I have introduced along with Senator Martin Heinrich--actually, it is his bill that I am his key cosponsor, a two-generation economic Empowerment Act.

The best way to prevent the trafficking of these vulnerable individuals is to give them safe places to stay and provide services.

And I would say to you each time in a bipartisan way this committee made sure that we got the funding back up.

I would argue that the Community Development Block Grant program is an essential part of fulfilling that mission.

This year will be extremely challenging. Not only are the budget caps under the current law lower than last year, but also the President's request is proposing to set the caps even lower.

This program, partially because of its interagency approach, has been successful in reducing homelessness among our veterans by 47 percent since we started it in 2010.

What kind of message does it send when the President's Budget proposes eliminating all of the funding to carry out the community development mission of HUD?

I personally like that change because I think it is more inclusive and better reflects the mission of HUD, which is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all.

I look forward to talking with you about it and working closely with you on these issues.

I am not happy that there is no additional funding for new VASH vouchers, which help our homeless veterans.

While I am deeply troubled by some of the budget proposals, I also want to acknowledge that there are so many areas where HUD and I share common interests.

But just so you might know, my slogan on this is that in the land of the free, there must always be a home for the brave.

My hope, and I guess I am just seeking a commitment from you, is that you are putting together the team, that it sounds like you are.

I am particularly troubled by youth homelessness.

I have to say among municipal officials I think it is the most popular program because of its flexibility.

The Administration has not given you much to work with and I suspect it will be a daunting task to defend these significant reductions that are being proposed.

I am aware of legislation recently introduced by Senators Angus King and Susan Collins, the Senior Home Modification Assistance Initiative Act.

I am a big supporter of multiyear. I am a big supporter of Flight III. I think it is going to bring a major advantage to the fleet, and we want to get it as soon as possible. But I would rather get it right than get it fast.