Jeb Hensarling: “I have read earlier comments that the chairman has made: "The placeholder would similarly preserve from this bill to the…”

“I have read earlier comments that the chairman has made: "The placeholder would similarly preserve from this bill to the next bill our ability to spend money on a housing trust fund." And I know that the chairman, I believe in the same markup of March 28, in responding to a question: "Would the gentleman be willing to accept an amendment that explicitly states that it would be subject to PAYGO?" the chairman replied, "No." So knowing that PAYGO, as the Democratic side has defined it, applies to new entitlement spending and to tax relief, it makes one a little bit suspicious thinking maybe there could be a new entitlement here. The housing trust fund does not appear to be defined; so maybe it is an entitlement; maybe it is not an entitlement. But if it is defined, I don't know. I just happen to be very passionate about not wanting to be part of an effort that might ultimately lead to helping create a new entitlement program and exacerbate the number one fiscal challenge in America.”