First, let me associate myself with the Chairman's comments. I was thinking, having recently moved, that this affects not only the buyer of the house, the seller, the moving company--the ripple effects go on and on. And that's why we…

FHA is largely financed by proceeds from the mortgage insurance premiums paid by homeowners.

Of course, when you apply even one-half percent against $800 billion, it is still troubling.

The transportation system is the lifeline for our country and our economy.

One of my primary concerns is the number of homeless Americans.

The Housing First model is proving its effectiveness.

It should be an opportunity for the IG to identify program weaknesses, mismanagement, vulnerabilities, and should be welcomed by the Secretary.

That makes sense, but that is not what this report seems to be saying is going on.

It is an honor to serve with you, and I look forward to working with you as we consider HUD's fiscal year 2012 budget request.

I want to make sure you have the resources you need to protect our railways.

One of the lessons that we have learned in the Homeland Security Committee is the importance of the partnership among all levels of government.

The problem is it saves money not for HUD but for the Medicaid program, for the corrections system, for State and local governments.

With an eye toward ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used as efficiently as possible, we must be certain that adequate security measures and technology deployment are implemented throughout the passenger rail sector.

We simply must rein in our spending and get our financial house in order.

Thank you, Chairman Murray. You have been a strong and dedicated leader of this subcommittee.

I am opposed to zeroing-out effective programs. Rather, a policy of shared sacrifice will help us right our economic ship of state.

I believe, however, that Senator Wyden is really looking at some sort of revenue bond.

It is fundamentally unfair for the Federal Government to award grants to States, only then to take them away.

my goal is to have the best people possible in government and to not have unnecessary barriers to their serving.

One of the most significant responsibilities of U.S. Senators is set forth in Article II, Section 2 of our Constitution. It requires that the Senate provide its advice and consent on nominations made by the President.

I think that is an excellent suggestion.

While elder abuse is a significant problem in our society, it has received far less attention and study than other forms of domestic violence.

I personally read all the FBI reports on all the nominees that come before our Committee, and they seem to be the same kinds of intensive investigation.

Combating elder abuse should be a national priority. It is no longer just a family responsibility.

First let me commend you for calling this hearing to shine a light on this extremely troubling and often hidden issue.