The mortgage disaster has led the Congress to consider enacting new proposals for the troubled homeowners. These homeowner’s are seeking relief such as tapping into their retirement or pension plans without incurring penalties for early withdrawal.

One major reform bill appears stuck in neutral, however: The Federal Housing Administration Modernization Act, which would raise loan limits in high-cost areas of California and the East Coast and cut down payments. It is considered a crucial relief measure for consumers who need to refinance out of adjustable-rate loans into lower-cost, fixed-rate mortgages. It was approved by the Senate Banking Committee on Sept. 19 and was the subject of bold promises for quick passage but hasn’t been heard of since.

source: Los Angeles Times