Online registration for this event is closed. Walk-in registrations may be accepted.

Video of this event will be livestreamed online at http://www.american.com/watch/aei-livestream

Republican members of Congress stress that addressing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is an essential part of creating a better housing finance market for the future. The Democratic administration is committed to publishing a plan this month. With even Representative Barney Frank (D-MA) saying Fannie and Freddie should be "abolished," everyone agrees that the old government-sponsored enterprise model should be replaced. But with what? Many voices plead for one form or another of continuing government guarantees of mortgage loans. Is this really necessary, and why? A common argument is that only government involvement can preserve the thirty-year fixed-rate mortgage. Is that true? Our expert panel will debate what should be done about Fannie and Freddie and the financially huge, politically charged mortgage finance sector in general.