zli12321/Bills huggingface dataset:
Homebuyer Assistance and Improvement Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend eligibility for the first-time homebuyer tax credit until September 30, 2010, for taxpayers who entered into a binding contract to purchase a principal residence before May 1, 2010; (2) extend the penalty for tendering a bad check to the Internal Revenue Service to tendering any instrument in payment, by any commercially acceptable means; and (3) authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to disclose prisoner tax return information to state agencies charged with the responsibility for administration of prisons. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to extend through FY2015 the authority of the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to collect a fee for the use of the electronic travel authorization system. Amends the Travel Promotion Act of 2009 to extend the implementation of such Act until after the collection of fees for use of the electronic travel authorization system and extend until FY2015 the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer such fees to the Corporation for Travel Promotion. Provides for compliance of the budgetary effects of this Act with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010.

Date: 2010-06-29
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Finance)
Subject: Taxation
Protecting Homeowners' Credit History Act of 2010 - Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to prohibit a person from furnishing to a consumer reporting agency any negative information resulting from the modification of the terms of a consumer loan secured by one to four units of residential real property, including any agreement to reduce the amount of the payments for the loan or to reduce the principal amount of such loan. Prohibits a person, in calculating any consumer's credit score, from producing a less favorable credit score on the basis of any information resulting from the modification of the terms of a consumer loan secured by one to four units of residential real property, including any such agreement as well.

Date: 2010-07-15
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Finance)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Anti-Redlining and Anti-Mortgage Fraud Act of 2010 - Makes it unlawful for any person or entity to extend credit, provide funds, or collect any payments in connection with an extension of credit secured by a single-family residence unless the originator has recorded the credit application with the clearinghouse established under this Act. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, acting through the Director of the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) of the Department of the Treasury, to: (1) establish a mortgage application recordation system which includes a clearinghouse, managed by a private sector entity, to record single-family residence mortgage applications; and (2) require mortgage originators to record such credit applications with the clearinghouse. Prescribes criteria for the clearinghouse operator, which shall bear all clearinghouse costs. Authorizes the Secretary to guarantee repayment of principal and interest on a loan to the clearinghouse operator sufficient to cover clearinghouse costs. Requires the clearinghouse to collect information using an Internet-based electronic system. Makes all information collected by the clearinghouse is property of the Secretary.

Date: 2010-07-29
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Finance)
Subject: Housing and community development
Amends the National Housing Act with respect to requirements for the insurance of mortgages secured by a one- to four-family dwelling which are obligations of the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund. (Sec. 1) Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to establish and collect annual premium payments of up to 1.5% of the remaining insured principal balance on such a dwelling. (Currently the Secretary is required to establish and collect annual premium payments of up to .5% of the remaining insured principal balance.) Authorizes an annual premium of up to 1.55% of the remaining insured principal balance of any 30-year mortgage on such a dwelling involving an original principal obligation greater than 95% percent of such value. (Currently, an annual premium of up to 0.55% of the remaining insured principal balance on such a mortgage is required.) Authorizes the Secretary to adjust the amount of any initial or annual premium through notice published in the Federal Register or mortgagee letter, which shall establish the effective date of any such adjustment. (Sec. 2) Directs the Assistant Secretary of HUD who is the Federal Housing Commissioner to appear before specified congressional committees within 270 days after the enactment of this Act to discuss the finances, including premiums, of the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).

Date: 2010-07-30
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Finance)
Subject: Housing and community development
Making Home Affordable Improvements Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to provide assistance in specified amounts to the National Foreclosure Mitigation Counseling Program (Program) of the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation (NRC) for foreclosure mitigation counseling activities in connection with the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) of the Making Home Affordable initiative. Directs the Program to distribute funds to grantee housing counseling agencies in good standing. Directs the NRC to establish a procedure by which the Program shall direct funds to such agencies. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) revise HAMP guidelines to provide for monthly collection by the Secretary of the Treasury from each participating mortgage servicer and lender of comprehensive data on its activities; and (2) report such data to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), report it to Congress, and make it publicly available on the Treasury World Wide Web site.

