Question re: Democrat opposition to Federal Housing Finance Reform Act

Question re: Democrat opposition to Federal Housing Finance Reform Act ?
It has now been widely reported that John McCain co-sponsored the Federal Housing Finance Reform Act of 2005, which contained language that would have done a good deal to reign in the largess of Fannie and Freddie. It has also been widely reported that the Democrats “killed it”. In reading through the record of discussion on this bill, however, I find that the Democrats whole heartedly supported it until an amendment was added that stripped away the ability of faith-based groups to receive federal funds for affordable housing programs. Mind you, much of this discussion took place in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, and the subsequent re-building efforts. Excerpts: Rep. Joseph Crowley [D-NY]: Mr. Speaker, I rise to lament the wrecking of a solid, bipartisan bill that, at one time, both established a tough new regulator for our Nation's secondary mortgage market and created a new national housing trust to build affordable housing…. [Republicans] claim to represent people of faith, but they are stripping away the ability of groups like Catholic Charities, Baptists and other people of faith to use this new funding to benefit their communities and make America stronger. Rep. James McGovern [D-MA]: On behalf of Catholic Charities USA, the national association of Catholic social services agencies and institutions serving over seven million people in need every year, I urge you to support H.R. 1461, the Federal Housing Finance Reform Act of 2005, and to oppose amendments that would prevent experienced faith-based and community-based organizations from successfully competing for the proposed affordable housing funds. http://www.govtrack.us/congress/record.xpd?id=109-h20051026-37&bill=h109-1461#sMonofilemx003Ammx002Fmmx002Fmmx002Fmhomemx002Fmgovtrackmx002Fmdatamx002Fmusmx002Fm109mx002Fmcrmx002Fmh20051026-37.xmlElementm50m0m0m I was under the impression that it was largely the Republicans who have favored governmental support of faith-based agencies to address issues in our communities rather than burdening agencies like FEMA to do all the work. But the amendment to this bill, which led the Democrats to vote it down, seems to say otherwise. What say you? Miss Kitty – It states that groups which received funding for housing programs would have been stripped of their ability to hold voter registration drives, even when the drives were not partisan but simply non-partisan drives to register voters. The point is, the Democrats would have approved the bill if the amendment had not been added. The Spirit of Red – I agree with you about opening the can of worms. However, it was the Republicans, including GWB, who pushed for the federal funding of faith-based groups.
Politics - 6 Answers

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1
Hmm..this should be good...if they ever answer


2
An answer to this question would be above my pay grade.


3
I say "Ha Ha, Got em!" Republicans in charge have been B.S. since Reganomics cam into play. Its like all the other slander campaignes. Republicans vote for acts that sound good and when an election comes along it gives them an upper hand. Because they make it look like the guy who didnt vote for the bill dosn't support the common people.


4
Well, if you read the article, the problem was about voter registration not housing reform. What was appropriation of funds for voting doing in this bill? This is the kind of stuff we need to get rid of in Washington.


5
Wouldn't that have opened a whole new other can of worms, with the separation of church and state? In regard to the constitution, taxes would be imposed on these groups who are now tax exempt, for receiving federal funds. It is far better for faith based groups to do the work voluntarily as many are presently doing without the funding, and they prefer it that way. It is far better to give than to receive. I also read the article and concur with Miss Kitty. ~


6
Upfront Great Question. This shows two problems with our Congress. It shows that make attachments that they know will doom legislation that couldn't stand on it's own. It also shows how partisanship comes before the American people. The Republicans should have redrafted the bill in it's Original form to pass and then re wrote the attached legislation to a form that the democrats could have agreed with, or dumped it as bad legislation. I agree that putting religion, housing and voter registration in one package is absurd too. There has to be something in a package like that, that no one would vote for. Edit: Also, this shows that McCain was for stricter regulation or over sight on the two failed institutions as he claimed and for the democrats attempts in denial is preposterous.

