WASHINGTON, DC - May 01: Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn, and Rep. Adam H. Putnam, R-Fla., consult during the House Financial Services markup to approve a major expansion of the Federal Housing Administration�s loan-guarantee programs, setting the stage for floor consideration next week as lawmakers move to stem rising foreclosures. After dispensing with a handful of remaining amendments, the panel approved the bill (HR 5830) by a vote of 46-21, with 10 Republicans joining Democrats in voting for the measure. Committee Chairman Barney Frank, D-Mass., said he expects the measure to be taken up by the full House next week. Frank said he hoped the bill would �reduce the number of foreclosures, both as a matter alleviating the pain for some individuals . . . and as part of an overall package that we will be doing to restore some stability to the housing market.� (Photo by Scott J. Ferrell/Congressional Quarterly)