Date: 2010-07-30
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Finance)
Subject: Housing and community development
American Eagle Palladium Bullion Coin Act of 2010 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue a $25 palladium bullion investment coin bearing designs that are close likenesses of the work of American coin designer and medallic artist Adolph Alexander Weinman. Requires the obverse to bear a high-relief likeness of the "Winged Liberty" design used on the obverse of the "Mercury dime," and the reverse a high-relief version of the reverse design of the 1907 American Institute of Architects medal. Requires the coin also to bear other inscriptions, including "Liberty," "In God We Trust," and "United States of America." Allows any U.S. Mint other than the one at West Point, New York, to strike the coins, unless the Secretary of the Treasury decides to issue a proof version, which shall be struck only at West Point. Conditions the minting and issuance of palladium bullion coins upon submission to the Secretary and Congress of a marketing study by a reputable, independent third party: (1) analyzing the market for palladium bullion investments; and (2) demonstrating that there would be adequate demand for such coins to ensure that they could be minted and issued at no net cost to taxpayers.

Date: 2010-09-22
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Finance)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Housing Opportunity and Mortgage Equity Act of 2010 - Directs the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) (government-sponsored enterprises or GSEs) each to carry out a one-year program providing for the refinancing of qualified single-family housing mortgages it owns through a refinancing mortgage (and for the purchase of and securitization of such refinancing mortgages) in accordance with this Act and the policies and procedures of the Federal Housing Finance Agency. Defines a qualified mortgage as one, regardless of whether the mortgagor is current on payments due or in default, that: (1) is an existing first mortgage for purchase of, or refinancing another first mortgage on, a one- to four-family dwelling, including a condominium or a share in a cooperative ownership housing association, that is occupied by the mortgagor as principal residence; (2) is owned or guaranteed by the particular GSE; and (3) was originated on or before enactment of this Act. Specifies the terms and conditions of a refinancing mortgage, including a 40-year term to maturity and a prohibition on borrower fees. Requires waiver or forgiveness of all fees and penalties related to any default or delinquency on the original mortgage. Requires a GSE to pay a fee of up to $1,000 to the servicer of a qualified mortgage refinance. Prohibits any requirement of a property appraisal.

Date: 2010-09-28
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Finance)
Subject: Housing and community development
Investment in Commercial Real Estate Act of 2010 - Exempts servicers of commercial mortgage loans from liability for entering into a loan modification or workout plan if certain requirements are met. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) reduce the recovery period for depreciation of residential rental and nonresidential real property (thus accelerating such depreciation); and (2) extend from two to five years the carryback period for deducting net operating losses. Requires federal banking agencies to implement a system of dynamic provisioning for investment and loan loss reserves that meets specified requirements and is applicable to all depository institutions before January 1, 2011. Requires depository institutions that make or hold permanent commercial mortgage loans to submit to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System in each calendar quarter the aggregate amount of permanent commerical mortgage loans that matured during the quarter but did not fully amortize, were current prior to maturity, had adequate cash flows to continue paying interest and principal, and were not renewed at maturity or were renewed at a lower principal balance. Terminates this requirement after March 31, 2013. Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to conduct a study and report to Congress on commercial mortgage credit.

Date: 2010-09-29
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Finance)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Stephanie Tubbs Jones Assets for Independence Reauthorization Act of 2010 - Amends the Assets for Independence Act, which provides for demonstration projects designed to provide individuals and families of limited means with an incentive to save a portion of their earned income and thereby accumulate assets, increase their economic self-sufficiency, and stabilize such families and the communities in which they live. Expresses the sense of Congress that a qualified entity conducting a demonstration project under the Act should, to the maximum extent practicable, increase: (1) the rate at which it matches contributions by participating individuals; or (2) the number of such participating individuals. States that multiple households may share a single residence. Specifies public housing agencies and tribally designated housing entities as entities qualified to participate in a demonstration project. Repeals the requirement that state or local government or other public agencies apply jointly with a tax-exempt not-for-profit charitable organization or collaborate with certain kinds of local community-based organizations. Includes among postsecondary educational expenses any expenses for preparatory courses, room and board, and transportation. Revises requirements for: (1) applications for new and renewals of existing projects; (2) limitations on uses of the Reserve Fund; and (3) the adjusted gross household income eligibility test, requiring regulations for transfers from one project to another for individuals who move because of major disasters or emergencies, to find employment, or to a community where no project is available. Revises requirements for deposits by qualified entities in the individual development accounts (IDAs) of participating individuals to: (1) increase maximum deposits per individual and per household; (2) facilitate withdrawal of funds from an IDA, with formal approval, during the year following the end of a demonstration project; and (3) require disposal of funds remaining in an IDA at the end of that year. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Director of Community Services, to make every effort, 90 days after terminating the authority of one qualified entity to operate a demonstration project, to identify another qualified entity (or entities), in the same or a different community, willing and able to conduct one or more demonstration projects. Specifies criteria for giving priority consideration to candidate entities. Revises requirements for contracting with independent research organizations to evaluate demonstration projects. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) use certain funds to cover the necessary costs of training for a qualified entity conducting a demonstration project, including costs of travel, accommodations, and meals; and (2) waive any requirement of the Act in certain circumstances.

