal Housing Finance
Agency,
.
Access to local TV Act of 2000
Section 1004(d)(2)(D)(iii) of the Launching Our
Communities' Access to Local Television Act of 2000 (47 U.S.C.
1103(d)(2)(D)(iii)) is amended by inserting or the Federal Mortgage
Insurance Corporation,
after
Federal Housing Finance
Agency
.
FIRREA
The Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enhancement Act of 1989 is amended—
in section 1216—
in subsection (a)—
in
paragraph (2), by striking ; and
and inserting a
semicolon;
in
paragraph (3), by striking the period and inserting ; and
;
and
by adding at the end the following:
the Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation.
; and
in subsection
(c), by inserting the Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation,
before and the Federal Housing Finance Agency,
;
in section
402(e), by striking
Federal Housing Finance Agency
each place
that term appears and inserting
Federal Mortgage Insurance
Corporation
;
in section 1124,
by inserting the Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation,
after
Federal Housing Finance Agency,
each place that term appears;
and
in section
1125(b), by inserting the Federal Mortgage Insurance
Corporation,
after
Federal Housing Finance
Agency,
.
EESA
The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 ( 12 U.S.C. 5201 note) is amended—
in section 104(b)—
in paragraph (4),
by striking ; and
and inserting a semicolon;
in paragraph (5),
by striking the period and inserting ; and
; and
by adding at the end the following:
the Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation.
; and
in section
109(b), by inserting the Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation,
after
Federal Housing Finance Agency,
.
Dodd-Frank Act
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act ( Public Law 111–203 ) is amended—
in section 342(g)(1)—
in subparagraph
(H), by striking ; and
and inserting a semicolon;
in subparagraph
(I), by striking the period and inserting ; and
; and
by adding at the end the following:
the Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation.
;
in section 989E(a)(1), by adding at the end the following:
The Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation.
; and
in section
1481(b), by inserting the Federal Mortgage Insurance
Corporation,
after
Federal Housing Finance
Agency,
.
Housing and Urban-Rural Recovery Act
Section 469 of the Housing and
Urban-Rural Recovery Act of 1983 (
12 U.S.C. 1701p–1
) is amended, in the first
sentence, by inserting the Federal Mortgage Insurance
Corporation,
after
Federal Housing Finance
Agency,
.
Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation Act
Section 606(c)(3) of the
Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation Act (
42 U.S.C. 8105(c)(3)
) is amended by
inserting , the Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation,
after
Federal Housing Finance Agency
.
Federal Insurance Office Act
Section 313(r)(4) of title 31, United States
Code, is amended by inserting the Federal Mortgage Insurance
Corporation,
after
Federal Housing Finance
Agency,
.
Commodity Exchange Act
Section 1a(39)(E) of the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. 1a(39)(E)) is amended—
by striking
a regulated entity
and inserting an enterprise
;
and
by inserting
before the period at the end the Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation
in the case of a swap dealer, major swap participant, security-based swap
dealer, or major security-based swap participant that is a Federal Home Loan
Bank
.
Truth in Lending Act
The Truth in Lending Act ( 15 U.S.C. 1601 et seq. ) is amended—
section
129H(b)(4), by inserting the Federal Mortgage Insurance
Corporation,
after
Federal Housing Finance Agency,
;
and
in section 129E—
in subsection
(g)(1), by inserting the Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation,
after
Federal Housing Finance Agency,
; and
in subsection
(h), by inserting the Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation,
after
Federal Housing Finance Agency,
.
FFIEC
The
first sentence of
section 1011 of the Federal Financial Institutions
Examination Council Act of 1978 (
12 U.S.C. 3310
) is amended by inserting
the Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation,
before and
the Federal Housing Finance Agency
.
Improving transparency, accountability, and efficacy within affordable housing
Affordable housing allocations
Fee and allocation of amounts
Subject to subsection (b), and in addition to any fees for the provision of insurance established in accordance with title II, in each fiscal year the Corporation shall—
charge and collect a fee in an amount equal to not less than 5 basis points and not more than 10 basis points for each dollar of the outstanding principal balance of eligible mortgages collateralizing covered securities for which insurance is being provided under title II; and
allocate or otherwise transfer—
80 percent of such fee amounts to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to fund the Housing Trust Fund established under section 1338 of the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 ( 12 U.S.C. 4568 ); and
20 percent of such fee amounts to the Secretary of the Treasury to fund the Capital Magnet Fund established under section 1339 of the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 ( 12 U.S.C. 4569 ).
