Shaun Donovan

The Federal budget is not just numbers on a page. It is a reflection of our values, and it is important to our future.

I can assure you that the American people will have a leader of integrity and intelligence in a critical job.

We believe it is absolutely critical that we lift the cap beyond the 180,000 units.

The $650 million that we are proposing for Native American housing block grants are our most important tool in helping to increase the quality and availability of housing in Indian country.

HUD's budget is an essential component of the President's vision of investing in the things we need to grow our economy.

This budget targets our investments to the families and geographies that need them the most, and puts Americans back to work.

This is an urgent priority that we change the formula. And to be very frank, the formula simply doesn't make any sense anymore.

This is a program that is working. It is not only saving lives. We have reduced veterans homelessness by 24 percent in the last 3 years.

I want to begin by remembering that last week on the 1-year anniversary of Hurricane Sandy, our Nation paused to remember all those who lost their homes, their businesses, and, most tragically, lost their lives.

It was clear that the road to recovery would be long and difficult. But if you know anything about the people from this region--and I am proud to count myself as one of them--it is that they are resilient.

I have been enormously proud to chair this effort as we work to achieve two basic goals: one, to get the assistance that you all fought so hard to make a reality to communities as quickly as possible, to meet the immediate needs; and…

Thank you, more importantly, for both of your leadership in getting the supplemental passed and in being vocal and persistent advocates for the people that you serve in New Jersey and New York.