Congressman Brad Sherman

A Sure-Fire Way to Harm The Economy

A proposal to count leases as liabilities would cost 3.3 million jobs and add $2 trillion to company balance sheets.
Opinion By BRAD SHERMAN And PETER KING Read More

Congressman Sherman Releases Survey of Valley Veterans

A new survey released by Congressman Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks) shows that veterans living in the San Fernando Valley area reported moderate satisfaction with their healthcare and benefits when seeking care at local VA facilities. “Our nation’s veterans deserve the best healthcare available. I am working to ensure that facilities in the LA area are suitable to fit the needs of veterans in our area, including helping allocate funds to the Sepulveda Ambulatory Health Care Center, and the West LA Health Care Center. There is much work to be done to correct these alarming trends in long wait times and backlogs at VA facilities, which is why I am working to help pass reforms that ensure greater transparency and better management of the VA,” said Sherman. Read More

Congressman Sherman Hosts Town Hall Meeting

On Sunday, August 24th, 2014, Congressman Brad Sherman (D – Sherman Oaks) hosted a town hall meeting at Birmingham High School in Lake Balboa, fielding questions from some of the nearly 400 constituents who attended.  

Congressman Sherman provided a brief update about his work in Congress before responding to questions about major federal issues including immigration, veterans affairs, foreign policy, taxes, the economy, budget, Social Security, and Medicare, as well as other matters facing Congress. Read More

Op Ed: Working for the Valley in Washington

While partisan rancor has prevented Congress from passing important national legislation, I have worked hard to fight for issues of concern to Valley residents.  I would like to update you on just a few of my most recent priorities which include improving Valley transportation, preserving our local environment, maintaining Valley home prices, and protecting consumer privacy. Read More

Daily News Op Ed:

Binding Arbitration Would Put the Dodgers on the Air Now: Brad Sherman

Time Warner Cable bought the rights to telecast Dodgers games throughout the Los Angeles area. Everyone agrees that the Dodgers games should be available on DirecTV, and other cable/satellite systems that are following DirecTV’s lead. But the companies can’t agree amongst themselves over how much Time Warner Cable should be paid. This dispute has already cost Dodgers fans in most of the Southland the chance to watch their team for well over half the season. Read More

Mortgage Modification for those Facing Hardship

Congressman Sherman helped create the HAMP program to help those having significant difficultly making their mortgage payments.  The goal is to reduce foreclosures, which are a tragedy for the families involved, and adversely affect the neighborhood.  Qualifying homeowners often have their payments reduced to 31 percent of their monthly pre-tax income.

For help finding out if you’re eligible for a lower payment under these new policies, you can contact our Valley office at (818) 501-9200. 
 
You can find out if your mortgage is owned by Fannie or Freddie by going online to:
http://www.FannieMae.com/loanlookup/ or https://ww3.FreddieMac.com/corporate/, or calling 1-800-7FANNIE or 1-800-FREDDIE.  

For more information you can also visit: http://www.makinghomeaffordable.gov/

Refinancing at Lower Rates for Those with Low Equity (or No Equity) 
 
Mortgage rates are at historic lows and many homeowners want to refinance to reduce their monthly payments by hundreds or even thousands of dollars.  But many homeowners do not have the 20 percent equity required to refinance, and some owe more than the current value of their home.
Congressman Sherman cosponsored the HOME Act which allows those with mortgages owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to refinance – even if they owe more than their home is currently worth.  Even if you write your check to a major bank, your mortgage is probably owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.
This provision will help create jobs in the San Fernando Valley.  Homeowners who save hundreds of dollars each month are good customers for local Valley businesses.  Furthermore, it does not expose the federal government to additional risk because these mortgages are already guaranteed or owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.