Looking to change careers from nursing to finance/investments

Looking to change careers from nursing to finance/investments?
I have a bachelors degree from a state school here in MA. My gpa was somewhere around 3.0, or 3.2 at my first nursing school, but had a 3.9 the last two years at my new school. my overall gpa at my first school would be much higher had it not been for a class that my advisor would not let me drop. Have been working as a nurse for about two years now and thinking of going for something else. i initially picked nursing because at the very least it would give me a good fall back. it's been getting tedious lately though, and not as challenging. there isnt the earning potential as in investments. economics and finance have been long standing interests of mine anyway, and would rather work to make the switch now rather than later. The salary +bonus oppurtunities seem more attractive as well. I'm looking into sitting for my GMAT and getting into a decent school for a masters in finance. one school has a masters in financial planning. any suggestions in helping me make this change? all in all, my main questions are should i try and get an entry level job for a financial firm first? will that potentially help me get into a better grad school? or should i apply and just try and land some good internships while in school?
Other - Careers & Employment - 1 Answers

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1
It sounds to me like you are already going in the right direction. What exactly are you looking for in terms of advise/

MA economics and actuarial field

MA economics and actuarial field......?
I have 2 MA degrees in economics (from 2 different countries), and 3 yrs work exp in development economics research field (currently working in an international organization). With these degrees I am not taken seriously whn I apply for finance related jobs. I am thinking of broadening my possibilities. I have rigorous training in calculus, math and probability and stats, and feel I can pass some of the actuarial exams with some preparation. However, after passing these exams (esp 2/FM) , can I get jobs which are not actuarial but just finance based, say, finance analyst in companies? I am not sure if i want to make a career in actuary field. Should I just take some finance courses? If so, how can I highlight that in my resume when I apply for finance related jobs? Thanks!
Economics - 1 Answers

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1
Those exams are pretty hard, I wouldn't count on passing them...

Risk management / Finance / Investment - York vs Ivey vs Queens vs Rotman

Risk management / Finance / Investment - York vs Ivey vs Queens vs Rotman?
I have done MA Economics from South Asia. I have a senior management experience of 10-11 years. I would like to study more in the field of Risk Management or Finance. I decided to attend a graduate program from Canada because its worldwide recognised with excellent reputation and very cost effective. I short listed few courses and universities but need to know which are the best program suited for Investment Banking and can give me good long term growth: 1. Master in Financial Economics, University of Toronto 2. Master in Finance, York University 3. MBA in Finance, York University 4. MBA in Finance, University of Western Ontario 5. MBA in Finance, Queens University Your suggestions and opinion matters alot to take a decision.
Financial Services - 1 Answers

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1
I would say the following: 1. MBA in finance from Queens University 2. MBA in finance from UWO 3. MS Finance, York Univ 4. MBA finance, U toronto 5. MBA finance, York Univ These are the basis of ROI (return on investment)

MA in Econ or MBA

MA in Econ or MBA?
I need some help here. I have my BA in Economics. I am going to go back to school for my masters degree but am unsure of which to get. I was pretty much sold on an MBA with an emphasis on finance. As the time came closer to start the program, I got worried I was making a mistake. I cancelled classes. I think I might want an MA in Economics. Here's my issue: an MBA seems to be much more versatile. I won't get myself pigeon-holed into one career path that may not work out for me. I see unlimited possibilities with an MBA. Then there's the MA in Econ. My passion is economics. I love it and want to work for the federal govt or the Fed someday. I'm afraid it will be difficult to find a good job after completing that degree. After all, how many economists do you know? Please give me any insight you have as far as the reality of the MBA vs MA in Econ.
Higher Education (University +) - 1 Answers

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1
I have a BA in Finance, an MBA in Management, and a PhD in Organizational Behavior. You are absolutely correct in your supposition that the MBA is more flexible. I am not sure what school you are looking at but would it be possible to get the MBA with a concentration in Economics? Or even take Economics as all of your electives? On the other hand if you are truly passionate about Economics you may want to go that route. Have you looked for Economics jobs in the government sector? What are the minimum requirements as far as education and experience? It may be that any masters level degree will suffice or there could be requirements for specific degrees. Good luck with our education. The most important thing to do is to actually take some classes, preferably ones that would apply to either program until you make your decision.