U.S. SENATE PASSES HOUSING BILL The Senate passed a two year extension of federal housing programs, including 15 billion dlrs for lower income housing assistance over two years. The vote was 71 to 27. Total value of the bill was estimated at 31 billion dlrs. The bill permanently extended the authorization for Federal Housing Authority mortgage insurnce. The bill also extended the urban development grant program, the national flood insurance act, the rural housing program as well as several other housing programs. The bill now goes to the House.