Washington, D.C. (Jan. 13, 2021) — Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey issued the following statement on the conservatorship of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
“ICBA and the nation's community banks strongly support Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Mark Calabria’s efforts to fully recapitalize Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and put them on the path to safely exit conservatorship, as required by law.
"We strongly urge Director Calabria and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin to end the destructive sweep of the government-sponsored enterprises' earnings by amending the Preferred Stock Purchase Agreements to enable them to rebuild capital in accordance with the recently finalized GSE capital rule.
"The long-term viability and liquidity of the housing market—which benefits Americans by enabling access to affordable credit for home financing—depends on the GSEs operating in a safe and sound condition. Permanently ending the 'net worth sweep' is a critical step toward strengthening the U.S. housing finance system.
"ICBA and community bankers nationwide look forward to continuing to work with policymakers as the debate over housing finance reform continues."
About ICBA
The Independent Community Bankers of America creates and promotes an environment where community banks flourish. ICBA is dedicated exclusively to representing the interests of the community banking industry and its membership through effective advocacy, best-in-class education, and high-quality products and services.
With nearly 50,000 locations nationwide, community banks constitute 99 percent of all banks, employ more than 700,000 Americans and are the only physical banking presence in one in three U.S. counties. Holding more than $5 trillion in assets, over $4.4 trillion in deposits, and more than $3.4 trillion in loans to consumers, small businesses and the agricultural community, community banks channel local deposits into the Main Streets and neighborhoods they serve, spurring job creation, fostering innovation and fueling their customers’ dreams in communities throughout America. For more information, visit ICBA’s website at www.icba.org.
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