Date: 2010-09-29
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Finance)
Subject: Social welfare
Red Flag Program Clarification Act of 2010 - Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act, with respect to federal agency (red flag) guidelines regarding identity theft and the users of consumer reports, to define creditor to mean one that regularly and in the ordinary course of business: (1) obtains or uses consumer reports, directly or indirectly, in connection with a credit transaction; (2) furnishes information to certain consumer reporting agencies in connection with a credit transaction; or (3) advances funds to or on behalf of a person, based on the person's obligation to repay the funds or on repayment from specific property pledged by or on the person's behalf. Includes in the definition any other type of creditor as the federal agency (banking agency, National Credit Union Administration, or the Federal Trade Commission [FTC]) having authority over that creditor may determine appropriate, if the creditor offers or maintains accounts subject to a reasonably foreseeable risk of identity theft. Excludes from the definition of creditor, however, any creditor that advances funds on behalf of a person for expenses incidental to a service the creditor provides to that person.

Date: 2010-11-17
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Finance)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Transparency and Security in Mortgage Registration Act of 2010 - Amends the National Housing Act to prohibit the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) from purchasing, acquiring, newly lending on the security of, newly investing in securities consisting of, or otherwise newly dealing in any Mortgage Electronic Registration System, Inc. (MERS) mortgage or mortgages. Prohibits the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae) from newly guaranteeing the payment of principal of or interest on any trust certificate or other security based or backed by a trust or pool that contains, or purchase or acquire, any MERS mortgage. Directs Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae to require all their current MERS mortgages to be assigned to the proper servicer, holder, or creditor. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to study and report to Congress to analyze and determine: (1) the impacts of the lack of electronic records and uniform standards found in local land title recordation systems currently used in the various states; (2) any progress states have made in developing electronic land title recordation systems containing uniform standards; (3) the current oversight role of the federal government in the transfer and recordation of land titles; and (4) the feasibility of creating a federal land title recordation system for property transfers that would maintain all previous records of the land-property without invalidating, interfering with, or preempting state real property law governing the transfer and perfection of land title.

Date: 2010-11-30
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Finance)
Subject: Housing and community development
Homeowner Protection and Wall Street Accountability Act of 2009 - Expresses the sense of Congress that Congress should enact, and the President should sign, legislation to: (1) stabilize the housing market and assist homeowners by imposing a temporary moratorium on foreclosures, removing impediments to the modification of distressed mortgages, creating tax and other incentives to help prevent foreclosures and encourage refinancing into affordable and sustainable mortgage solutions, and pursuing other foreclosure-prevention policies through the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) or other programs; (2) ensure the safety and soundness of the U.S. financial system for investors by reforming the financial-regulatory system, strengthening systemic-risk regulation, enhancing market transparency, and increasing consumer protections in financial regulation to prevent predatory lending practices; (3) ensure credit-card accountability, responsibility, and disclosure; and (4) stabilize credit markets for small-business lenders to enhance their ability to make loans to small firms, and stimulate the small-business loan markets by temporarily streamlining and investing in the loan programs of the Small Business Administration (SBA).

