Why It Matters

Mortgage Research Center LLC is shaping implementation of H.R. 1815 – VA Home Loan Program Reform Act, which created a new partial claims program to help veterans avoid foreclosure. The company is lobbying to protect VA guaranty fees from being diverted to non-housing programs and influence mortgage credit score modernization standards. These issues directly affect how veterans access affordable home loans and how the mortgage industry operates under new VA regulations. Major mortgage servicers like PennyMac Financial Services and Nationstar Mortgage LLC are also spending six figures to influence outcomes.

By the Numbers

Mortgage Research Center LLC spent $60,000 in the last quarter of 2025 on lobbying, continuing a 15-year relationship with veteran lobbyist Robert W. Zimmer. Zimmer has represented the company across 56 filings since 2011, generating $2.46 million in total compensation.

The company employs a two-pronged strategy. David L. Horne LLC handled 56 disclosures totaling $1.14 million from 2011 through January 2026, focused on VA housing matters. McGuireWoods Consulting LLC filed 25 disclosures for $920,000 since June 2020, broadening advocacy to financial institutions issues.

Competitors are spending heavily: PennyMac Financial Services spent $70,000 in second and third quarter of 2025, while Nationstar Mortgage LLC spent $100,000 during the same period on identical H.R. 1815 implementation issues.

The Agenda

Mortgage Research Center LLC, operating as Veterans United Home Loans, is lobbying on implementation of H.R. 1815 – VA Home Loan Program Reform Act. The company advocates on VA’s partial indemnification policy, VA guaranty fees, mortgage credit score modernization, and preventing mortgage-related fees from funding non-housing programs.

This occurs as Congress passed significant reforms to prevent veteran foreclosures following termination of the controversial VA Servicing Purchase (VASP) program. The company’s focus reflects broader industry concerns about how the new partial claims program will be implemented and whether VA mortgage fees will increase.

Broader Context

Congress enacted sweeping VA home loan reforms, creating opportunities and challenges for mortgage industry players. H.R. 1815 established a new partial claims program to help veterans avoid foreclosure, replacing the controversial VASP program that lawmakers shut down amid concerns about veteran protection.

Policymakers are debating VA guaranty fee increases that could limit affordable homeownership for veterans. The mortgage industry has actively resisted these proposed hikes. Additionally, regulatory shifts in credit scoring are reshaping lending standards across the industry.

Between The Lines

Congressional activity surrounding veterans’ housing intensified following passage of H.R. 1815 in mid-2025. The legislation establishes a permanent partial claims program allowing the VA to purchase portions of defaulted loans—a direct response to the controversial VASP shutdown.

Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI), the bill’s sponsor, celebrated its passage as correcting "fiscal irresponsibility" of VASP. However, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) criticized the VASP shutdown, warning it could push thousands of veterans into foreclosure.

Related legislation advancing includes S. 2853 – VA Extenders Act of 2025 and H.R. 2362/S. 138 – VA Home Loan Awareness Act of 2025, which would mandate VA loan eligibility information in mortgage applications.

Competitive Landscape

Mortgage Research Center LLC faces significant competition from other major mortgage servicers advocating on identical VA loan issues. PennyMac Financial Services Inc. spent $70,000 in Q2 and Q3 2025 lobbying on H.R. 1815. Nationstar Mortgage LLC spent $100,000 during the same quarters. The Housing Policy Council reported $210,000 in Q1 2025 on broad housing finance issues, including VA home loan programs.

The Bottom Line

Mortgage Research Center LLC retained lobbyist Robert W. Zimmer for $60,000 in the last quarter of 2025 to focus on H.R. 1815 implementation, VA guaranty fees, and mortgage credit modernization. The company’s advocacy mirrors broader mortgage industry efforts, with competitors spending between $70,000 and $100,000 on the same issues. Zimmer has represented the company on housing policy for over 14 years, building expertise that aligns with current implementation debates.

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