During the course of the Bush administration, the OMB has acquired the role and reputation of being the political fixer and hit man for the administration in agency regulatory proceedings.

It is an absolutely critical choice that our country faces.

I think I am making a slightly different point, thinking longer term about the health care problem per se, and that as that $35 trillion tsunami hits us, we cannot cope with that from a fiscal point of view, so we have to reduce the cost.

Your words, 'now' and 'as soon as possible.'

The worry I have is that if we do not get started rapidly on those strategies...

But unless there is a lead time on the other one, we may not avoid it.

I fully support his efforts for preventive health care, for better pricing on prescription drugs, and for better use of medical technology and information technology.

Opening statements, comments, or prepared statements of: Senator Reed

My point is that all of the efforts to make sure that FHA is running its programs in the most effective possible manner would be directed at ensuring that there continues to be a stable, open, fair, reliable mortgage system in the United…

I point out in my State of Connecticut, the average two-bedroom apartment, you have got to make $21 an hour to afford it.

If confirmed, you will, at times, be their only voice in housing policy discussions that occur within the Obama Administration.

I hope that as a member of the President's Economic Team, you will make stabilizing the housing market one of your chief objectives.

It is not just affordable housing, it is safe and affordable housing.

I want to thank Senator Shelby and the members of the Committee, because when we passed the housing bill last summer...

I would like to arrange for the members of this Committee or their staffs to meet with HUD.

According to the latest US Conference of Mayors Report on Homelessness, homelessness has gotten worse nationwide.

How do we raise the wages and, therefore, the standard of living, of middle-income Americans?

I think the President has made a very wise choice. Your service and your personal experience reinforces the best ideals of this country.