November 2019 False Claims FROM PAGE 1


Carson. "In taking these steps, we are fulfilling an important element our Housing Finance Reform Plan and making clear to all responsible lenders that FHA's mortgage program is a program they should participate in. At the same time, HUD will not tolerate


irresponsible or fraudulent


lenders who defraud borrowers and taxpayers. We are thankful for the excellent


relationship we have with


our colleagues at the Department of Justice who have worked diligently with us on this effort and share our goal of advancing affordable housing finance while protecting the interests of taxpayers."


"This MOU sets forth a robust


and collaborative process for deciding when to pursue False Claims Act cases to remedy material and knowing FHA


violations," said Attorney


General William P. Barr. "DOJ and HUD will work together to determine when HUD's administrative remedies are sufficient, or other recourse is appropriate, to address harm to the borrower, the taxpayer, or the government. Importantly, this MOU is the product of the excellent working relationship


that has developed


between our two agencies in our shared pursuit of greater clarity and fairness."


As the MOU makes clear, HUD expects that FHA requirements will be enforced primarily through HUD's administrative


proceedings, but the


MOU specifically addresses how HUD and DOJ, including the U.S. Attorneys' Offices, will consult with each other regarding use of the FCA in connection with defects on mortgage loans insured by FHA. HUD will utilize the Mortgagee Review Board (MRB), which was created by statute and empowered to take certain actions for non-compliance by FHA lenders, to review and refer FCA claims. The MOU prescribes the standards for when HUD, through the MRB, may refer a matter to DOJ for pursuit of FCA claims, and also sets forth how DOJ and HUD will cooperate during the investigative, litigation, and settlement phases of FCA matters when DOJ receives a referral from a third party,


such as in qui tam cases. The MOU also recognizes that application of the FCA requires, among other elements of proof, a material violation of HUD requirements, and DOJ attorneys will solicit HUD's views to determine whether the elements of the FCA can be established.


is intended to address concerns that uncertain liability


for regulatory


to many well-capitalized including many banks


defects and


This interagency understanding and unanticipated FCA


led


lenders, credit


unions statutorily required to help meet the credit needs of the communities in which they do business, to largely withdraw from FHA lending. This has dramatically shifted FHA's lender base during the last decade. Today, depository institutions originate less than 14 percent of FHA-insured mortgages, down significantly from approximately 45 percent in 2010. It is worth noting that for decades, FHA has been the hallmark product for the nation's first time homebuyers. This important segment of the market currently


FHAs loans.


constitutes over 80% of Additionally, a third


of FHA loans are made to minority borrowers.


comprehensive plan to bring greater clarity


The MOU is part of a to regulatory


within the FHA program, and fulfills a key component of the HUD Housing Finance Reform Plan. In addition to the MOU, FHA is simplifying the certifications that lenders make in connection with the FHA program. The certifications will better track statutory requirements and address materiality


expectations


Broccoli With Asian Tofu Calories


Total fat


Saturated fat Cholesterol Sodium


Total fiber Protein


www.hamptonroadsmessenger.com


The Hampton Roads Messenger 11 Healthy Recipe


183 11 g 2 g


0 mg


341 mg 4 g


14 g


Carbohydrates 13 g Potassium


556 m


The wonder of tofu is that it takes on the flavor of your favorite marinade Recipe Source: Deliciously Healthy Dinners


Prep Time Cook Time Yields 20 minutes


Ingredients


1 pkg (16 oz) firm tofu, drained 2 Tbsp lite soy sauce 1 tsp sesame oil (optional) ½ Tbsp brown sugar


1 Tbsp fresh ginger root, finely chopped or shredded (or 1 tsp ground ginger) 1 lb fresh broccoli, rinsed and cut into individual spears 1 Tbsp peanut oil or vegetable oil ¼ tsp crushed red pepper 4 Tbsp garlic, peeled and thinly sliced (about 8 cloves) 1 Tbsp sesame seeds (optional) Cooking spray


and culpability


considerations. FHA is also refining its defect taxonomy that it uses to assess the appropriate remedies for identified loan underwriting defects. Together, these new and revised components are intended to make affordable FHA-insured mortgages more accessible to qualified borrowers, reduce risks within the FHA program, and preserve appropriately tailored remedies.


Directions


1. Slice tofu into eight pieces. Place on a plate or flat surface covered with three paper towels. Top with four more paper towels. Top with another flat plate or cutting board. Press down evenly and gently to squeeze out moisture. Throw away paper towels. Replace with fresh paper towels and press again. (The more liquid you remove, the more sauce the tofu will absorb.)


2. Place tofu in a bowl just big enough to hold all eight pieces lying on their widest side without overlapping.


3. In a small bowl, stir to thoroughly combine soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and ginger into a marinade, and stir thoroughly. Pour over tofu. aside.


Carefully turn the tofu several times to coat well. Set


4. Meanwhile, heat a large nonstick sauté pan coated with cooking spray. Add broccoli and sauté for about 5 minutes, until it turns bright green and becomes tender and crispy. Remove broccoli from pan and set aside.


5. Heat a grill pan or flat sauté pan over high heat. Drain tofu, reserv- ing marinade. Place on grill pan to heat for about 3 minutes. Gently turn. Heat the second side for 3 minutes.


6. At the same time, in the sauté pan over medium-low heat, warm the peanut oil, crushed red pepper, and garlic until the garlic soft- ens and begins to turn brown, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add broccoli and reserved marinade, and gently mix until well-coated.


7. Place two slices of tofu on each plate with one-quarter of the broc- coli and marinade mixture. Sprinkle with sesame seeds (optional).


Tip: Delicious served on top of brown rice or Asian-style noodles (soba or udon).


Serving Size 20 minutes 4 servings 2 slices tofu, with broccoli and marinade mixture


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