Congressman Brad Miller (D-NC) promised to push hard in the new year to prevent more foreclosures.
The North Carolina representative will reintroduce his bill to allow the modification of mortgages in bankruptcy.
"We will not stop the downward spiral of our economy until we stop the collapse of home values. And we won't stop the collapse of home values until we stop foreclosures," said Miller.
During a joint news conference with Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), the lawmakers pledged foreclosure prevention as a legislative priority in 2009.
Miller said the measure would provide an orderly model for people to follow through a judicial process. Ultimately, a bankruptcy judge makes the judgment for negotiation.
It also protects the value of entire neighborhoods where people have lost their homes.
According to Miller's office, roughly 4.6 million Americans are either delinquent in their mortgage payments or are in the foreclosure process.
To hear Miller's remarks, click on the video box.