May I inquire of the balance of the time. The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman from Kansas has 3 minutes remaining. The gentleman from Oklahoma has 2\1/2\ minutes remaining.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate waiting on a few other folks to speak. One thing I would like to point out, I appreciate the arguments of my colleague from Texas that indicates these are commonsense reforms. I think most Americans…

I demand a recorded vote. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Kansas will be postponed. Amendment No. 102 Offered by Mr. Southerland The Acting CHAIR. It…

I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: In subtitle A of title IV, strike section 4007 and insert the following: SEC. 4007. ELIMINATING THE…

I would like to yield 1 minute to a member of the Ag Committee, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Neugebauer).

I appreciate the opportunity to visit on this. I do believe in an individual's right to earn a living, to start a business, to earn a profit, to grow that business, and to expand to meet new market opportunities without government…

Thank you, Congresswoman Hartzler. I appreciate you leading our efforts and discussion tonight on a very important topic. Obviously, as you do mention, it is oftentimes a forgotten topic. I'm certain we all have our stories about our dads…

We need to make certain that not only is home ownership possible for millions of Americans but that the value and equity in that home can be accessed without tremendous exposure on the part of the American taxpayer.

What is the average amount of the amount advanced--what is the average amount advanced under a reverse mortgage? What kind of dollars are we talking about?

So the $625,500 is the maximum----

Chairman, thank you. How many lenders are in the reverse mortgage business? Is this a wide group of businesses of lenders?

Is the only recourse on a reverse mortgage loan the equity in the home?

Are those interest rates fixed or variable?

What are the underwriting standards? Why is a loan made to someone who is unable or unwilling to pay for their insurance on their home or taxes?

It is critical that the potential tremendous strain that the HECM program has placed on the FHA Insurance Fund is addressed in a very meaningful way.

And a senior citizen in Kansas, they would have an option of discussing this with somebody at the Area Agency on Aging.

I may have missed this. Is there a maximum amount that HUD guarantees?

For generations, Americans have had the impression that homeowner is the financial cornerstone of our society.