Date: 2009-01-06
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Finance)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Helping Families Save their Homes in Bankruptcy Act of 2009 - Amends federal bankruptcy law governing a Chapter 13 debtor (adjustment of debts of an individual with regular income). Excludes from computation of debts the secured or unsecured portions of: (1) debts secured by the debtor's principal residence if the current value of that residence is less than the secured debt limit; or (2) debts secured or formerly secured by debtor's principal residence that was either sold in foreclosure or surrendered to the creditor if the current value of such real property is less than the secured debt limit. Declares the credit counseling requirement inapplicable to a Chapter 13 debtor who certifies that he or she has received notice that the holder of a claim secured by the debtor's principal residence may commence a foreclosure on the debtor's principal residence. Requires the court to disallow a claim that is subject to any remedy for damages or rescission due to violations of state or federal consumer protection law, including the Truth in Lending Act, notwithstanding the prior entry of a foreclosure judgment. Allows modification of the rights of claim holders, in the event of a foreclosure notice for a chapter 13 debtor, among other means by: (1) reducing a claim to equal the value of the debtor's interest in the residence securing such claim, and any adjustments to a related adjustable rate of interest; (2) waiving early repayment or prepayment penalties; and (3) extending the repayment period. Denies debtor liability for certain fees and charges incurred while the bankruptcy case is pending and arising from a debt secured by the debtor's principal residence, unless the claim holder observes specified requirements. Adds to conditions for court confirmation of a plan in bankruptcy that: (1) the holder of a claim secured by the debtor's principal residence retain the lien securing the claim until the later of the payment of such claim as reduced and modified or the discharge of a debtor from all debts; and (2) the plan modifies the claim in good faith. Excludes from final discharge of a debtor from all debts: (1) any payments to claim holders whose rights are modified under this Act; and (2) any unpaid portion of a claim as reduced.

Date: 2009-01-06
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Finance)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Student Credit Card Protection Act of 2009 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to limit by a specified formula the total credit which may be extended by a creditor during any full calendar year to a full time, traditional-aged college student under a college student credit card account, unless a parent, legal guardian, or spouse of the student assumes joint liability for debts incurred.Prohibits increasing the credit limit on an account for which a parent, guardian, or spouse has assumed joint liability without that person's written approval.States that a creditor must require adequate proof of income, income history, and credit history, before any such college student credit card account may be opened.Prohibits a creditor from opening a credit card account for, or issue any credit card to, any college student who: (1) has no verifiable annual gross income; and (2) already maintains a credit card account under an open end consumer credit plan with the same creditor or any affiliate. Directs the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to promulgate implementing regulations.

Date: 2009-01-07
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Finance)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Consumer Credit Fairness Act - Amends federal bankruptcy law to require the bankruptcy court to disallow any claim arising from a high cost consumer credit transaction. Defines "high cost consumer credit transaction" as an extension of credit by a creditor resulting in a consumer debt with an applicable annual percentage rate (APR), including related costs and fees, that exceeds, at any time while the credit is outstanding, the lesser of: (1) the sum of 15% and the yield on U.S. Treasury securities having a 30-year period of maturity; or (2) 36%. Excludes the petition for relief of a debtor with any debts arising from a high cost consumer credit transaction from mandatory consideration for dismissal, or conversion to a case under chapter 11 or 13, based upon a finding of substantial abuse.

Date: 2009-01-15
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Finance)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
First-Time Homebuyers' Tax Credit Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual taxpayer who qualifies as a first-time homebuyer (i.e., an individual who had no ownership interest in a principal residence within the past two years) a one-time refundable credit for up to $20,000 of the purchase price of a principal residence. Reduces such credit for taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes exceeding $75,000 ($150,000 for married couples filing jointly).

Date: 2009-01-22
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Finance)
Subject: Taxation
Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit Improvement Act of 2009 - Establishes special rules for modification or disposition of a troubled asset (qualified mortgages or foreclosure property) under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) by real estate mortgage investment conduits (REMICs). Declares that: (1) such a modification or disposition shall not be treated as a prohibited transaction under the Internal Revenue Code; (2) an interest in the REMIC shall not fail to be treated as a regular interest solely because of such modification or disposition; and (3) any proceeds resulting from such modification or disposition shall be treated as amounts received under qualified mortgages. Specifies terms of the instruments governing the conduct of servicers or trustees with respect to qualified mortgages which shall terminates a REMIC. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish and implement a home mortgage loan relief program under TARP.

