Akaka, a Democrat representing Hawaii, and the other senators are advocating for national regulatory standards that would decrease foreclosures, stabilize the housing market and create jobs.

The letter was sent Thursday to the heads of the Treasury, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Federal Reserve, Securities and Exchange Commission, the Federal Housing Finance Agency and the attorney general.

The senators said in their letter that the government should establish clear national standards to eliminate confusion and barriers to mortgage modification.

They said such changes would help keep families in their homes.