Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. press release, April 23, 1999

MEWS FROM Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Second Congressional District of Maryland 1 407 York Road, Suite 304 3 1 5 Cannon House Office Building Lutherville, Maryland 21093 Washington, D.C. 20515 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Jill Homan April 23, 1999 202/225-3061 Congressman Ehrlich. First Recipient of National Association of Mortgage Brokers’ Award WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Association of Mortgage Brokers (NAMB) honored Congressman Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. with its first-ever Defenders of Free Enterprise award in recognition of his consistent support of American small business and the mortgage industry. The first of its kind, this award was given solely to Rep. Ehrlich for introducing and championing key legislation specifically H.R. 1283, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) Class Action Relief Act. This legislation sought to protect mortgage brokers from frivolous class action lawsuits. His effort resulted in Congressional Hearings on the important role of mortgage brokers. Along with his colleagues, Congressman Ehrlich worked for the passage of a policy statement from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) clarifying the legality of yield spread premiums. Federal Legislative Chairman of Maryland Association of Mortgage Brokers, John Councilman, stated, “I appreciate Congressman Ehrlich’s relationship with myself and mortgage brokers around the United States, and respect his courage to stand up for what’s right even at considerable risk.” “1 am pleased that the National Association of Mortgage Brokers has chosen to honor me in this manner," Congressman Ehrlich stated. "This award demonstrates the extent to which I support policies which benefit the working families and businesses of the Second Congressional District." Executive Director of the National Association of Mortgage Brokers, Brian Kinsella, stated, “The National Association of Mortgage Brokers gave this award in recognition of Congressman Ehrlich’s