We want to make sure that we do not compromise the current tools that we have.

I am committed to making sure that we work together on requests for information.

I think we share the same passion towards the small business agenda.

It is not easy for a small business to be able to get through the bureaucracies of dealing with government agencies.

I am really looking forward to working together to help America's small businesses.

We have seen record numbers of small business startups.

I am hopeful that we will be able to find that spot.

We talked about Veterans Business Outreach Center, which is incredibly valuable in our state.

I think the programs were very successful. I think we got the money out quickly, and we saved a lot of small businesses from closing.

I must tell you, I think the numbers over the last 2 years are extremely impressive.

We do not have enough stock of affordable housing. Supply and demand issues--it's just not affordable.

The Neighborhood Homes Investment Act is aimed at dealing with that.

I want to talk a little bit about the wealth gap, because home ownership is one of the areas that we deal with in trying to reduce the wealth gap in this country.

We therefore strongly urge Congress to pass the Neighborhood Homes Investment Act and thank Senators Cardin and Young for their leadership on this very important legislation.

Congress needs to enact the New Markets Tax Credit Extension Act of 2023 (S. 234), which was introduced by Senators Cardin and Daines last month.

The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit... it's the strongest tool we have to date, but in and of itself, it's not enough.

Senators Young and Cardin introduced the Neighborhood Homes Investment Act, which would create a Federal tax credit to finance home building and rehabilitation in urban and rural neighborhoods.

If we don't act very quickly to bring more resources to the table, we're going to fall even further behind in the future.

The waiting lists in Maryland are long for affordable housing. The options are not really bright today.

I ask unanimous consent that the scheduled vote for 11:30 a.m. take place now. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

In my own State of Maryland, the Climate Solutions Now Act, provides for reduction of greenhouse gases by 60 percent compared to 2006 by 2031.

We can, thanks to Congress, provide material and financial support to States like Maryland.

The MATS program dealing with the mercury issues, can you just briefly talk about how that program has been effective in dealing with some of the issues, including the Chesapeake Bay?

Your responsibilities in air quality have a major impact on our efforts and our commitments in regards to the Chesapeake Bay.

I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 78, submitted earlier today. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title. The senior assistant legislative clerk read as follows: A…