Frist Says Senate GSE Bill Unlikely to Get Floor Time

From Congress Daily: Majority Leader Frist said today it is unlikely the Senate will take up the legislation when Congress returns in September. "Unless it comes up by unanimous consent, which we don't have yet, it is unlikely we'll be able to address it in the four weeks" that the Senate is in session in September, Frist said. Congressional leaders intend to be in session only the four weeks in September before adjourning for the elections, although a lame-duck session is expected beginning in November. The Senate Banking Committee approved its GSE bill more than a year ago, but it has been stalled on the calendar. The GSE bill would likely reduce Fannie and Freddie's holdings of mortgages and mortgage-backed securities, which represent a major source of their profits. Democrats oppose the measure, contending that it could disrupt the mortgage market and spark volatility through the housing sector.
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