In this Aug. 22, 2011, file photo, a sold sign is posted in front of a new home in Springfield, Ill. Republican senators said Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012, that they are pressing the U.S.

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In this Aug. 22, 2011, file photo, a sold sign is posted in front of a new home in Springfield, Ill. Republican senators said Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012, that they are pressing the U.S. government's housing official to take steps to shore up the federal agency that insures mortgages for millions of borrowers. An audit shows the agency faces $16.3 billion in losses and might require a taxpayer bailout. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman) less