Blumenauer to Extend First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit to Overseas Government Employees

Washington, DC – Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore) today introduced a bill that would allow members of the armed services, Foreign Service, and intelligence community to take full advantage of the 2009 First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit. Currently, this successful credit cannot be claimed by those on temporary government assignment overseas, since the law requires the buyer to live in the home for 36 consecutive months.

Blumenauer’s “Call to Service Homebuyer Credit Act of 2009,” H.R.3573, would count duty away from home as time spent fulfilling the 36 month occupancy requirement. It also gives a second chance to those who served away from home in 2009 by extending the credit for one year.

Following is a statement from Rep. Blumenauer:

“America’s men and women who are called to service deserve the same benefits as everyone else. It is absurd that thousands of Americans serving our country, away from friends and family, and often in hazardous locations, must choose between their service work and homeownership. This is why I have introduced legislation to extend the successful homebuyer tax credit and protect those who help protect our nation.”

“This matter came to my attention in June when a constituent wrote to tell me that his USAID-employed wife would be sent overseas, jeopardizing their homebuyer credit even though they pay property and state taxes in Oregon. I am proud to take action on their behalf and on behalf of government workers around the nation who are being penalized for their service.”

Following is a statement from Susan Johnson, President of the American Foreign Service Association:

“I commend Congressman Blumenauer for introducing this important bill, which will rectify a serious inequity affecting our career members of the Foreign Service, who are serving our nation with dedication and courage in some of the most dangerous and difficult locations around the globe."