I really think there are three or four reasons why this idea ought to be--get serious examination from my colleagues.

there are way too many positions unfilled at this point

I come here unreservedly endorsing Suzanne Spaulding to this Committee for her, I think, very appropriate nomination

Clearly we needed to bring down the deficits. We needed to get the deficits down at least to stabilize the debt-to-GDP ratio.

We, candidly, ought to all get fired if we don't raise this debt limit.

the notion that the greatest Nation in the world with the dislocation in Europe, with China slowing down, with India's economy almost grinding to about 4 percent growth, with countries like Turkey and Brazil that we saw as growing, with…

it is stunning to me that anybody that would claim economic expertise would say that messing with the full faith and credit of the United States of America is a responsible action.

the idea that you would be this far into your term and not having your whole legislative team filled out, or your management team, is something that needs to be addressed

our prayers are with the victims and their families and all the first responders at the scene.

I actually think there is a lot more transparency and a lot better ability to audit than we had in the past.

We, in effect, have while potentially artificially low mortgage rates at this point, we clearly have all taxpayer exposure.

I would argue that the way S. 1217 has tried to separate out those goals... actually make sense.

Right now it is 100 percent on the taxpayers, no private capital at risk.

the perfect could be the enemy of the good.

I think there will be mistakes made.

I think there is enormous, enormous opportunity to use this new tool for equity crowdfunding that can really marry together in a remarkable way.

I thank the Senator from Maryland for his comments. Let me say no Senator has served with more distinction, both here in the Senate and prior to that in the House, in being a constant advocate for Federal employees and being willing to…

I ask unanimous consent the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. Sequestration

I rise today to talk about the very real effects sequestration is having. I want to speak about the people of Virginia, but I am sure it is equally true of folks in New Mexico and for that matter folks all across the country. I remind…

It is very important that we get this bank moving, we get it funded with just a little bit of funding to catalyze the efforts of the infrastructure bank.

I would simply say that one of the things a number of us, and I really appreciate the Chair holding this hearing, is not only how we find that permanent source of funding, but how we also use tools--and this is something Governor Rendell…

Five years is a really long time for a conservatorship, and longer than that is quite unimaginable.

This bill is a right step towards reforming the housing finance system and pays special attention to smaller lenders.

I would just say, Mr. Chairman, thank you very much for doing this hearing. I would say under the current old system we can safely say that housing finance was not broken, it was fixed.

This bipartisan legislation is a first positive step in what is certain to be a long, long process in creating a sustainable, rational, and limited role for the Federal Government in supporting and regulating a healthy mortgage market.