WOODBRIDGE, Va. — A panel discussion in Woodbridge Thursday will take on the topic of replacing government housing lenders Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae with a privately-funded agency, changing the way home mortgages in the U.S. are guaranteed.
The National Council of La Raza is the group holding the discussion, and it is set to include Michelle Maiwurm, Legislative Office of Senator Mark Warner, James Carr, Senior Fellow, Center for American Progress, Father Gerry Creedon, of Catholics for Housing, Mercy Struthers, of Casals Realtors, and Bill Vaughan, Chief Economist, Prince William County Office of Finance, will take up the issue of legislation put forth by Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) that would create the Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation, shifting more of the risk of default on mortages from the Federal Government to private industry.
More in a statement from Corker:
“Unfortunately, more than five years after Fannie and Freddie were given $188 billion from taxpayers to stay afloat, nine out of 10 mortgages come with an explicit government guarantee, the private sector has been almost completely priced out of the business, and a hiccup in the economy could put taxpayers on the hook for another bailout. It is time to move to a modernized 21st-century housing finance system.”
But some say low-income families and first-time home buyers, under this new structure, would lose out getting into new housing.
More in a press release from NCLR:
The National Council of La Raza and the Center for American Progress released a study last spring, “Making the Mortgage Market Safe for America’s Families,” which outlined the needs in the current housing market and set forth a proposed set of principles necessary to support a broad, accessible and affordable housing market. Among the recommendations—the establishment of a fully funded Market Access Fund to promote broader access to mortgage credit and to foster new and safe mortgage products as a way of also increasing access and the current bill.
The discussion begins on Thursday at 11:30 a.m. inside the Prince William County’s McCoart Government Center Powell’s Creek Conference Room.
Recent Stories

Prince William County will introduce a 3-1-1 system this spring, streamlining residents’ and businesses’ access to non-emergency government services. The Board of County Supervisors (BOCS) officially recognized March 11, 2025, as National 3-1-1 Day, marking the county’s commitment to improving transparency and responsiveness in local government.

McClung-Logan Equipment Company is hosting its 40th Annual Oyster Roast, a signature customer appreciation event celebrating tradition, community, and generosity.
This year’s milestone celebration will take place on Thursday, March 6th, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Fredericksburg Agricultural Fairgrounds.
The first Oyster Roast began as a fundraiser in 1985, led by White Oak Equipment founder Frank McCarty, to raise donations for an employee battling cancer. This turned into a time-honored tradition for individuals facing hardship.

A Night on the Riviera
Experience a magical evening at the Embassy of France with A Night on the Riviera, an event that will transport you to the glamour of the French Riviera while celebrating the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras!
Indulge in an exquisite selection of French wines and champagne, paired with the finest French cuisine prepared by the talented Chef of the Embassy of France. Additionally, Chef Hugh Cossard will be carving ham live, ensuring freshness and exceptional flavor. Don’t miss out on the authentic French crêpes, made to order and sure to transport you straight to the streets of Nice.
For those seeking an extra touch of exclusivity, the VIP experience includes unlimited champagne, adding an extra layer of sophistication to this festive celebration.
Environmental Film Festival: Turtle Walker
DC Premiere.
In the late 1970s, Satish Bhaskar embarked on an epic journey along India’s coastline and the spectacular Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where he uncovered the vital nesting beaches of sea turtles. During his death-defying quest, he unravels mysteries