Senate Dems, GOP sparring over homeowner relief bill

WASHINGTON (CNN) - Lawmakers have returned to Washington after a two-week break vowing to confront the deepening mortgage crisis. But despite the increasing pressure to find solutions to the problem, Senate leaders find themselves locked in a procedural stalemate over how to take up a stalled homeowner relief bill.

Negotiations are expected to continue right up to a key vote planned Tuesday afternoon on the Democratic-authored bill, aides on both sides said.

The bill would, for the first time, allow bankruptcy judges to reset mortgages on primary residences. It would also provide $4 billion for local communities to buy and refurbish foreclosed properties; provide $200 million for counseling to help homeowners avoid foreclosure; give tax breaks for the home building industry; and improve loan disclosure and transparency.

Republicans are threatening to block the bill, as they did before the recess, unless Democrats give in to their demands to allow votes on certain GOP amendments.

–From CNN Congressional Producer Ted Barrett