Moreover, defining the scope and purpose of the portfolios in this way would reduce the potential for unbridled growth in those portfolios while avoiding the imposition of arbitrary limits or caps. Affordable housing and the GSE portfolios What public purpose should be served by the GSE portfolios? An obvious and worthy candidate is the promotion of affordable housing.
12 The Congress has frequently expressed the priority it attaches to affordable housing through, for example, the provision of various housing programs and tax incentives aimed at increasing the availability of moderately priced homes and rental housing. The Congress has also determined that financial institutions have a role in providing credit to low- and moderate-income households.