Kent Conrad: “I supported Mel Martinez as Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. I believe that Mr. Martinez…”

“I supported Mel Martinez as Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. I believe that Mr. Martinez will contribute both his knowledge of housing policy and personal experience toward increasing home ownership among all Americans. During his confirmation hearing, Mr. Martinez said that he knows the value of home ownership, because he has witnessed its great power throughout his entire life. It is true that the foundation of community involvement and prosperity is built upon home ownership, which is a critical element of the American Dream. I am pleased that Mr. Martinez has voiced his support for the President's proposal to provide $1.7 billion in tax credits over five years to build and renovate single-family homes in poor communities and to allocate another $1 billion in tax credits to assist up to 650,000 families attain their dreams of becoming homeowners. Having emigrated to the United States at the age of 15 and successfully risen to the post of Chairman of Orange County, Florida, Mr. Martinez has proved his mettle and displayed his commitment to public service. I look forward to working with Mr. Martinez in his capacity as our nation's newest Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.”