Should the government have a role in the housing market?
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac cost taxpayers billions of dollars, even in good economic times, write Heritage’s Norbert Michel and John Ligon. When the housing market collapsed in 2008, they note, the cost to taxpayers was even higher.
The two government-sponsored entities were deemed insolvent following the 2008 housing crisis and have remained under federal watch ever since. Now that Washington is beginning to debate their future, The Foundry put together this explainer video to help you understand what’s at stake and why it matters.
>>> Want to learn more? Read this report from Heritage’s research team.