Congress created the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) to, among other things, preserve homeownership and protect home values. In March 2009, the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) announced the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) as its cornerstone effort to achieve these goals. This report examines: (1) the extent to which HAMP servicers have treated borrowers consistently; and (2) the actions that Treasury has taken to address the challenges of trial modification conversions, negative equity, redefaults, and program stability. The report obtained information from 10 servicers that account for 71 percent of HAMP funds and spoke with Treasury, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac officials. Includes recommendations. Illus.

Provides a ready reference on what TARP is and how it has been used, at least for the first $350 billion authorized as of January 23, 2009. The goal is to advance economic stability through transparency, coordinated oversight, and robust enforcement.

This is the second report on the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). It follows up on the nine recommendations from a December 2, 2008, report. It also reviews: (1) the nature and purpose of activities that had been initiated under TARP as of January 23, 2009; (2) Treasury's Office of Financial Stability (OFS) hiring and transition efforts, use of contractors, and progress in developing a system of internal control; and (3) preliminary indicators of TARP's performance. To do this work, the auditor reviewed signed agreements and other relevant documentation and met with officials from OFS, contractors, federal agencies, and some participating institutions. Charts and tables.