Dennis Kucinich headed a congressional Domestic Policy Subcommittee hearing to discuss predatory mortgage, payday lending and foreclosures.  Shortly after, Kucinich requested a public hearing regarding a bank acquisition in the 10th congressional district in Ohio, which he represents, to call to attention the disappearance of depository bank branches.  He believes the destruction of such facilities has ushered in “a a national crisis” of vast foreclosures, predatory mortgage and payday lending.  He conducted a walk-through of Cleveland slums hit hardest by the mortgage crisis in order to call media and government attention to the issue.  In an interview with PBS’ Judy Woodruff, Kucinich said the federal reserve has not had proper oversight of banks and the Secuities and Exchange Commission has not had proper oversight of hedge funds.

Oversight Hearing on Predatory Lending: From Nancy Pelosi’s Web site, an overview of  Kucinich’s subcommittee on domestic policy, which took an in-depth look at predatory mortgages, payday loans and foreclosures that plague inner-city America.  Link includes video of Kucinich’s opening statement (March 21, 2007).

YouTube Video: In an editorial board interview with the SentinelSource.com, Kucinich speaks about the root of subprime mortgages, what he’s done to combat the crisis and what still needs to be done (Dec. 28, 2007).

— Las Vegas Sun new media intern April Corbin compiled this report.