Statement of U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek (D-FL) Regarding the Passage of the Nationwide Mortgage Fraud Task Force Act

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Kendrick B. Meek (D-FL) issued the following statement in regard to the Nationwide Mortgage Fraud Task Force Act of 2009, which today passed the U.S. House of Representatives. Rep. Meek's legislation, which was included in the manager's amendment to the Helping Families Save Their Homes Act of 2009 (H.R. 1106), will establish a Nationwide Mortgage Fraud Task Force in the Department of Justice.

"In 2006, 2007, and again in 2008, Florida was ranked first in the United States for mortgage loans that contained alleged fraud against the lenders. The Miami-Dade Metropolitan area ranked fourth in the United States only behind New York, Los Angeles, and Atlanta in instances of mortgage fraud. The Nationwide Mortgage Fraud Task Force Act of 2009 will establish in the Department of Justice a Nationwide Mortgage Fraud Task Force to address mortgage fraud throughout the nation.

"While mortgage fraud is becoming one of the fastest growing white collar crimes in the United States, this legislation will help to alleviate and stop the crimes by providing a nationwide response to end this disturbing trend in mortgage fraud offenses. The bill will provide a tool to prevent the victimization of individuals and businesses through effective education, legislation, regulation, law enforcement and prosecution, as well as oversee regional task forces in states hardest-hit by mortgage fraud.

"Amidst our current economic woes, the unprecedented numbers of real estate foreclosures in Florida must come to a halt and decrease as we continue to restructure our economy. It is important to note that from 2006 to 2007 there was a 168 percent increase in Miami-Dade County foreclosures—as of June 2008, there were 25,104 foreclosures recorded. Through these statistics, the fact that foreclosures and mortgage fraud have a direct correlation is distinct. Many foreclosures throughout my community and the nation have been attributed to mortgage fraud.

"Through the Nationwide Mortgage Fraud Task Force Act of 2009, it is vital to help Floridians remain in their homes and protect them from mortgage fraud. Victims throughout Florida who have obtained loans in an effort to save their homes find themselves falling in the predatory traps. This legislation works to put those who perpetrate these crimes exactly where they should be – behind bars."aps. This legislation works to put those who perpetrate these crimes exactly where they should be – behind bars."

U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek represents the 17^th Congressional District of Florida which includes parts of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. He serves as the lone Florida Democrat sitting on the House Committee on Ways and Means, and also sits on the House Armed Services Committee.

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