Suspension of contributions
The Corporation may temporarily suspend allocations under subsection (a) upon a finding by the Corporation that such allocations are contributing, or would contribute, to the financial instability of the Mortgage Insurance Fund established under section 203.
Housing Trust Fund
Section 1338 of the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 (12 U.S.C. 4568) is amended—
in subsection (a), by striking by
the enterprises under section 1337
and inserting pursuant to
section 401 of the Housing Finance Reform and
Taxpayer Protection Act of 2013
;
by repealing subsection (b); and
in subsection (c)—
in paragraph (1),
by striking Except as provided in subsection (b), the
and
inserting The
;
in paragraph
(4)(B), by striking other than fiscal year 2009
;
in paragraph (7)—
in
subparagraph (A), by striking ; and
and inserting a
semicolon;
in subparagraph (B)(iv)—
by striking
section 132
and inserting section 1132
;
and
by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and
by adding at the end the following:
grants and loans, including through the use of pilot programs of sufficient scale, to support the research and development of sustainable homeownership and affordable rental programs, provided that such grant or loan amounts are used only for the benefit of families whose income does not exceed 120 percent of the area median income as determined by the Secretary, with adjustments for family size; and
provide limited credit enhancement, and other forms of credit support, for product and services that—
will increase the rate of sustainable homeownership and affordable rental by individuals or families whose income does not exceed 120 percent of the area median income as determined by the Secretary, with adjustments for family size; and
might not otherwise be offered or supported by a pilot program of sufficient scale to determine the viability of such products and services in the private market.
; and
in paragraph (10)—
by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows:
Ensuring efficient use of grant amounts
Use for certain eligible activities
In each fiscal year, of the aggregate amount allocated to a State or State designated entity under this subsection—
35 percent shall be used for activities under subparagraph (A) of paragraph (7);
5 percent shall be used for activities under subparagraph (B) of paragraph (7); and
60 percent shall be used for activities under subparagraphs (C) and (D) of paragraph (7).
Ensuring benefits for rural communities
In general
In each fiscal year, of the aggregate amount allocated to a State or State designated entity under this subsection, the State or State designated entity shall ensure that, at a minimum, such amounts are distributed for the benefit of nonentitlement areas in that State in the same proportion that the total amount of nonentitlement areas in that State bears to the total amount of all areas in that State.
Targeted outreach to smaller communities
In carrying out the requirement under subclause (I), each State or State designated entity shall in distributing amounts allocated to that State or State designated entity give priority to nonentitlement areas with a population of less than 20,000.
Definition of nonentitlement area
For purposes of this clause, the term
nonentitlement area
has the same meaning given that term under
section 102(a)(7) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42
U.S.C. 5302(a)(7)).
; and
by striking subparagraph (E).
Capital Magnet Fund
Section 1339 of the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 (12 U.S.C. 4569) is amended—
in subsection (b)(1), by striking
pursuant to section 1337
and inserting pursuant to
section 401 of the Housing Finance Reform and
Taxpayer Protection Act of 2013
; and
in subsection (h), by striking paragraph (7).
Additional taxpayer protections
Ensuring benefits support citizens and lawful permanent residents
The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and the Secretary of the Treasury, respectively, shall ensure that grant amounts allocated to covered grantees, allocated by covered grantees to eligible recipients, or allocated to individuals by such eligible recipients are used for the benefit of only lawful permanent residents and citizens of the United States in carrying out the activities of—
the Housing Trust Fund; and
the Capital Magnet Fund.
Not To be used for political activities
Consistent with the existing requirements under sections 1338(c)(10)(D) and section 1339(h)(5) of the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and the Secretary of the Treasury, respectively, shall ensure that grant amounts allocated by covered grantees to eligible recipients or allocated to individuals by such eligible recipients are not used for—
political activities;
advocacy;
lobbying, whether directly or through other parties;
influencing the selection, nomination, election, or appointment of one or more candidates to any Federal, State or local office;
personal counseling services;
travel expenses; and
preparing or providing advice on tax returns.
Penalties
Civil money penalty
If an eligible recipient or any other individual in receipt of grant amounts described by this section violates any provision of subsection (a) or (b), the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development or the Secretary of the Treasury, as the case may be, may impose a civil penalty on such recipient or individual, as the case may be, of not more than $1,000,000 for each violation.
Criminal penalties
Whoever, being subject to the provisions of subsection (a) or (b), knowingly participates, directly or indirectly, in any manner in conduct that results in a violation of such provisions shall, notwithstanding section 3571 of title 18, United States Code, be fined not more than $1,000,000 for each violation, imprisoned for not more than 5 years, or both.
