The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 reminded many Americans, and especially members of the HUD family, of the terrorist attack that took place in Oklahoma City on April 19, 1995. That attack took the lives of 168 innocent men, women, and children, including 35 employees of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

While we will never forget, much has changed in the past eight years. America's strong stance against terrorists, terrorism, and those who would threaten our freedom has helped transform our nation - and much of the world - for the better. We are a stronger people today, with a greater sense of pride in our nation, and for the men and women who serve America - in our communities and halfway around the world.

Today, please join Secretary Martinez, honored guests from Oklahoma City, and your friends and coworkers at 9:30 AM in the HUD courtyard. All Headquarters employees are encouraged to attend this brief and simple ceremony to pay our respects to those who lost their lives, and those whose lives were forever changed eight years ago.

HUD's Fort Worth office marked Fair Housing Month 2003 by signing a new regional Voluntary Fair Lending/Best Practices Agreement with the National Association of Professional Mortgage Women (NAPMW). The new fair lending agreement - the second between the two organizations - emphasizes eliminating predatory lending practices and increasing homeownership opportunities for the disabled.

"President Bush and HUD Secretary Martinez are committed to increasing homeownership for all Americans, and we're especially pleased to strengthen our partnership with the National Association of Professional Mortgage Women to promote equal lending opportunities for all borrowers," said HUD Regional Director A. Cynthia Leon. "We're also very proud to be the first HUD region with this kind of new voluntary agreement, which covers all five states in Region VI [Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas]."

"Ending abusive lending practices and ensuring fair lending are vital to the mortgage banking industry, so we are very pleased to be renewing our agreement with HUD, "said NAPMW National President Jenifer Walton. "During the course of the agreement, we'll be working together to provide outreach education on fair housing and lending to both industry professionals and consumers."

The NAPMW was founded in 1964 to promote the professional and personal development of women in the lending industry. There are currently more than 4,500 members in 80 chapters across the country.