Sylvia Garcia

05/07/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/07/2024 09:53

Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia and Senator Laphonza Butler Introduce the Bicameral Improving Language Access in Mortgage Servicing Act

Washington, D.C.- Today, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29) and Senator Laphonza Butler(D-CA) introduced the Improving Language Access in Mortgage Servicing Act. This bill requires the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to translate mortgage documents from English into the eight most common languages spoken within three years, including an additional top four languages spoken for a total of 12 languages. The Improving Language Access in Mortgage Servicing Act is the first step toward improving homeownership for underrepresented Americans nationwide.

"Homeownership is key to attaining the American dream for most first-generation families, immigrants, and underrepresented minorities across our nation," said Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia. "From firsthand experience, I've seen the uphill battles language barriers create for residents across my district, Texas, and the country. Ensuring fair and equal access to home buying for everyone, regardless of their primary language, must be a priority. This bill is a massive step towards a more equitable country where all residents can thrive."

"Homeownership serves as a critical milestone for many first-generation Americans and underrepresented communities. But language barriers create roadblocks and hold people back from buying a home," said Senator Laphonza Butler. "The Improving Language Access in Mortgage Servicing Act aims to make homeownership more accessible so that no one is kept from owning their own home."

The Improving Language Access in Mortgage Servicing Act will:
  • Amend the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) and the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 (RESPA) to establish language access requirements for creditors and servicers to better serve borrowers with limited English proficiency.
  • Require relevant federal agencies to establish and maintain a language resources website for mortgage originators and servicers and improve existing websites that include information for consumers about language services provided by housing counseling agencies.
  • Ensure servicing companies must provide oral translation services when necessary for servicing a borrower's loan, for LEP borrowers who speak one of the top 8 languages (and the top 12 after 3 years).

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Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in November 2018, becoming the first Latina ever to represent the Texas 29th Congressional District. She is the Vice Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee, the Vice Chair on Housing and Transportation of the House Democratic Caucus Poverty Task Force, and a member of the Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government