Federal Credit Programs
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CBO periodically publishes a reference volume, often referred to as “Budget Options,” that includes dozens of policy options to reduce federal budget deficits. Those options are derived from a broad spectrum of sources and represent a range of ways to reduce spending or increase revenues. The options are illustrative, and CBO’s reports do not make recommendations. CBO also prepares analytic reports that examine specific federal programs, aspects of the tax code, and budgetary and economic challenges. Most of these reports present a set of options for changes in the programs or tax rules being examined. A list of some recent reports with options related to this topic is below. Visit CBO’s Reports with Policy Options page for a list of all recent reports with policy options.
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Report
The Federal Role in the Financing of Multifamily Rental Properties
December 3, 2015CBO reviews the federal government’s current role in the multifamily mortgage market and four broad approaches to modifying that role.
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Report
Federal Policies and Innovation
November 17, 2014The federal government influences innovation through two broad channels: spending and tax policies, and the legal and regulatory systems. Policymakers have a number of options for spurring additional innovation.
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Report
Options to Change Interest Rates and Other Terms on Student Loans
June 10, 2013The interest rate for subsidized student loans is currently scheduled to double from 3.4 percent to 6.8 percent on July 1, 2013. What would be the budgetary impact of changing interest rates for student loans?
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Report
Modifying Mortgages Involving Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac: Options for Principal Forgiveness
May 1, 2013CBO examined three options for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to use principal forgiveness for certain underwater borrowers. How would those options affect the number of mortgage defaults, the federal budget, and the overall economy?
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Report
The Budgetary Cost of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and Options for the Future Federal Role in the Secondary Mortgage Market
June 2, 2011Testimony before the Committee on the Budget, U.S. House of Representatives
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Report
Costs and Policy Options for Federal Student Loan Programs
March 25, 2010This CBO study compares the budgetary and fair-value costs of the federal student loan programs. It also looks at several options for modifying those programs.