Roy Blunt: “I thank the Senator for this important question. And I can answer it quickly. Yes. After hearing from countless people…”

“I thank the Senator for this important question. And I can answer it quickly. Yes. After hearing from countless people in our home States, we know that the time to act is now. We have a model that works and this demonstration project allows States the opportunity to try it in their communities. The dates and timeframes you mentioned for getting this program started should be viewed as absolute deadlines. I would like to see things move even quicker, if possible. We firmly believe--and expect--that the administration will work quickly to get this program off the ground. There are people around the country who will benefit from these services. The sooner we enact these pilot programs, the sooner we can test the effectiveness of this model. As I mentioned, I believe this model will work and am eager to see it put into place not only in eight States, but all 50.”