GSE Reform Stays Off House Leadership's Radar

WASHINGTON — House leaders are unlikely to take up housing finance reform on the chamber floor this month, according to a new legislative schedule.

Majority Leader Eric Cantor outlined his priorities for January in a memo to lawmakers on Friday, which include overseeing the health care law, finalizing a government spending bill and working with the Senate on the farm bill, among other issues.

Still missing from the agenda is any mention of mortgage finance reform, even after the House Financial Services Committee passed a conservative bill to unwind Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac before the August recess.

Some observers have suggested that the Chairman Jeb Hensarling, R-Texas, hasn't been able to garner enough support for the bill, even among GOP lawmakers, because the measure is opposed by many in the powerful housing industry.

It's possible at this point that House leaders may wait to see if the Senate moves forward with its own legislation this winter, before subjecting lawmakers to a tough floor vote