Issue Position: Supporting Homeowners Affected by Toxic Chinese Drywall

Issue Position

Homeowners impacted by toxic drywall are faced with the loss of their most valuable possessions: the health of their family, their financial well-being and their homes. I have seen first-hand how toxic drywall has interrupted the lives of many Virginians.

I have urged the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to expeditiously conduct and conclude its investigation and make its recommendations to homeowners. I have also urged top U.S. leadership to address the export of drywall with Chinese leaders -- this product must be blocked from entering the country. As a member of the Congressional Drywall Caucus, I have cosponsored legislation to direct the CPSC to order manufacturers, distributors and retailers to stop distributing Chinese drywall.

I am working with my colleagues in Congress as well as with state and local government to help these homeowners -- by assisting homeowners in contacting their mortgage lender, by encouraging lenders to work with affected homeowners, by supporting legislation that would allow homeowners access to Small Business Administration loans, and by working with Federal agencies like the Department of Housing and Urban Development to make homeowners eligible for existing housing assistance programs and the Internal Revenue Service to expand the casualty loss deduction.

I will continue to work with impacted homeowners on a case-by-case basis and, with my colleagues in Congress, to provide homeowners with options to ensure that their homes are safe for their families.

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