WASHINGTON — A bipartisan group of senators from states hard hit by defective Chinese drywall is seeking a Senate resolution to urge banks and mortgage lenders to offer homeowners some relief.
The resolution — introduced Wednesday by Florida Sens. Bill Nelson and George LeMieux, along with Louisiana Sens. Mary Landrieu and David Vitter and Virginia Sens. Mark Warner and Jim Webb, carries no penalties, but encourages lenders to delay or suspend mortgage payments — without penalty — for families with contaminated drywall.
The legislators noted that some homeowners are juggling two housing payments because the contaminated drywall has made their homes uninhabitable. The resolution also comes as concerns continue to grow about toxic drywall causing roadblocks in homeowners’ insurance policies.
“The dangers and health risks posed by contaminated drywall have forced thousands of families out of their homes and into temporary living situations, and many such families are unable to afford an additional financial burden,” the resolution states.
“Many homeowners are stuck with contaminated drywall in their homes and they need all the help they can get,’’ said Nelson, who has been pushing the Consumer Product Safety Commission since February to investigate imported drywall. “This is just one more way we’re trying to get them some relief.”
The senators estimate some 1,300 homeowners in 26 states and the District of Columbia are dealing with health and safety issues linked to the use of contaminated drywall.
Homeowners have reported a range of problems with corrosion and odors, as well as headaches, rashes and nosebleeds.
A federal task force investigating the problem last week reported it had found elevated levels of two elements in some Chinese-made drywall: sulfur and strontium. But it still does not know whether there is any link between the import and the problems homeowners are experiencing.
The results of additional tests are expected later this month.
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