Date: 2009-02-04
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Finance)
Subject: Housing and community development
Credit Card Reform Act of 2009 - Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to permit a consumer reporting agency to furnish a consumer report in connection with any credit or insurance transaction that is not initiated by the consumer only if the report indicates that the consumer is age 21 or older. Allows 18-year olds to elect to have their name and address included in any agency list. Amends the Truth in Lending Act to prohibit a credit card issuer from changing the terms of a credit card under an open end consumer credit plan: (1) before the scheduled contract expiration or renewal date; and (2) until the issuer has published all contract changes in any mandatory disclosures. Establishes a cardholder right to repay all existing balances on a terminated or expired credit card account under the terms of the account in effect before the termination or expiration.Imposes limits upon increases of interest rates and finance charges on a credit card account before its scheduled renewal date.Permits an increase in the annual percentage rate (APR) as a penalty only for specific, material contract violations of a consumer directly related to the account that are specified in the contract as grounds for an increase. Bans retroactive rate increases.Prohibits a credit card issuer from imposing adverse consequences for late payment if the cardholder's payment is postmarked or initiated by electronic funds transfer on or before the required postmark date. Requires a credit card issuer to verify, when the account is opened or the credit limit increased, that the consumer will be able to make the scheduled payments, based on a consideration of current and expected income, current obligations, and employment status.Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to redefine "firm offer of credit or insurance" to require the offer to specify all material terms, including APR, fees, and the applicable amount of credit or credit limit.

Date: 2009-02-06
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Finance)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Universal Default Prohibition Act of 2009 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to prohibit a creditor from: (1) using any adverse information concerning any consumer, including any in a consumer report or any change in the consumer's credit score, as the basis for increasing any annual percentage rate of interest (APR) for a credit card account of the consumer's under an open end consumer credit plan; or (2) removing or increasing any introductory APR for that account, for reasons other than actions or omissions of the consumer directly related to the account. Requires such limitation on the use of adverse information to be clearly and conspicuously described to the consumer by the credit card issuer.

Date: 2009-02-09
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Finance)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Consumer Rental-Purchase Agreement Act of 2009 - Amends the Consumer Credit Protection Act to prescribe consumer protection guidelines for rental-purchase transactions, including: (1) the determination of rental-purchase cost; (2) disclosure requirements; (3) prohibitions against confessions of judgment, wage assignments, and waiver of consumer claims or defenses; (4) furnishing of statements of account; (5) point-of-rental disclosures; and (6) rental-purchase advertising disclosures.Declares that an action for civil liability may be brought against a merchant's assignee only if the violation is apparent on the face of a rental-purchase agreement to which it relates, including, but not limited to, a disclosure that can be determined to be incomplete or inaccurate from the face of the agreement. Authorizes the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to promulgate implementing regulations. Grants enforcement powers to the Federal Trade Commission and to state attorneys general. Subjects to criminal penalties any willful and knowing violation of the information disclosure requirements of this Act.

Date: 2009-03-30
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Finance)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Debt Reduction Priority Act - Amends the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) to require the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a procedure for: (1) depositing in the General Fund of the Treasury amounts received for repayment of financial assistance or payment of interest on the receipt of such assistance by an entity under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) or any program enacted by the Secretary under the authorities granted under such Act, including the Capital Purchase Program; and (2) dedication of any such amounts so received for the sole purpose of debt reduction.

Date: 2009-04-22
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Finance)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Debt Reduction Priority Act - Amends the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) to require the Secretary of the Treasury to deposit in the Public Debt Reduction Payment Account (established by this Act) amounts received for repayment of financial assistance or payment of interest on the receipt of such assistance by an entity under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) or any program enacted by the Secretary under the authorities granted under such Act, including the Capital Purchase Program. Requires the Secretary to use amounts in the Account to pay at maturity, or to redeem or buy before maturity, any obligation of the government held by the public and included in the public debt. Reduces the public debt limit by the aggregate of amounts deposited into the Account. Excludes receipts and disbursements of the Account from consideration as new budget authority, outlays, receipts, or deficit or surplus for purposes of the President's budget, the congressional budget, or the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. Requires outlays and receipts of the Account to be excluded from any official statement of budget surplus or deficit totals issued by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), or any other federal agency or instrumentality.

Date: 2009-04-22
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Finance)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Credit Card Safety Star Act of 2009 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to direct the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to promulgate rules to implement a Safety Star System, with one to five stars, to allow consumers to compare quickly and easily the terms, conditions, and levels of safety associated with various open end credit plan agreements. Specifies a point structure for rating credit cards. Assigns an automatic one-star rating (the lowest level of safety) to any open end credit plan that allows the card issuer to modify the terms of the agreement with a cardholder at any time or periodically for unspecified or unstated reasons. Establishes the Credit Card Safety Star Advisory Commission.

