SAN DIEGO - Representative Bob Filner (D-California) of the 51st District joined Mabuhay Alliance and military families to call on Congress to pass a foreclosure moratorium for returning soldiers.

Filner said around a year ago, Congress and the banks agreed to a 90-day foreclosure moratorium that is not being widely utilized.

“There’s limited information out there especially in a very traumatic time for service members when they come home,” Filner said. “They don’t have a job. They’re facing health problems. They haven’t seen their children maybe for 2 or 3 years. Really, all that’s going on (at the) same time, they say your house is under water.”

Filner plans on introducing the bill to Congress when they return from recess next week.

Under the proposal, banks cannot foreclose on returning veterans for at least one year after they return from duty.

Lenders must offer returning veterans the best loan modifications available. Disabled veterans cannot be foreclosed for as long as they pay 25% of their income.

“They need time not only to adjust to civilian world but make sure their job is OK or their education benefits are being used, but then to work with their family and keep their home. It seems only right. How did we not do this before?” said Filner.

Meantime, Mabuhay Alliance said returning soldiers should continue trying to apply for loan modifications. Balitang America