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Congressional Testimony

Appraisal Institute and partners testify before the Senate Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation, and Community Opportunity, July 26, 2007
Appraisal organizations express support for Congressional action on appraiser coercion, mortgage fraud, and appraisal reform

Oral Testimony - Alan E. Hummel, SRA
AI-ASA-ASFMRA Testify Before the House Committee on Financial Services, May 24, 2005
Appraisal groups testify in support of proposed appraisal reforms (H.R. 1295, Responsible Lending Act)

Oral Testimony - Alan E. Hummel, SRA
AI-ASA-ASFMRA on International Convergence of Accounting Standards and Financial Reporting Requirements, September 24, 2004
Appraisal groups present testimony before the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs
AI-ASA-ASFMRA Before the House Financial Services Committee, June 14, 2004
Appraisal groups discuss mortgage fraud in The Poconos and call for reform of FIRREA

Oral Testimony - Gary P. Taylor, MAI, SRA
AI-ASFMRA Before the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, March 24, 2004
Appraisal groups say FIRREA gets a failing grade; suggest legislative changes

Oral Testimony - Alan E. Hummel
AI-ASA Before the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs on Veterans' Appraiser Choice Act, June 11, 2003
Appraisal Groups: VA Program can be improved without jeopardizing appraiser independence
AI-ASA on the Reauthorization of the Small Business Administration, May 15, 2003
Alan Hummel, SRA testifies before the Senate Committee on Small Business
AI-ASA on RESPA Reform’s impact on small business, March 11, 2003
Alan Hummel, SRA testifies before the House Small Business Committee
AI-ASA on RESPA Reform’s impact on real estate appraisers, February 25, 2003
Alan Hummel, SRA testifies before the House Financial Services Committee on RESPA reform
AI on Leaking Underground Storage Tanks, September 12, 2002
William C. Harvey, MAI testifies before the House Financial Services Committee on detrimental conditions
AI on Appraiser Involvement in Mortgage Fraud, July 27, 2001
Brian Glanville, MAI testifies before the Senate Banking Committee on appraiser involvement in mortgage fraud

Official Comments

AI-ASA-ASFMRA-NAIFA to the Government Accounting Standards Board, June 29, 2007
Appraisal Institute supports fair value standard for public endowments, encourages use of appraisals
AI-ASA-ASFMRA-NAIFA to Chairmen of House and Senate banking committees, June 13, 2007
Appraisal groups express concerns over Annual Report of the Appraisal Subcommittee, appraiser regulatory structure
AI-ASA-ASFMRA-NAIFA to The Honorable Geoff Davis, April 19, 2007
Appraisal groups support Promoting Transparency in Financial Reporting
AI-ASA-ASFMRA-NAIFA to State Appraisal Boards, April 18, 2007
Appraisal groups ask state boards to reconsider requiring AQB approval for Continuing Education Courses.
AI-ASA-ASFMRA-NAIFA to Federal Bank Regulatory Agencies, April 11, 2007
Appraisal call for reemphasis of collateral issues with regard to Subprime Mortgage Lending
AI-ASA-ASFMRA-NAIFA to Sens. Baucus and Grassley, April 3, 2007
Appraisal groups support permanent extension of conservation easement tax incentives
AI-ASA-ASFMRA-NAIFA to Members of the Senate Banking and House Financial Services Committee, February 6, 2007
Appraisal groups call for mortgage fraud, appraisal regulatory reforms

Attachment 1: Appraisal Reform Objectives

Attachment 2: National Appraisal Survey Executive Summary
AI-ASFMRA-NAIFA on Transitional Guidance on Appraisal Requirements for Noncash Charitable Contributions, January 17, 2007
Appraisal groups support new definition of "qualified appraiser", call for open and fair process for disciplining appraisers
Pension Protection Act Discussion: Impact on Real Estate Appraisers, January 16, 2007
Don Kelly, Chief External Relations Officer, discusses the impact of IRS appraisal reforms on appraisers
Comments on Consultation on Improvements to GN 8 - The Cost Approach for Financial Reporting, AI to IVSC, December 21, 2006
Attachment to Comments on Consultation on Improvements to GN 8 - The Cost Approach for Financial Reporting, AI to IVSC, December 21, 2006
Comments on Proposed Statement on Standards for Valuation Services – Valuation of a Business, Business Ownership Interest, Security, or Intangible Asset, AI to AICPA, December 15, 2006
Appraisal Organization Urge Enactment of Appraisal, Mortgage Fraud Reforms, November 29, 2006
AI-ASA-ASFMRA to Rep. Barney Frank and Sen. Christopher Dodd
AI-ASA-ASFMRA on NRCS's Farm and Ranchlands Program, August 31, 2006
Appraisal organizations comment on appraisal policies found in the Natural Resource and Conservations Service's Interim Rule on the revamped Farm and Ranchlands Program.
AI-ASA-ASFMRA on Passage of Pension Protection Act, H.R. 4
Groups thank Ways and Means and Finance Committee Members for their support of IRS appraisal reforms
AI-ASA-ASFMRA on BLM's Proposed Rule on Linear Rights of Way, July 27, 2006
Appraisal groups provide comment on new fee schedules proposed by Bureau of Land Management
AI-ASA-ASFMRA to Members of the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee, July 25, 2006
The three organizations urge members of Congress to include charity reforms provisions (which include IRS-related appraisal reforms) with the Pension Bill conference report (HR 2830).
AI-ASA-ASFMRA to Federal Banking Regulators on Scope of Work, July 24, 2006
The three organizations comment on the Banking Regulators' recent revisions to USPAP.
AI-ASA-ASFMRA to HUD on Its Anti-Flipping Rule, July 7, 2006
Appraisal Groups clarify the role of appraisers in mortgage, refinance and equity lending