Date: 2009-04-27
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Finance)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Authorizing the Regulation of Swaps Act - Amends the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Commodity Futures Modernization Act of 2000, the Legal Certainty for Bank Products Act of 2000, and the Commodity Exchange Act to repeal prohibitions against regulation of credit default swaps and other swap agreements, whether traded on an exchange or over-the-counter, including commodity, equity, foreign currency, and interest rate swaps. Authorizes the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), and specified other federal financial regulators to: (1) exercise oversight over any swap agreement entered into, purchased, or sold by any financial institution, entity, or person (for its own account or for the account of others), and any swap agreement, that is subject to the regulator's jurisdiction; and (2) promulgate, interpret, and enforce regulations, issue orders of general applicability, and impose disclosure, reporting, or recordkeeping requirements relating to any such swap agreement. Grants the SEC sole oversight authority over: (1) any exchange or clearing agency; and (2) any swap agreement traded on or cleared through such exchange or clearing agency. Grants the CFTC sole oversight authority over: (1) any trading facility or registered entity; and (2) any swap agreement executed on, traded on, or cleared through such trading facility or registered entity.

Date: 2009-05-04
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Finance)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Rating Accountability and Transparency Enhancement Act of 2009 or the RATE Act - Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to require the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to review credit ratings and methodologies employed by each nationally recognized statistical rating organization (NRSRO) to ensure that the NRSRO complies with its internal controls for determining credit ratings. Requires each NRSRO to establish establish and enforce governance procedures to manage conflicts of interest in accordance with SEC rules. Directs the SEC to issue specified rules to prohibit, or require the management and disclosure of, any conflicts of interest relating to the issuance of credit ratings by an NRSRO. Requires an NRSRO to review and revise a credit rating, if appropriate, in any case in which an employee of an obligor, issuer, or underwriter of a security or money market instrument was employed by an NRSRO and participated in determining such credit ratings for the obligor or the issuer during the one-year period preceding the date of the credit rating (look-back requirement). Requires each NRSRO to designate a compliance officer to perform specified duties. Directs the SEC to establish an office to administer SEC rules with respect to the practices of NRSROs in determining ratings to ensure that credit ratings NRSROs issue are accurate and not unduly influenced by conflicts of interest. Directs the SEC to require each NRSRO to disclose publicly information on initial ratings and subsequent changes in order to: (1) provide a gauge of the accuracy of ratings; and (2) allow users of credit ratings to compare performance of ratings by different NRSROs. Requires the SEC to promulgate rules on credit rating procedures and methodologies. Modifies the scienter requirement in a private action for money damages against an NRSRO to provide that it shall be sufficient for the complaint to state with particularity facts giving rise to a strong inference that the NRSRO knowingly or recklessly failed either to: (1) conduct a reasonable investigation of the rated security with respect to the factual elements relied upon by its own methodology for evaluating credit risk; or (2) obtain reasonable verification of such factual elements from other sources that it considered to be competent and that were independent of the issuer and underwriter. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on implementation of this Act, including: (1) the appropriateness of relying on ratings for use in federal, state, and local securities, banking regulations, and capital requirements determinations; and (2) the effect of liability in private actions and the scienter modification of this Act.

Date: 2009-05-19
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Finance)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Home Buyer Tax Credit Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to replace the current tax credit for first-time homebuyers with a one-time credit for 10% of the purchase price of a principal residence, up to $15,000. Requires repayment of credit amounts if the taxpayer sells or fails to occupy the residence within 24 months after the date of purchase.

Date: 2009-06-10
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Finance)
Subject: Taxation
Preserving Homes and Communities Act of 2009 - Prohibits a covered mortgagee from initiating or continuing a foreclosure proceeding against a covered mortgagor that is otherwise authorized under state law unless: (1) the mortgagee has determined whether the mortgagor is eligible for a qualified loan modification (QLM); (2) the mortgagee has offered a QLM to the mortgagor, if eligible; and (3) the mortgagee has made available to the mortgagor, if ineligible for a QLM, the note, deed of trust, or any other document necessary to establish the mortgagee's right to foreclose on the mortgage. Prohibits a covered mortgagee from charging a mortgagor a QLM or other specified fees. Amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to award grants to state housing finance agencies (or state-designated eligible agencies) to enable them to provide: (1) one-time emergency grants or subsidized loans to assist eligible homeowners in satisfying any amounts past due on their home loans; (2) grants or subsidized loans to eligible homeowners for a specified number of future mortgage payments; and (3) stipends of up to $1,500 to assist with relocation expenses for homeowners not eligible for the program. Directs the Secretary to make competitive grants to state and local governments to establish compulsory mortgagee-mortgagor mediation programs that assist mortgagors facing foreclosure. Requires the Secretary to develop and implement a plan to monitor: (1) conditions and trends in homeownership and the mortgage industry in order to predict foreclosure trends; and (2) the effectiveness of public efforts to reduce mortgage defaults and foreclosures. Requires the Secretary also to develop recommendations for a national database on mortgage defaults and foreclosures to provide relevant information to federal regulatory agencies as well as federal, state, and local governments. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer and credit $1 billion to the Housing Trust Fund from funds received from the sale of warrants under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA).