Rule of construction
The penalties imposed under paragraphs (1) or (2) shall be in addition to any other available civil remedy or any other available criminal penalty and may be imposed whether or not the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development or the Secretary of the Treasury, as the case may be, imposes other administrative sanctions.
Definition
As used in this section—
the term
covered grantee
means—
for purposes of the Housing Trust Fund, a State or State designated entity; and
for purposes of the Capital Magnet Fund, an eligible grantee as described under section 1339(e) of the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992;
the term
eligible recipient
means—
for purposes of the Housing Trust Fund, a recipient as described under section 1338(c)(9) of the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992t; and
for purposes of the Capital Magnet Fund, a recipient of assistance from the Capital Magnet Fund;
the term
Capital Magnet Fund
means the Capital Magnet Fund established
under
section 1339 of the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and
Soundness Act of 1992 (
12 U.S.C. 4569
); and
the term
Housing Trust Fund
means the Housing Trust Fund established
under
section 1338 of the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and
Soundness Act of 1992 (
12 U.S.C. 4568
).
Wind Down of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac
Repeal of GSE charters
Fannie Mae
Effective on the FMIC certification date, the charter of the Federal National Mortgage Association is repealed and the Federal National Mortgage Association shall have no authority to conduct new business under such charter, except that the provisions of such charter in effect immediately before such repeal shall continue to apply with respect to the rights and obligations of any holders of—
outstanding debt obligations of the Federal National Mortgage Association, including any—
bonds, debentures, notes, or other similar instruments;
capital lease obligations; or
obligations in respect of letters of credit, bankers' acceptances, or other similar instruments; or
mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by the Federal National Mortgage Association.
Freddie Mac
Effective on the FMIC certification date, the charter of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation is repealed and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation shall have no authority to conduct new business under such charter, except that the provisions of such charter in effect immediately before such repeal shall continue to apply with respect to the rights and obligations of any holders of—
outstanding debt obligations of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, including any—
bonds, debentures, notes, or other similar instruments;
capital lease obligations; or
obligations in respect of letters of credit, bankers' acceptances, or other similar instruments; or
mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation.
Existing guarantee obligations
Explicit guarantee
The full faith and credit of the United States is pledged to the payment of all amounts which may be required to be paid under any obligation described under subsections (a) and (b).
Continued dividend payments
Notwithstanding section 502 or any other provision of law, and subject to section 601, provision 2(a) (relating to Dividend Payment Dates and Dividend Periods) and provision 2(c) (relating to Dividend Rates and Dividend Amount) of the Senior Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement, or any provision of any certificate in connection with such Agreement creating or designating the terms, powers, preferences, privileges, limitations, or any other conditions of the Variable Liquidation Preference Senior Preferred Stock of an enterprise issued pursuant to such Agreement—
shall not be amended, restated, or otherwise changed to reduce the rate or amount of dividends in effect pursuant to such Agreement as of the Third Amendment to such Agreement dated August 17, 2012, except that any amendment to such Agreement to facilitate the sale of assets of the enterprises to facilitate compliance with the provisions of section 502(b) shall be permitted; and
shall remain in effect until the guarantee obligations described under subsections (a)(2) and (b)(2) are fully extinguished.
Applicability
Notwithstanding section 502, all guarantee fee amounts derived from the single-family mortgage guarantee business of the enterprises in existence as of the FMIC certification date shall be subject to the terms of the Senior Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement.
Federal Safety and Soundness Act
In general
The Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 ( 12 U.S.C. 4501 et seq. ) is amended—
in section 1303—
in paragraph (2),
by striking 'Federal Housing Finance Agency
and inserting
Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation
;
in paragraph
(3), by striking means
and all that follows through the period
at the end, and inserting means the Federal Home Loan Bank
Act.
;
by repealing paragraph (4); and
in paragraph
(9), by striking
Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency
and inserting Board of Directors of the Federal Mortgage Insurance
Corporation
;
by repealing section 1313A; and
by repealing section 1317(d).
Effective date
The amendments made by paragraph (1) shall take effect on the FMIC certification date.
Wind down
Wind down
Authority of FHFA
Beginning on the date of enactment of this Act and ending on the FMIC certification date, the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, in consultation with the Corporation and the Secretary of the Treasury, shall take such action, and may prescribe such regulations and procedures, as may be necessary to wind down the operations of the enterprises in an orderly manner that complies with the requirements of this Act and any amendments made by this Act.
