what I hear from the people that I represent is we need to be looking for every way to make things easier, not more difficult.

Over the last month we have had the opportunity to travel across this large district and spend a lot of time on Main Street in all the localities that we represent.

I fear that this rule, as proposed, is going to do just that. It is going to make it more difficult, more costly, with fewer choices and less innovation.

Preventing those dollars from funding terror should be a major priority.

I think that we also recognize, and the people that I represent recognize, that we need to have Federal programs that work, that are efficient.

I think the people that I represent believe that there should be a safety net and that HUD plays a very important role.

I am concerned about folks that I represent who live in rural Virginia.

Are there opportunities where we can see reform and consolidation between the Rural Housing Service at the USDA and HUD programs?

What I hate to see, and I know we all agree on this, is one more reason why the American people don't trust the Federal Government.

That is where we should be focused right now.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the Chair for holding this important hearing.