[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 17135-17136]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THOMAS COX, PURPOSE PRIZE RECIPIENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. CHELLIE PINGREE

                                of maine

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 13, 2012

  Ms. PINGREE of Maine. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize an 
attorney in my District who has been awarded one of only five Purpose 
Prizes this year for his role in uncovering irresponsible and 
fraudulent foreclosure practices. The Purpose Prize recognizes people 
over 60 who do great things for the public good.
  After years of representing banks during foreclosure proceedings--and 
literally writing the book on how attorneys perform foreclosures in 
Maine--Thomas Cox became disillusioned with the industry. He left his 
firm and

[[Page 17136]]

didn't know if he would ever practice law again.
  Long soul-searching led Thomas to return to law--but this time on the 
other side of the table. Volunteering for the Maine Attorneys Saving 
Homes Project, he represented families facing foreclosure. Using his 
years of experience, he worked with dozens of families to make sure 
their rights were represented and that everything possible was being 
done to keep them in their homes.
  Representing one homeowner in a battle with GMAC Mortgage--one of the 
largest mortgage servicers in the country--Thomas helped uncover a 
practice that came to be known as ``robosigning.'' To speed along 
foreclosures, the bank was approving documents without verifying their 
accuracy. His discovery led to a larger uncovering of systematic 
foreclosure fraud at the nation's largest mortgage servicers. In the 
end, 49 states sued these banks, winning a settlement of $25 billion to 
help those who are at risk of foreclosures and imposing new loan-
servicing standards.
  As Thomas continues this important work today, he now recruits, 
mentors, and inspires young attorneys to focus less on making money and 
more on making positive change in their communities. ``I feel more 
alive than I think I've ever felt in my life because it's good work,'' 
he said.
  I am so grateful that Thomas took his career and life in this 
direction. It's a decision that has benefited thousands of families 
across the country and will have a lasting impact in inspiring young 
lawyers for years to come. My best wishes to him as he receives this 
well-earned honor.

                          ____________________