In your view are either one or both of those plausible outcomes if in fact we leave Iraq before it is able to sustain, govern, and defend itself?

General Casey, I do not want to embroil you in the political debates here in Congress and I promise you I will not do that.

If the enemy believes that, notwithstanding our statements, that we ultimately, that Washington, that the political leadership, says we do not believe we can win, so we are not going to follow through, what kind of consequences does that…

It certainly strengthens the enemy and with the particular enemy that we are dealing with, I think they would use it with their information campaigns as a recruiting tool.

I appreciate your patience, but more than that I appreciate your service to our country.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I thank Senator Corker, and welcome him to the committee as well.

Owning a home is the cornerstone of the American Dream, with the Department of Housing and Urban Development often playing a critical role in expanding homeownership opportunities.

I believe the President has chosen very wisely in asking her to take on this important assignment at HUD.

Thankfully, as a result of HUD's work and low interest rates, homeownership in America is at all-time high of 68.4 percent.

I appreciate the opportunity to come before you today to support her nomination to serve as Chief Financial Officer of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

I am confident that under your guidance, this agency is in good hands to address the challenges facing the Nation.

I look forward, after concluding my remarks, to joining you up there as a member of the Subcommittee.