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December 2, 2008 9:37:46 PM CST


Richard Durbin

Richard Durbin news stories

3 Stories

FBI Looks to Expand Powers of Investigation

Agency wants to open cases without reason for suspicion

(Newser) - The Department of Justice is aiming to relax restrictions on the FBI so agents can investigate people without any clear reason for suspicion, congressional Dems tell the New York Times . The plan, which may be revealed in September, has attracted concern, including a letter from four Democratic senators warning that people will be scrutinized based merely on "race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, or on protected First Amendment activities." More »

Senate GOP Stymies Dem Housing Relief

Republicans say plan to aid homeowners would inflame crisis, hurt lenders

(Newser) - Capping a week of gridlock, GOP senators yesterday blocked consideration of a Democratic-backed housing-relief bill. The mortgage industry had fought hard against the proposal, which would allow judges to slash interest rates for low-income homeowners facing bankruptcy, the Washington Post reports. The bill also included billions of dollars for local communities to buy up subprime mortgages. More »

More about:  George W. Bush subprime mortgages housing crisis foreclosure mortgage lender Mel Martinez Richard Durbin

Bush Spars With Senators Over Housing Fixes

Democrats and Republicans push to go further; feds don't want 'bailout'

(Newser) - Congressional Democrats are pushing for new bankruptcy rules to help homeowners suffering from the mortgage crisis, the Washington Post reports—though the White House says it will veto any plan that could hurt lenders and send mortgage rates upward. Democrats say enough Republicans from hard-hit states could join them in allowing some bills to hit the Senate floor for debate. More »

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