In other words, they are sitting in the lap of the taxpayer.

But it seems to me that it makes no sense for Fannie and Freddie, in other words, the implied guarantee of the taxpayer, to have 100 percent, or close to it, of the mortgages in today's market.

I applaud your work. You have been an extraordinary person in this job, despite what some people would say.

Is it true--we have a record here--that there are fewer and fewer foreclosures in multifamily apartments as opposed to single?

I remain concerned that prioritizing funding increases and new funding for programs distributed competitively rather than formula funded programs results in the redirection of critical Federal funds from rural States to urban areas.

Dr. Blank, I have got to find out more about that.

This is a significant increase in funding given our current budget environment, and it is proposed as a new mandatory program.

I am hopeful that this budget provides not only the resources necessary for the Department but ensures that there is a plan in place to keep the ship righted.

I rise today to pay tribute to Dr. Gordon Moulton in honor of his retirement after 46 years of service to the University of South Alabama. Gordon dedicated his life to the success of the university and its surrounding communities and…

I am pleased to be working with you again, Madam Chair, on the CJS Subcommittee and I am eager to begin the discussion of the President's fiscal year 2014 budget proposal.

NOAA represents more than 60 percent of your Department's budget at $5.6 billion.

I am eager to hear what the Department, working in concert with NOAA, can do to ensure that future missteps do not occur.