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García, Pocan, Jayapal and 74 Members of Congress Tell the Banks: No Foreclosures During the COVID-19 Emergency

March 18, 2020

Chicago, IL - Representatives Jesús "Chuy" García (IL-04), Mark Pocan (WI-02), and Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) led 74 Members of Congress in sending a letter to the country's largest home mortgage lenders calling on them to halt all foreclosure proceedings until the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) health pandemic has passed.

"Families across the country are facing immense uncertainty having to make difficult decisions about child care, elder care, and paying for rent, food, and healthcare. All of us share a responsibility to pitch in including the public and private sectors. That's why I am sending a letter with 76 of my colleagues to urge the largest mortgage institutions to stop all foreclosure proceedings and other actions that may force families out of their homes," said Rep. Garcia. "We have a responsibility to protect everyone, including working class families like those I represent in Chicago. Millions of families are unable to cover their basic expenses due to lay-offs, and lost hours. We must assure that families have a place to live throughout the crisis."

"The science-based actions we're taking to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 are necessary, but disproportionately impact poor and working people and families. As businesses, schools, and other services remain shut down, workers will continue to experience layoffs and reduced hours and struggle to make their mortgage payments as a result, " Rep. Pramila Jayapal said. "This pandemic requires all-hands-on-deck and America's largest financial institutions must halt any foreclosures or other proceedings that would harm already hurting people. A foreclosure crisis would be catastrophic for many families already struggling to cope with the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic."

"In the midst of a global health emergency, we must ensure that no one is forced out of their home because they cannot afford to pay their mortgage," said Rep. Pocan. "Working people are hit the hardest during economic downturns and national emergencies, so it is imperative that we do everything we can to protect them as they face the uncertainty of layoffs, quarantines and social distancing preventing them from earning a paycheck. It's time that mortgage lenders take action for the public good and halt any foreclosure proceedings—the public's health depends on it."

The letter with all the mortgage companies the letter is addressed to and all the co-signing Members can be found here.

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