Waiting lists are a big issue with me. It is a very big issue with the veterans' organizations, and the fact that they have been reduced is commendable.

The National Science Foundation is critical to our economy. Future technologies and future jobs depend upon NSF research.

We don't want to have government-subsidized slums.

The subcommittee will continue to stand sentry against cuts to Federal enforcement.

We want to know about that and how are we doing with the prescription drug benefit and how you are managing it.

Senator Mikulski and I have some very strong views, and we are united in those views.

I am so pleased that you are going to allow $2 million to upgrade some of the facilities at the NCCC Training programs.

What a great social invention.

We can't do space science without our astronauts and we know that.

Mr. Leavitt, I welcome you to your first VA-HUD hearing, but this is a pretty big deal question.

I really want to support the momentum for reform that you have here, and oversight vigor and independence.

Supporting NSF supports NIH.

When I talk about criminal, I'm talking about premeditated, deliberate desire to usurp, evade the environmental laws.

He also says, that no matter what mission is undertaken by the astronauts on the shuttle there must be absolute compliance with the full implementation of the CAIB.

What I want to be clear about is that sustainability is not only about money and not a desire to be a micro-manager.

We need to make sure that we do not have waiting lines for veterans.

This could mean less affordable housing, more rundown public housing, more lead-paint-poisoned children.

I believe that they are going to turn more and more to VA because of the failure of health care in other areas.

Well, that's not what they're saying.

Thank you. This, too, will go to my last round of questions.

Let me tell you, while he is getting himself together, and we look for the answers, the subcommittee feels that this is one of the most important areas that we can pursue.

Well, how much of what is at HUD is uncommitted?

We won't call them 'predators', we'll call them 'weasels.'

How are you really standing sentry and ensuring that these REAC teams... are really doing their job?

the red light is blinking. We're going to wait for your opinions and also the Academy on this.