I think I disagree with that. Would that not, in fact, increase the uncertainty and probably increase the bureaucratic time requirement in such a way that is would be less effective and more costly in the marketplace?

I am glad one significant person is here from DOT to listen to this because that is the point.

I think part of the challenge now that it is so popular and fully funded is the way that DOT is structured to administer those loans is not particularly as effective as it could be.

This is an important hearing that I have been looking forward to.

I would urge you to go look at that and maybe supplement your answer because if what you say is true, and I hope it is, then it is just sort of a useless time-consuming question and then why not take it out and not make people, you know…

I am not suggesting that we should bend much less break the rules about eligibility or creditworthiness.

Well, I am hoping that we are going to change that record over time and that once this office is ramped up in terms of staffing, we will streamline the process.

I now call up Vitter amendment No. 1744 to the appropriations bill currently before the Senate. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report. The assistant bill clerk read as follows: The Senator from Louisiana [Mr. Vitter] proposes an…

I hope this is viewed universally as a commonsense, bipartisan amendment. I urge all of my colleagues to support this amendment through the rollcall vote which we will have. It is very simple, very basic, and I think very appropriate. It…

I ask unanimous consent that the reading of the amendment be dispensed with. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The amendment is as follows: (Purpose: To prohibit funds to be used to provide housing assistance…

What is the specific legal authority for doing something this significant by guidance?

this is completely preemptive and unnecessary

And that is re-asking a question we sent in writing 4 months ago and has not been responded to.

Thank you, Madam Chairman. I apologize and U.S. Airways apologizes for my being a little late, but it is great to be with all of you and the nominees.

a big set of concerns of Republicans on the committee has been the need for increased transparency and accountability.

What is your understanding of the reason they are doing this by guidance, at least first?

this is extremely troubling for all of us on the Republican side

Senator Vitter has pointed out, in a transparent way; that we communicate with clarity.

Given that, what is the argument for deciding this by mere guidance?

I rise to talk about the substance of the Gina McCarthy nomination. It is a very important nomination. It is a very important Agency that has been taking dramatic action in the last 4 years. Gina McCarthy is not some outsider coming to…

Would you point to any other metric besides heavy downpours?

I think it is very interesting. This was outlined in email last month by Ken Berlin, a Chair of President Obama's energy and environment team.

OK. And hurricane landfalls in the U.S.?

OK. And that directly relates to pictures of Superstorm Sandy, discussion of Hurricane Katrina, etcetera.

It is unfortunate we don't have any witnesses here from the Obama administration.