LAS VEGAS — Since they contributed 6% to the federal government's income in 2013, that's one reason why it is highly unlikely that legislation to change Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac will move before 2017.

Tim Rood, chairman of the Washington-based consultancy The Collingwood Group, shared that prediction during a session Tuesday at the American Credit Union Mortgage Association's annual meeting, which is taking place through Wednesday at the Encore in Las Vegas.

Among the factors that are slowing down the legislative process are upcoming elections, a very crowded legislative calendar for the last few months of this year, and the vastly improved importance both Fannie and Freddie have begun to show, Rood said.