Housing Starts

The Washington Post: "The House yesterday approved an ambitious plan to rescue hundreds of thousands of homeowners at risk of foreclosure by helping them trade exotic loans with rapidly rising monthly payments for more affordable mortgages backed by the federal government."

The New York Times: "But over the years, his critics say, [Richard C. Shelby (R-Ala.)]'s ties to the mortgage industry and the Alabama real estate market, and the generous campaign donations he receives from financial services companies, have distorted his perspective and led him to delay critical legislative remedies."

The Wall Street Journal: "A major provision of the housing-market legislation passed by the House Thursday is getting a lukewarm reception from the mortgage industry."

American Banker: "Housing Gets Crowded Off Candidates' Front Burners"