Congressmen Jeff Miller, R-Fla., and Adam Putnam, R-Fla., introduced legislation June 24 that would provide mortgage forbearance to homeowners in the areas affected by the BP Deepwater Horizon oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico.

"People in Northwest Florida are already dealing with the impact of oil on their shores and are worried about the long term economic and environmental impact of this disaster, they should not also have to worry about losing their home," said Miller. "I am glad to join with Rep. Adam Putnam and introduce the Gulf Coast Homeowners Relief Act which will provide the needed help for those who have been hit the hardest."

"It is important to give federal regulators maximum flexibility in assisting homeowners in crisis along the Gulf Coast," said Putnam. "The last thing communities need is bureaucratic red tape unnecessarily forcing families out of their homes."

This bill will allow for HUD to provide forbearance for those sustaining economic losses due to the oil spill and to evaluate what resources and programs available within the Agency that could provide further assistance to communities along the Gulf Coast.