On Monday, the U.S. House passed the “Foreclosure Relief and Extension for Servicemembers Act of 2015” which makes it tougher to foreclose on the property of veterans.
The measure moved through the House on voice vote on Monday after passing the Senate without opposition back in December. The proposal extends the “Servicemembers Civil Relief Act” (SCRA) through the end of 2017.
Under the bill, eligible veterans have more safeguards from unauthorized sale, seizure or foreclosure on their property without a court order up to a year after leaving the military.
Currently accompanying President Barack Obama on his trip to Cuba, U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-RI, the bill’s Senate sponsor, cheered the House for sending his proposal to the president.
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“Some of the men and women who’ve served our country need time to find their financial footing as they leave active service,” Whitehouse said. “They should get it.
“Our servicemembers keep us safe from all manner of threats around the globe,” Whitehouse added. “It’s the least we can do to keep them and their families safe from foreclosure as they transition back to civilian life. I’ll keep fighting to make these protections permanent, but I’m pleased we’ve reached a bipartisan agreement on a two-year extension.”
Over on the House side, U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Fla., the chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, said the extension would help veterans as they return to civilian life. Miller announced earlier this month that he is retiring from the House this year.
“Those who volunteer for active-duty military service shouldn’t have to worry about financial hardships at home,” Miller said on Monday. “This bipartisan bill will help provide that peace of mind by giving returning troops a year to get themselves onto steady financial footing following active-duty service, while keeping their property safeguarded from foreclosure. I applaud my colleagues’ commitment to ensuring the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act remains a relevant and viable tool for those who have worn the uniform and their families. I am hopeful President Obama will sign this legislation into law in short order.”
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
