Housing and Urban Development Department,
This final rule implements the Secretary's regulatory authorities respecting the Federal National Mortgage Association (``Fannie Mae'') and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (``Freddie Mac'') (collectively the ``Government-Sponsored Enterprises'' or ``GSEs'') under the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 (``FHEFSSA''). FHEFSSA's purpose is to establish a new regulatory framework for the GSEs that reflects their unique status as shareholder-owned corporations that receive substantial public benefits. FHEFSSA substantially overhauled the regulatory authorities and structure for GSE regulation and required the issuance of this rule. FHEFSSA directs the Secretary to establish three separate housing goals for the GSEs' mortgage purchases financing: housing for low- and moderate-income families; housing located in central cities, rural areas, and other underserved areas; and special affordable housing to meet the unaddressed needs of low-income families in low-income areas and very-low-income families. Under this rule, the Secretary sets the level of each goal and specifies the requirements for counting mortgage purchases toward meeting the goals. The rule also includes procedures for monitoring and enforcing performance under the goals. In addition, FHEFSSA requires the Secretary to prohibit discrimination by the GSEs in their mortgage purchases and establishes new responsibilities for the Secretary and the GSEs with respect to the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. This rule implements these authorities. The rule also sets forth requirements for the Secretary's review and approval of new programs of the GSEs, GSE submission of mortgage purchase data and reports to the Secretary, the Secretary's dissemination of data and protection of proprietary information, and enforcement and other proceedings under this rule.
Citation: 60 FR 61846