HUD Response, August 10, 2006
Appraisal Institute to Canadian Accounting Standards Board on Measurement Basis for Initial Recognition, May 19, 2006
AI-ASA-ASFMRA on Indian Rights-of-Way, May 12, 2006
Appraisal organizations support market value for right-of-way valuation
AI-ASA-ASFMRA to the Banking Regulators on Concentrations in Commercial Real Estate, April 13, 2006
Appraisal groups make recommendations regarding banks' market analysis practices
AI-ASA-ASFMRA on Nontraditional Mortgage Loan Products, March 29, 2006
Appraisal groups support guidance and call for action on mortgage lenders/brokers and appraisal reviews
AI-ASA-ASFMRA to Senator Barack Obama, February 22, 2006
Appraisal groups comend Senator Obama for introduction of the STOP FRAUD Act of 2006 (S. 2280)
Appraisal Institute and Others In Support of IRS Appraisal Reforms, February 15, 2006
Appraisal groups urge conferees to support Senate-passed version of H.R. 4297
AI-ASA-ASFMRA to Members of House Financial Services Committee, February 10, 2006
Appraisal groups call for enactment of appraisal reforms in H.R. 1295, Responsible Lending Act
AI-ASA-ASFMRA to FBI, IRS, HUD, USDOJ and USPS, January 5, 2006
Appraisal Groups Commend "Operation Quick Flip," Commit to Combatting Mortgage Fraud
Appraisal Institute to FASB on revision of Business Combinations (FAS 141), October 26, 2005
AI-ASA-ASFMRA on Threatened and Endangered Species Act (H.R. 3824), October 24, 2005
Appraisal organizations suggest bill should incorporate highest and best use and GAVP
AI-ASA-ASFMRA on Conservation Easement Valuation, June 7, 2005
Appraisal groups write to all members of Senate Finance Committee in advance of Hearing

Attachment
AI-ASA-ASFMRA-NAIFA to the Independent Sector on Easement Valuations, May 19, 2005
Appraisal groups provide comment on IS recommendations to Senate Finance Committee
AI and appraisal organizations to Members of Senate Finance Committee, April 15, 2005
Appraisal organization reiterate concerns about the valuation of conservation/preservation easements
AI-ASA-ASFMRA Commend Reps. Bob Ney and Paul Kanjorski on Responsible Lending Act, March 16, 2005
Groups support appraisal provisions of H.R. 1295
AI-ASA-ASFMRA to Senate Finance and House Ways and Means Committees, February 9, 2005
Appraisal groups call for modifications to tax laws on conservation and historic preservation
AI-ASA-ASFMRA to Department of Interior Secretary Gale Norton, January 24, 2005
Appraisal groups commend Department on internal appraisal reforms, new appraisal policies
AI-ASA-ASFMRA to the Environmental Protection Agency on "Brownfields Law", November 11, 2004
Appraisal Groups Seek Clarification of "All Appropriate Inquiry" Proposed Rule
AI-ASA-ASFMRA to the Veterans Administration Regarding Recruitment, November 1, 2004
Appraisal groups encourage recognition of appraiser designations
AI to the Small Business Administration Regarding SBA Appraisal Requirements, September 17, 2004
Organization urges revision of SBA SOP 50-10 regarding going concern value and SOP inconsistencies

