Kit Bond

There appears to be a troublesome communication gap between the administration, Department of Transportation, OMB and the Senate.

That can add 10 years to a major high speed rail project.

I have some other questions about the burdens. For example, on the high speed rail strategy the--we need some guidance on there.

I'm awaiting additional information from the Department on what, if anything can be done about the Mexican Government's retaliation over the terms of NAFTA.

That is critical from what we have seen. From my own personal experience, I could have signed up for so many 1 percent no-down-payment loans if I had just responded.

I want to ask a specific question. Mortgage issues I hope will be considered as a part of regulatory reform.

Yes. Could we get information on that, because it is not just limited to the major cities?

If you are lending out money at 1 percent and the Federal Government is borrowing everything that is going out the door now, there is a hidden subsidy

Thank you, Madam Chair.

The city council members, the mayors are saying what am I going to do with this community that has got 20 percent foreclosed?

I have been wondering. After we agreed to the TARP program to buy troubled assets, I have seen us buying a lot of troubled banks, troubled auto companies, and if you are finally buying down some troubled assets, it is about time.

There are some bad apples that really need to be put out of the business and in my view put out of circulation.

We are trying to get some numbers here, and it looks like our 302(b) allocation, which has just come down today, is not going to support the HUD request.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair.

Senator Murray and I are sponsoring an Education Begins at Home Act to promote home visitation and the Ready to Learn Act.

The chair and I have worked on that in the past. We think it is very important.

I can only say amen and thank you. It is a long time coming, and we are looking forward to it.

I have long warned about the no-down-payment option.

How confident are you that you will not have to raise premiums or come to the taxpayer for assistance?

It is a real pleasure to work with you and to work with the Secretary.

Expanding the benefits of HOPE VI beyond public housing has merit and deserves serious consideration.

The President's budget does not include additional HUD-VASH vouchers while the President said he wants to have homelessness among veterans--

Well, I agree with that. But is there any wisdom in limiting it to foreclosed homes to try to save communities?

I do not always trust regulators to avoid problems.

It is not just for veterans. It is across the whole area of homelessness.