U.S. lenders would have to determine that a borrower can afford a mortgage before making the loan under a Federal Reserve staff proposal on new regulations released on Tuesday.

The proposed rules, which will be considered later on Tuesday by the Fed board, would also require that borrowers get details on their brokers' compensation and be billed monthly for escrow. If the board approves the new regulations, they would be released for public comment before becoming final.

Unfair and deceptive acts and practices have hurt not just borrowers and their families, but entire communities and, indeed, the economy as a whole, Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke said in prepared remarks before the board meeting on the proposals.

The Fed is considering sweeping new standards for new home lending as the nation faces a spike of foreclosures and failing home loans. (Reporting by Patrick Rucker; Editing by Jonathan Oatis)

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