There isn't a better, stronger, most effective advocate for mass transit in this country, particularly rail transit, than Senator Lautenberg.

To me, the crisis we face is no less than a national disgrace represented by the haunting image of 131,000 veterans on the streets of America on any given night.

To end this national disaster, a vigorous series of partnerships between all branches of Government and at all levels of Government must be forged with community groups and faith-based organizations.

I wonder, how is it that with the wide array of programs you both described, that we have 131,000 homeless veterans?

These three bills are vital for the Secretary's 5-year plan to move forward.

I want to thank you for your support helping the men and women who have served this country in the greatest hour of need.

I thank all my colleagues for their statements and their advocacy and their respective leadership together.

I know that Chairman Dodd has a unique opportunity here, not only as the Chairman of the full Committee, but as a senior member of the Health, Education, and Labor Committee, to help us meld this together.

I think it is a terrific idea and I commend you, Mr. Chairman and Senator Johanns and others for championing this.

We look forward to working with you to make this passage a reality.

We must avoid systemic risk to the markets.

Many of my colleagues continue to promote the view that if we drill for more oil on the Outer Continental Shelf, we will soon drill our way into energy independence and low oil prices.