House passes $15b anti-blight bill
WASHINGTON (AP) - May 8, 2008 The vote Thursday was 239-188 to approve the bill, which most
Republicans opposed. It would provide loans and grants to areas hit
hardest by the housing crisis.
Supporters say the legislation will prevent neighborhoods around
foreclosed homes from sliding into blight.
The measure is separate from a broader housing package to
provide $300 billion in refinanced mortgages for struggling
homeowners. The House was expected to vote on that bill later
Thursday.
President Bush has threatened to veto both measures. He says
Democrats' housing proposals reward lenders and speculators instead
of helping homeowners.
