George Voinovich

Thank you very much for having this hearing, and it's my first opportunity to be on this subcommittee.

We believe the Congress' insight into the program was visionary and this requirement for competition has made the program a much stronger economic development resource for America's distressed communities.

I introduced the first piece of legislation enacted to address the foreclosure crisis, The Mortgage Debt Relief Act.

I'd like you to look at it and the reason why you're not--from a public policy, it seems to me you should take care of them if you let them get in bad shape.

I have worked relentlessly for FHA reform.

The chairman has talked about the fact that you've had a 500 percent increase in lenders.

Thank you Senators Murray and Bond for holding this hearing on FHA's role in the current housing crisis.

The other thing that we did when I talked to you in your office was the fact that in my city we have, the city of Cleveland, a provision that says that when you sell a property you're supposed to notify the person that it's on the…

Ohio has been hit very hard by the housing crisis, and I have long been concerned about the foreclosure tornado ripping through our cities and neighborhoods.

I think that is something we are all looking for in people who are willing to take on these tremendous responsibilities.

I hope you keep in mind the impacts your decisions will have on everyday Americans.

I am comforted by the fact that you have had State experience.

The job that she has been nominated for is one of the toughest jobs in the Environmental Protection Agency.

Well, I hope if you need them you get them, so that GAO does not come back to us--because I am watching those reports on the 16 States.

You have a nut to crack here because of the economy.

At the State level, it just sucks up money, and then you would have less money for education.

We learned the lessons from Cleveland. We learned what you did. The fiscal prudence and fiscal discipline that you, sir, provided when you were the mayor was a guide to us.

Isn't that quite a large number?

I remember when you took over, Dr. Gandhi, we were in real trouble, and it reminded me very much of when I took over as mayor of the city of Cleveland.

You can tax the income from the people that are building them, but you cannot tax the buildings.

Have you seen an acceleration of people filing claims to have their property values reduced?

Well, can you submit that for the record. I would like to have that information about it.

I always tell people if you are working in city government, part of your compensation has to be that you are making a difference in people's lives that is important.

I think that is really important because it sends a message out from the top all the way down that you better pay attention and not be on watch.

If you have an emergency, you probably might have to do it.