Limitation
Notwithstanding any authority granted to the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency under paragraph (1), the sale, transfer, exchange, or other disposition of any asset subject to the wind down required under this section shall be prohibited, if the Corporation—
in its discretion determines that such sale, transfer, exchange, or disposition would materially interfere with the ability of the Corporation to carry out the requirements of this Act; and
notifies, in writing, the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency within 14 days of such determination.
Rule of construction
Notwithstanding any authority granted to the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency under paragraph (1), the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency—
shall have no authority to sell, transfer, exchange, or otherwise dispose of any guarantee obligations described under subsections (a)(2) and (b)(2) of section 501; and
shall have no rights, claims, or title to, nor any authority to sell, transfer, exchange, or otherwise dispose of, guarantee fee amounts derived from the single-family mortgage guarantee business of the enterprises in existence as of the FMIC certification date.
Division of assets and liabilities; authority To establish holding corporation and dissolution trust fund
The action and procedures required under subsection (a)—
shall include the establishment and execution of plans to provide for an equitable division, distribution, and liquidation of the assets and liabilities of an enterprise, including any infrastructure, property, including intellectual property, platforms, or any other thing or object of value, provided such plan complies with the requirements of this Act and any amendments made by this Act; and
may provide for establishment of—
a holding corporation organized under the laws of any State of the United States or the District of Columbia for the purpose of winding down an enterprise; and
one or more trusts to which to transfer—
outstanding debt obligations of an enterprise; or
outstanding mortgages held for the purpose of collateralizing mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by an enterprise.
Recoupment by senior preferred shareholders
In general
Subject to the requirements of this Act, any proceeds from the wind down of an enterprise shall be paid first to the senior preferred shareholders of each such enterprise, then to the preferred shareholders of each such enterprise, and then to the common shareholders of each such enterprise.
Joint determination
The amount of any proceeds to be paid pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be jointly determined by the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, the Corporation, and the Secretary of the Treasury.
Maximum return to shareholders
The wind down of each enterprise required under this section shall be managed by the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, in consultation with the Corporation and the Secretary of the Treasury, to obtain resolutions that maximize the return for the senior preferred shareholders under paragraph (1), to the extent that such resolutions—
are consistent with the goal of supporting a sound, stable, and liquid housing market;
are consistent with applicable Federal and State law;
comply with the requirements of this Act and any amendments made by this Act; and
protect the taxpayer.
Sale of certain assets as a going concern
Except as provided in section 601 or elsewhere as required in this Act, if the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, in consultation with the Corporation and the Secretary of the Treasury, determines that the sale of any line of business, or any function, activity, or service of an enterprise as a going concern will maximize the return for the senior preferred shareholders as required under paragraph (3), the Director may conduct such sale, provided that—
under no circumstance, shall such sale transfer, convey, or authorize, or be deemed to transfer, convey, or authorize, any guarantee or Federal support, assistance, or backing, implicit or explicit, related to any such line of business, function, activity, or service; and
such sale does not impede or otherwise interfere with the ability of the Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation to carry out the functions and requirements of this Act.
Rule of construction
For purposes of this subsection, the term
proceeds
does not include any guarantee fee amounts derived from
the single-family mortgage guarantee business of the enterprises in existence
as of the FMIC certification date.
Aligning purpose of conservatorship with FMIC
Power as conservator
Section 1367(b)(2)(D) of the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 ( 12 U.S.C. 4617(b)(2)(D) ) is amended to read as follows:
Power as conservator
After the date of enactment of the Housing Finance Reform and Taxpayer Protection Act of 2013 the Agency shall, as conservator, take such actions as are necessary—
to ensure the efficient, effective, and expeditious wind down of the enterprises;
to manage the affairs, assets, and obligations of the enterprises and to operate the enterprises in compliance with the requirements of the Housing Finance Reform and Taxpayer Protection Act of 2013 ;
to assist the Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation, in a consultative capacity, in carrying out the requirements under the Housing Finance Reform and Taxpayer Protection Act of 2013 ; and
to maintain liquidity and stability in the secondary mortgage market until such as time as the charters of the enterprises are revoked pursuant to title V of such Act.
.
Rule of construction
Nothing in this Act, or any amendments made by this Act, except as may be explicitly provided for in this Act, or any amendment made by this Act, shall be deemed to alter the powers, authorities, rights, and duties that are vested in the Federal Housing Finance Agency and the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency with respect to its supervision and regulation of the enterprises.
