Rick Lazio: “More than ever in the impending political environment, comity and bipartisan cooperation... will be the overriding…”

“More than ever in the impending political environment, comity and bipartisan cooperation... will be the overriding guiding principles that will shape public policy. Mr. Speaker, like no other country in the world, Americans cherish the ideals of self-sufficiency and independence that is embodied in the family home. For many of us, the most important financial investment that we make in our lives is the purchase of a home. Homeownership creates a sense of community, binding neighbors together, investing all in the common good. Today, two-thirds of Americans own their own homes, continuing a trend since the mid-1990s of historically high homeownership rates. Much of this success is attributed to the strong American economy, a product of Federal fiscal restraint, and the enterprising spirit of working men and women across the country. Yet a paradox of the strong economy has been the rising real estate prices unmatched by a similar rise in income for many working families. For African American and Hispanic American populations, homeownership rates continue to remain under 50 percent. We are also confronting a demographic explosion as America's baby boomers move into retirement years. Today, there are more than 33 million Americans age 65 years and older. By the year 2020, the number will grow to almost 53 million, or one in every six Americans.”