(Thumbnail image: Bloomberg)

 

"Also this morning, Fannie Mae saying, quote, 'there is significant uncertainty as to our long-term financial sustainability,' and is asking the U.S. government and the rest of us for another 8.4 billion dollars.  The government backed mortgage lender reporting a 13 billion dollar loss for the first three months of this year." (Fox Business)

 

Despite a financial rebound now underway across the American financial sector, two big mortgage banks are still languishing:  Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.  Both are now asking for even more government assistance:  Freddie, $10 billion more.  Fannie, another $8 billion plus. 

 

We're looking at perspectives from Fox Business News, The New York Times, TheStreet, and CNBC.

 

New York Times blogger Gretchen Morgenson says, the recent announcement that Fannie and Freddie will need a new infusion of cash -- fell like a whisper across Washington.

 

"Perhaps that’s because many lawmakers, especially those who once assured us that Fannie and Freddie would never cost taxpayers a dime, hope that their constituents don’t notice the burgeoning money pit these mortgage monsters represent."

 

On CNBC, Republican Senator Judd Gregg and Democrat Mark Warner disagree on when is the right time to deal with the issue, now or later.

 

Gregg: "That's 500 Billion dollars. 500 Billion dollars that the American stock...taxpayer basically is gonna pick up. And we're not addressing that at all."

 

Warner: "I think Chairman Dodd made a decision early on.  He's gonna take on a big piece of the system.  This is a big massive bill as it is.  He's put in place an effort to come back next year -- he won't be here -- but we'll come back and take on Fannie and Freddie I think in a more thoughtful way."

 

Gregg: "Well, I have a huge respect for Mark.  But that's simply the wrong approach.  Fannie and Freddie have to be dealt with up front and now."

 

TheStreet's Lauren Tara LaCapra notes while other banks who got TARP bailouts have either repaid the money or at least have begun posting profits, that's not the case with the two government backed behemoths.

 

"There's no indication of plans to return the $144.9 billion worth of taxpayer funds they've so far received. In fact, there's a good chance it may never happen."

 

So what do you think?  Should the government continue to prop up Fannie and Freddie til they get fiscally healthy?  Or should it end the government bailout?

 

WRITER: Newsy Staff

 

 

Business News

Fannie and Freddie Ask For Billions More

May 10, 2010
(2:16)
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are asking for more money from the federal government. So how much is too much aid, for the troubled government backed banks?
   
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