January 25, 2008

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) this week requested that the developing economic stimulus package include additional Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding for low-income families.  In a letter to Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Robert Byrd (D-WV), and Appropriations Ranking Member Thad Cochran (R-MS), Senator Dodd and his colleagues recommended an additional $3.62 billion for the program to support low income families in bill payment assistance, energy crisis assistance and weatherization and energy-related home repairs, as well as an additional $500 million in emergency funds.

January 24, 2008

After proposing his idea of a Federal Homeownership Preservation Corporation for inclusion in the stimulus package to Majority Leader Harry Reid earlier in the week, Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT), Chairman of the Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, will discuss with Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson tomorrow morning, issues of importance over which they both preside, including the vitality of the financial markets, the health of the economy, the stimulus package proposals and efforts to reduce record foreclosure rates.

January 23, 2008

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, yesterday sent a letter to Majority Leader Reid recommending that any potential stimulus bill should include several provisions to help American homeowners avoid foreclosure, help local governments deal with foreclosed and abandoned properties, and modernize the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), among others. 

Download the podcast here: January 23, 2008

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, today held a press conference to discuss the recent market volatility and downturn in the American economy, as well as the priorities that the Banking Committee will focus on over the year ahead to help working families and businesses achieve economic security and prosperity.  Below are his remarks as prepared:

January 23, 3008

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, today held a press conference to discuss the recent market volatility and downturn in the American economy, as well as the priorities that the Banking Committee will focus on over the year ahead to help working families and businesses achieve economic security and prosperity.  Below are his remarks as prepared:

January 8, 2008

Senator Chris Dodd, D-CT., Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, has named Amy Friend Chief Counsel for the Committee.  Friend currently serves as Assistant Chief Counsel at the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC).

 

“Amy’s experience, knowledge, and expertise make her a wonderful addition to the Banking Committee staff, said Dodd. “Her talents and the wealth of private and public experience she possesses will be of enormous benefit to the Committee as we address important issues that impact our nation’s economy, our markets, consumers and investors.” 

December 21, 2007

Nearing the end of his first year as Chairman of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, Senator Chris Dodd, D-Conn., highlighted the bipartisan accomplishments of the Committee this year and commended Committee members for producing an extensive list of legislative achievements that strengthen security, expand opportunity, and increase prosperity for all Americans.  Highlights of the Senate Banking Committee’s legislative accomplishments during the 110th Congress include measures which:

Connecticut Poised to Recieve Approximately $68,000,000 in Domestic Appropriations and $25,500,00o in Military Construction

December 19, 2007

Today, Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Joe Lieberman (I-CT) announced the passage of the fiscal year 2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act.  The legislation will provide approximately $68 million in funding for a variety of important Connecticut initiatives supporting economic development, education, healthcare, housing, public safety, transportation, and military construction.

December 6, 2007

Recognizing the need for American businesses to more fully disclose how they report business activities related to climate risk, and for investors to have access to better information regarding climate risks, Senator Chris Dodd, D-Conn., Chairman of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, and Senator Jack Reed, D-R.I., Chairman of the Subcommittee on Securities, Insurance and Investment, today wrote to Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Chris Cox to urge the SEC to issue guidance on climate disclosure requirements.

December 3, 2007

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT), Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, today responded to Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson’s statement that the Treasury Department would soon announce a plan to modify and refinance loans for certain subprime mortgage borrowers. 

 

“Secretary Paulson’s comments this morning that the Administration has taken action to stop predatory lending strain credulity.  The Administration has repeatedly failed to use the tools at its disposal to protect homebuyers from abusive lending.  The Administration has been late to recognize the severity of the problem and slow to act.  As recently as two weeks ago, media reports indicate that Secretary Paulson was dismissive of the idea of broad-based loan modifications.