As Representative Barney Frank put it: I believe that we…
““As Representative Barney Frank put it: I believe that we, as the Federal Government, have probably done too little rather than too much to push [Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac] to meet the goals of affordable housing and to set reasonable goals. . . . The more people, in my judgment, exaggerate a threat of safety and soundness, the more people conjure up the possibility of serious financial losses to the Treasury, which I do not see . . . the more pressure there is there, then the less I think we see in terms of affordable housing.15””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Government intervention in housing finance may be excessive; over‑regulation can hinder affordable housing goals.
In simple terms: Too much government control hurts housing affordability.
Advocate balanced policy.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- legislation
- urban development
- affordable housing projects
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What balance of regulation and market freedom is ideal?
- How can private sector contribute to affordable housing?
Market forces also play a role in housing outcomes.