Date: 2009-09-30
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Finance)
Subject: Housing and community development
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2011 the period for placing in service buildings located in a disaster area that are eligible for allocations of low-income housing tax credit amounts.

Date: 2009-10-07
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Finance)
Subject: Taxation
Credit Card Rate Freeze Act of 2009 - Prohibits a creditor, during a specified nine-month period, from: (1) increasing any annual percentage rate (APR), fee, or finance charge applicable to any outstanding balance of any credit card account under an open end consumer credit plan; or (2) changing the terms governing repayment of any outstanding balance, except as permitted by the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009. Authorizes the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to prescribe implementing regulations.

Date: 2009-10-26
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Finance)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
TARP Sunset Act of 2009 - Amends the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) to terminate, on December 31, 2009 (as under current law), the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury to implement the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). Repeals the Secretary's authority to extend the TARP program through October 3, 2010, upon submission of a written certification to Congress.

Date: 2009-11-17
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Finance)
Subject: Economics and public finance
Foreclosure Mandatory Mediation Act of 2009 - Amends the Helping Families Save Their Homes Act of 2009 to require the mortgagee of certain one- to four-family residences, as a prerequisite to a foreclosure proceeding or a sheriff sale, and at the mortgagee's expense, to conduct a one-time mediation with the affected mortgagor and a housing counseling agency.

Date: 2009-12-18
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Finance)
Subject: Housing and community development
Homeowners' Relief and Neighborhood Stabilization Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) $3 billion from Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) funds under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA), to be credited to the Emergency Homeowners' Relief Fund for use for emergency mortgage assistance. Allows mortgage assistance if the mortgagor has incurred a substantial reduction in income as a result of involuntary unemployment or underemployment due to medical conditions. Caps the aggregate amount of emergency mortgage assistance provided to a homeowner at $50,000. Revises conditions and terms of repayment of such assistance to state that: (1) the rate of interest on any loan or advance of credit insured shall be fixed for the life of the loan or advance of credit and shall not exceed the rate of interest generally charged for mortgages on single-family housing insured by the HUD Secretary; (2) interest shall not be charged on interest which is deferred on a loan or advance of credit; and (3) an eligible homeowner who receives a grant or an advance of credit may repay the loan in full, without penalty at any time before the loan becomes due and payable. Repeals the limitation on mortgage insurance granted by the Secretary to any financial institution to 40% of the total amount of loans and advances the institution makes. Directs the HUD Secretary to allow funds to be administered by a state with an existing program that provides substantially similar assistance to homeowners. Amends the Emergency Housing Act of 1975 to reauthorize the Emergency Mortgage Relief Program through FY2011. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer to HUD $1 billion for assistance to states and local governments for redevelopment of abandoned and foreclosed homes.

Date: 2010-01-28
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Finance)
Subject: Housing and community development
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the rate of the tax credit for retirement savings contributions (saver's credit); and (2) make such credit refundable.

Date: 2010-03-09
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Finance)
Subject: Taxation
Payday Lending Limitation Act of 2010 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to prohibit extending consumer credit of $3,000 or less, with an annual percentage rate (APR) exceeding 36% (or, in specified circumstances, 25%) and a term or amortization period of 91 days or less (covered loan), to an individual who has had in the aggregate: (1) six covered loans extended during the preceding 12-month period; or (2) covered loan obligations of 90 days or longer during the preceding 12-month period. Requires the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to issue specified implementing rules governing covered loans. Declares unenforceable with respect to a consumer any contract made in violation of this Act. Declares that this Act neither preempts nor prevents state law from providing greater protection to consumers than is provided under this Act.

