The Obama administration is asking for public comment on seven broad questions about the future of housing finance that will provide a framework for reforming Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, according to a document obtained by Reuters on Wednesday.

The questions focus on the organization of housing finance, protecting consumers from abusive mortgages, and other broad issues.

The administration has offered an unlimited lifeline to the mortgage finance companies but pledged to overhaul them once the housing market is on firmer footing.

Shaun Donovan, U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, was expected to release the questions at a congressional hearing later Wednesday.

In the document obtained by Reuters, Donovan said, The Obama administration is committed to engaging the public as we consider proposals for reforming the housing finance system.

(Reporting by Kevin Drawbaugh; writing by Emily Kaiser; editing by Jeffrey Benkoe)

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