Jeff Flake: “one of the great concerns I have is, as I listen to this debate, is that we seem to forget that there have been points…”

“one of the great concerns I have is, as I listen to this debate, is that we seem to forget that there have been points in American history when we have found the need to be involved in whatever area we found there to be a problem that in some way made it impossible for us to have the best possible demonstration of what democracy is all about. One of those was when our soldiers returned from war and we decided that we needed to provide housing. Therefore, we developed the VA program, subsequently the FHA programs and other programs that opened up opportunities for people to be able to move into home ownership. It was felt that the Government had a role in trying to assure that every person who was an American, every person who saluted this flag, who understood its Constitution and understood the responsibility as a citizen of this Nation could expect that there would be some benefits which would derive to them. It seems to me now we move away from the responsibility of making sure that every American understands that they have a place, every American understands that this country is concerned about them. Particularly those Americans who go to work every day would like to be able to become a homeowner and find it difficult to do so. I think many of us function under the notion, which I consider a bit naive, that somehow the private sector or some others will take care of the responsibility for assuring that every citizen has an opportunity to become a homeowner.”