Date: 2010-04-22
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Finance)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Debt Settlement Consumer Protection Act of 2010 - Amends the Consumer Credit Protection Act to prohibit debt settlement providers from providing a debt settlement service or receiving a fee from a consumer without a signed written contract meeting specified requirements. Prohibits debt settlement providers from engaging in certain acts or practices, including: (1) making loans or offering credit or soliciting or accepting any note, mortgage, or negotiable instrument other than a check signed by the consumer and dated no later than the date of signature; (2) taking a confession of judgment or power of attorney to confess judgment against the consumer or appearing as the consumer or on the consumer's behalf in any judicial or non-judicial proceedings; (3) taking any release or waiver of an obligation to be performed on the part of the debt settlement provider or any right of the consumer; (4) receiving any third-party compensation for providing the consumer with a debt settlement service; or (5) purchasing debts or engaging in debt collection. Permits debt settlement providers to charge enrollment and settlement fees, but no others. Requires a debt settlement provider who receives funds from a consumer to hold them for a consumer settlement account in a properly designated trust account in a federally insured depository institution not affiliated with the provider. Permits a consumer to cancel a contract with a debt settlement provider at any time, in accordance with specified requirements and procedures. Declares void and unenforceable: (1) a consumer's waiver of any consumer protection or right provided under this Act; and (2) any contract for a debt settlement service that does not comply with this Act. Prohibits a debt settlement provider from engaging in certain advertising, marketing, or other communication practices except in accordance with specified requirements. Authorizes the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to prescribe rules governing advertising and marketing practices, record retention, and provision of accountings to consumers, as well as debt relief service rules. Subjects a debt settlement provider to civil liability (including punitive damages) for noncompliance with this Act. Empowers the FTC to enforce this Act. Authorizes a state to bring a civil action in federal court on behalf of its residents for noncompliance with this Act.

Date: 2010-04-27
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Finance)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act with respect to the duties of users of consumer reports who take adverse actions on the basis of information contained in such reports. Excludes any health care practice, accounting practice, or legal practice with 20 or fewer employees from the meaning of creditor subject to Red Flag Guidelines regarding identity theft promulgated by the proper federal financial regulatory agency. Excludes any other business which the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) determines: (1) knows all its customers or clients individually; (2) only performs services in or around the residences of its customers; or (3) has not experienced incidents of identity theft, and identity theft is rare for businesses of that type. States that such exclusion shall no longer apply to any business that can no longer meet such eligibility criteria.

Date: 2010-05-25
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Finance)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Medical Debt Relief Act of 2010 - Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to prohibit a consumer reporting agency from making any report containing information related to a fully paid or settled medical debt that had been characterized as delinquent, charged off, or in collection which, from the date of payment or settlement, antedates the report by more than 45 days.

Date: 2010-05-25
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Finance)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent the tax deduction for mortgage insurance premiums.

Date: 2010-08-03
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Finance)
Subject: Taxation
Securing America's Veterans Insurance Needs and Goals Act of 2010 or SAVINGS Act of 2010 - Requires a life insurance company, in order to provide life insurance for veterans under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance program, to: (1) provide financial counseling to the beneficiary or other person entitled to payment upon the establishment of a valid claim; and (2) include full disclosure with respect to such payment, including advantages and disadvantages of maintaining such payment with the company versus a financial institution. Prohibits a company from charging fees to a payee for maintaining such payment with the company. Requires the insured to be given the option of specifying the manner of disbursement of insurance proceeds. Requires: (1) the Director of the VA's Office of Survivor Assistance to attend each meeting of the Advisory Council on Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance; and (2) the Secretary to ensure that such Office has the necessary personnel to provide information on the receipt of such counseling.

Date: 2010-08-05
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Finance)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Aiding Those Facing Foreclosure Act of 2010 - Amends the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to use any amounts obligated under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) to enable nonprofit counseling intermediaries and nonprofit legal organizations to provide legal assistance to homeowners of owner-occupied homes consisting of from one to four dwelling units whose mortgages are in default or delinquency, in danger of default or delinquency, or subject to or at risk of foreclosure (including any deed in lieu of foreclosure or short sale).

Date: 2010-11-29
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Consumer Finance)
Subject: Housing and community development