AI Recommended Changes to SOP 50-10 Appraisal Requirements
AI to FASB on Fair Value Measurements, September 7, 2004
Appraisal Institute urges recognition of generally accepted valuation principles.
AI to CFA Institute on 'Gold' Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS), August 31, 2004
Appraisal Institute offers feedback on propsed real estate provisions of international investment performance standards.
AI-ASA-ASFMRA to the SEC on Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Audit Standards, August 10, 2004
Appraisal groups support recognition of appraisers as specialists, increased due diligence by auditors
AI-ASA-ASFMRA to Senate Finance Committee, May 24, 2004
Appraisal groups provide feedback on the valuation of conservation easements
AI, ASFMRA, ASA Urge AARO to Encourage Streamlining of Education Approval Process, April 21, 2004
Association of Appraisar Regulatory Officials
AI-ASFMRA to the International Valuation Standards Committee, March 31, 2004
Appraisal organizations respond to Guidance Note for Mass Appraisal for Property Taxation
AI-ASA-ASFMRA to the International Valuation Standards Committee, March 18, 2004
Appraisal groups respond to position statement on valuation of assets for financial statements
AI-ASA-ASFMRA-NAR to the Federal Highway Administration, February 17, 2004
Appraisal Groups Respond to Proposed Changes to the "Uniform Act"
AI-ASA-ASFMRA to Rep. Donald Manzullo on HUD's RESPA Scheme, January 8, 2004
Appraisal groups call for legislation overturning HUD's RESPA "runaway train"
AI-ASA-ASFMRA to the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, December 17, 2003
Appraisal organizations support the candidacies of two appraisers to a PCAOB advisory board
AI-ASA-ASFMRA on H.R. 3261, The Database and Collections of Information Misappropriation Act, December 8, 2003
Appraisal groups oppose legislation that would privatize public information
AI-ASA-ASFMRA on H.R. 3322, the Save Our Homes Act of 2003, November 7, 2003
Letter thanking Rep. Janice Schakowsky for continued efforts addressing appraiser coercion
Major real estate groups express support for H.R. 2896, the American Jobs Creation Act of 2003, November 4, 2003
Letter sent to all members of the U.S. House of Representatives
AI-ASA-ASFMRA to Senator Conrad Burns and Senator Byron Dorgan, October 30, 2003
Appraisal Groups Support Department of Interior Appraisal Reforms
AI-ASA-ASFMRA to the International Valuations Standards Committee, October 29, 2003
Comment letter on IVSC Consultative Paper on Valuation of Owner-Occupied Properties
AI-ASFMRA-NAR to the Internal Revenue Service, October 24, 2003
Comments on the Draft IRS Real Property Valuation Guidelines
AI Letter to the Editor of the Grand Forks Herald, October 24, 2003
Letter regarding Department of Interior Appraisal Reforms
AI on the Implementation of the Cabin User Fee Fairness Act of 2000, August 11, 2003
Official comments to the U.S. Forest Service on Proposed Rule
AI Joins Coalition In Support of The American Jobs Creation Act of 2003, July 25, 2003
Groups Express Support for Permanent 20 Year Depreciable Life for Leasehold Improvements
AI-ASA-IAAO to the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, July 24, 2003
Valuation organizations recommend the appointment of an appraiser to a PCAOB Advisory Board
AI-NAR in Support of Abandoned Mine Land Area Redevelopment Act of 2003, July 23, 2003
Groups support tax incentives to assist redevelopment of abandoned coal mines
AI-ASA on H.R. 2043, the U.S. Financial Policy Committee Fair Capital Standards Act, June 17, 2003
Groups call on Congress to allow impacted industries to participate in U.S. policymaking on Basel Accords
AI-ASA on Potential Money Laundering Regulations from the Treasury Department, June 9, 2003
Groups state appraisers in no position to identify money laundering activities
AI Letter to the Editor of the Wall Street Journal, June 2, 2003
AI responds to a recent article describing HUD's RESPA reform proposal
AI-ASA-NAR-ASFMRA on the effectiveness of the Appraiser Regulatory Structure, May 20, 2003
Letter to Reps. Oxley, Frank and Sens. Shelby and Sarbanes on the recently released GAO report
AI-ASA letter on H.R. 1500, the Veterans' Appraiser Choice Act, April 24, 2003
Letter to Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA) requesting reconsideration and withdrawal H.R. 1500
AI-ASA on Section 614 of H.R. 1375, the Financial Services Regulatory Relief Act, April 8, 2003
Letter to Rep. Spencer Bachus (R-AL) and Rep. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) in opposition to increased liability
AI-ASA on HUD Proposed Rule on Lender Accountability for Appraisals, March 14, 2003
Comment Letter to HUD in support of holding lenders equally accountable for appraisals
AI-ASA-NAR on Appraisal Regulatory Structure, January 24, 2003
Letter to Sen. Richard Shelby, R-AL, detailing deficiencies in the appraisal regulatory structure
AI on HUD Strategic Plan, December 13, 2002
Letter to Secretary Mel Martinez on HUD’s long-term strategic goals
AI-ASA on Third AQB Exposure Draft, December 3, 2002
Letter to the Appraisal Qualifications Board on its 3^rd Exposure Draft on appraiser qualifications
AI-ASA on Privacy Exemption for Real Estate Appraisers, November 18, 2002
Letter to Rep. Judy Biggert, R-IL, on recent privacy law’s impact on real estate appraisers
AI-ASA on HUD RESPA Proposal, October 29, 2002
Letter to HUD detailing concerns about HUD RESPA reform proposal
AI-ASA on Going Concern Value, October 23, 2002
Letter to Small Business Administration expressing concerns on appraisal policies and lending against going concern values
AI-ASA-NAR on HUD Appraiser Watch Initiative, September 18, 2002
Letter to HUD commenting on HUD’s proposal to use the default rate as a primary measure of the work of real estate appraisers
AI on Appraiser Qualifications for Placement on the FHA Single Family Appraiser Roster, January 29, 2002
Letter to HUD commenting on HUD’s inability to remove unqualified appraisers from the FHA Appraiser Roster

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