Thanks for holding this hearing first. Before turning to the witnesses I just want to make a statement about something that I think the VA has made a right decision.

A shortage of affordable housing isn't just a housing problem. It's an education problem. It's a health care problem. It's an economic growth problem.

Our constituents are calling on us to address them.

Thank you, Chair Tester, and I appreciate the work that--we have a package of issues on the Senate floor and I appreciate the work Jon is doing on that.

Thanks for holding this hearing first. Before turning to the witnesses I just want to make a statement about something that I think the VA has made a right decision.

I just wanted to restate my support for the GUARD Act. We should reinstate the guardrails to protect from unaccredited organizations.

The higher the threshold--it would reduce volume, it would reduce complexity.

Senator Hassan and I are working on this, to increase the threshold to $10,000, cutting down red tape for taxpayers.

My concern is, this was a burden on Ohioans, a burden on third-party platforms, and a burden on the IRS.

Thank you for returning to public service. IRS Commissioner, not the easiest job on the planet, especially when you are subject to political attacks pretty much all the time.

I would like to see the new energy credits from the IRA work in support of American manufacturing.

The higher the threshold--it would reduce volume, it would reduce complexity.