Conforming loan limits
In general
Beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, the limitations governing the maximum original principal obligation of conventional mortgages that may be purchased by the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, referred to in section 302(b)(2) of the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act ( 12 U.S.C. 1717(b)(2) ) and section 305(a)(2) of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act ( 12 U.S.C. 1454(a)(2) ), respectively, shall not exceed $417,000 for a mortgage secured by a single-family residence, $533,850 for a mortgage secured by a 2-family residence, $645,300 for a mortgage secured by a 3-family residence, and $801,950 for a mortgage secured by a 4-family residence, except that such maximum limitations shall be adjusted effective January 1 of each year beginning after the date of enactment of this Act, subject to the limitations in this paragraph. Each adjustment shall be made by adding to each such amount (as it may have been previously adjusted) a percentage thereof equal to the percentage increase, during the most recent 12-month or 4-quarter period ending before the time of determining such annual adjustment, in the housing price index maintained pursuant to section 1322 of the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 ( 12 U.S.C. 4542 ). If the change in such house price index during the most recent 12-month or 4-quarter period ending before the time of determining such annual adjustment is a decrease, then no adjustment shall be made for the next year, and the next adjustment shall take into account prior declines in the house price index, so that any adjustment shall reflect the net change in the house price index since the last adjustment. Declines in the house price index shall be accumulated and then reduce increases until subsequent increases exceed prior declines.
Special exception for Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and USVI
The limitations set forth under subsection (a) shall be increased by not to exceed 50 per centum with respect to properties located in Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, and the Virgin Islands.
High-Cost area limit
The limitations set forth under subsection (a) shall also be increased, with respect to properties of a particular size located in any area for which 115 percent of the median house price for such size residence exceeds the limitation under subsection (a) for such size residence—
for the first year following the date of enactment of this Act, to the lesser of 150 percent of such limitation for such size residence or the amount that is equal to 115 percent of the median house price in such area for such size residence;
for the second year following the date of enactment of this Act, to the lesser of 145 percent of such limitation for such size residence or the amount that is equal to 115 percent of the median house price in such area for such size residence;
for the third year following the date of enactment of this Act, to the lesser of 135 percent of such limitation for such size residence or the amount that is equal to 115 percent of the median house price in such area for such size residence;
for the fourth year following the date of enactment of this Act, to the lesser of 130 percent of such limitation for such size residence or the amount that is equal to 115 percent of the median house price in such area for such size residence; and
for the fifth year following the date of enactment of this Act, and each year thereafter, to the lesser of 125 percent of such limitation for such size residence or the amount that is equal to 115 percent of the median house price in such area for such size residence.
Portfolio reduction
Graduated reduction
In general
Each enterprise shall not own, as of any applicable date, mortgage assets in excess of—
as of December 31, 2013, $552,500,000,000; and
on December 31 of each year thereafter until the FMIC certification date, 85 percent of the aggregate amount of the mortgage assets that the enterprise was permitted to own as of December 31 of the immediately preceding calendar year.
Retained portfolio to facilitate orderly wind down
On December 31 of the year in which the FMIC certification date occurs, the Corporation shall establish an allowable amount of enterprise owned mortgage assets in an amount equal to the amount necessary to facilitate—
the orderly wind down of the enterprises; and
appropriate loss mitigation on any legacy guarantees of the enterprises.
Mortgage assets defined
For purposes of this section, the term mortgage assets means, with respect to an enterprise, assets of such enterprise consisting of mortgages, mortgage loans, mortgage-related securities, participation certificates, mortgage-backed commercial paper, obligations of real estate mortgage investment conduits and similar assets, in each case to the extent such assets would appear on the balance sheet of such enterprise in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in effect in the United States as of September 7, 2008 (as set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board from time to time; and without giving any effect to any change that may be made after September 7, 2008, in respect of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 140 or any similar accounting standard).
Repeal of mandatory housing goals
Repeal of housing goals
The Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 is amended by striking sections 1331 through 1336 ( 12 U.S.C. 4561–6 ).
