Susan Collins

I worry that smaller community airports will simply not have the funds to contribute more than the current 20 percent, and could potentially be forced to shut down operations.

We need to focus, however, on what works such as the Housing First model for aiding those who are homeless.

Last year, Senator Collins and I worked very hard to protect HUD's core rental assistance programs.

I'm very glad the request for homeless programs reflects a continued commitment to that plan.

We did so in a truly bipartisan fashion.

I want to be sure we are making decisions with an understanding of their consequences and an eye toward the future.

It is appalling to think that lenders were taking advantage of the very people protecting our Nation.

The Government Accountability Office notes in its 2011 follow up report on duplicative economic development programs that HUD, Commerce, SBA, and USDA have made minimal progress collecting data and assessing the effectiveness of their…

I am concerned about some of the proposals.

The technology has changed so dramatically, and that's going to be great news to a lot of homeowners in Maine.

HUD has an obligation to oversee the use of Federal funds at public housing agencies nationwide.

It is critical that federally subsidized properties comply with all health, safety, and quality standards.

I am pleased the budget continues funding for HUD's Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Program at $75 million.

One out of every six men and women in homeless shelters are veterans, and unfortunately, veterans are 50 percent more likely to fall into homelessness compared to other Americans.

Veterans' homelessness fell by nearly 12 percent in the year 2010, demonstrating that these programs work.

What limits your ability to reach common goals and results with other agencies?

Maine is the most heavily dependent of any State in the Nation on home heating oil.

I do want to salute you and the inspector general for your responsiveness to the problems in Maine and across the country.

I'm troubled by this not only because taxpayers shouldn't be paying for poorly maintained units, but because the health and the safety of the people living there is clearly at risk.

I am concerned by the Administration's proposal to fund thousands of Project-Based Rental Assistance contracts for less than 12 months.

That's absolutely great news. Again, I thank you so much for your willingness to look at that.

Another thing I think the Department really needs to look at is, if you have bad actors out there, you do have available to you suspension and debarment tools.

The level funding for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, proposed at $2.95 billion, is disappointing.

I have always supported funding for the Homeless Assistance Grants program to prevent and end homelessness.

Addressing the ongoing challenge of homelessness remains a top priority of mine.