Conforming amendments
The Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 (12 U.S.C. 4501 et seq.) is amended—
in section
1303(28), by striking , and, for the purposes
and all that
follows through designated disaster areas
;
in section 1324(b)(1)(A), by striking clauses (i), (ii), and (iv);
in section 1341—
in subsection (a)—
in
paragraph (1), by inserting or
after the semicolon at the
end;
in paragraph (2), by striking the semicolon at the end and inserting a period; and
by striking paragraphs (3) and (4); and
in subsection (b)(2)—
in subparagraph (A), by inserting
or
after the semicolon at the end;
by striking subparagraphs (B) and (C); and
by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (B);
in section 1345(a)—
in paragraph (1),
by inserting or
after the semicolon at the end;
in paragraph (2), by striking the semicolon at the end and inserting a period; and
by striking paragraphs (3) and (4); and
in section
1371(a)(2), by striking with any housing goal established under subpart
B of part 2 of subtitle A of this title, with section 1336 or 1337 of this
title,
.
Improvements to functioning of housing market
Continuation of multifamily business of the enterprises
In general
Notwithstanding any provision of title V, or any other provision of law, effective on the FMIC certification date, all functions, activities, infrastructure, property, including intellectual property, platforms, or any other object or service of an enterprise relating to the maintenance and operation of the multifamily guarantee business of an enterprise shall be transferred, without cost, to the Corporation.
Authority of Director
The Corporation is authorized, upon such terms and conditions as it may deem appropriate, to guarantee the timely payment of principal of and interest, on any mortgage on multifamily housing purchased by the Corporation pursuant to the transfer of an enterprise's multifamily guarantee business under subsection (a).
Limitation on ongoing operation of multifamily business
In carrying out the multifamily guarantee business of an enterprise transferred pursuant to subsection (a), the Corporation shall ensure that any such business continues to operate, as applicable, consistent with—
the Delegated Underwriting and Servicing Lender Program established by the Federal National Mortgage Association; and
the Program Plus Lender Program established by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, especially the Series K Structured Pass-Through Certificates offered by the enterprise.
Explicit guarantee
The full faith and credit of the United States is pledged to the payment of all amounts which may be required to be paid under any guaranty—
issued by the Corporation pursuant to this subsection; and
obligation assumed by the Corporation pursuant to the transfer of an enterprise's multifamily guarantee business under subsection (a).
Guarantee fee
In general
The Corporation shall collect a reasonable fee for any guaranty under this subsection and shall make such charges as it may determine to be reasonable for the analysis of any trust or other security arrangement proposed by an issuer of a security backed by multifamily mortgages guaranteed under this section.
Deposit into Mortgage Insurance Fund
Any guarantee fee amounts collected under this subsection shall be deposited in the Mortgage Insurance Fund.
Multiple lender issues
With respect to the dwelling of a borrower that serves as security for an eligible mortgage, if the borrower enters into any credit transaction that would result in the creation of a new mortgage or other lien on such dwelling where the loan-to-value ratio of such credit transaction amount is 80 percent or more, the creditor of such new mortgage or other lien shall seek and obtain the approval of the creditor of the senior eligible mortgage loan before any such credit transaction becomes valid and enforceable.
GAO report on full privatization of secondary mortgage market
GAO report
Not later than 8 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit a report to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives on the feasibility of maintaining a fully privatized secondary mortgage market, including recommendations on how to best carry out any displacement of the insurance model established under this Act.
Corporation plan To transition to a fully private secondary mortgage market
Required submission to Congress
Not later than 6 months after the date on which the report required under subsection (a) is submitted, the Corporation shall submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives a plan to transition to a fully privatized secondary mortgage market.
Required content of plan
The plan required to be submitted under paragraph (1) shall describe, chronicle, and specify all the legislative, administrative, and regulatory actions necessary to carry out a transition to a fully private secondary mortgage market, including all actions necessary to dissolve the Corporation and successfully displace the insurance model established under this Act.
General provisions
Authority to issue regulations
The Corporation may prescribe such regulations and issue such guidelines, orders, requirements, or standards as are necessary to carry out this Act, or any amendment made by this Act.
Fair value accounting
In any evaluation, oversight, audit, or analysis by the Corporation of the cost of the Mortgage Insurance Fund, the insurance or guarantee activities of the Corporation required under this Act, including any fee or charge in connection with the provision of such insurance or guarantee, or the financial transactions of the Corporation, the Corporation shall conduct any such evaluation, oversight, audit, or analysis based on the fair-value accrual accounting method.
Rule of construction
Nothing in this Act shall be construed to prohibit or otherwise restrict the ability of a holder of any loss position in any covered security insured under this Act from restructuring, retranching, or resecuritizing such position.
Severability
If any provision of this Act or the application of any provision of this Act to any person or circumstance, is held invalid, the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances, and the remainder of this Act, shall not be affected thereby.