Patty Murray

Secretary LaHood has spoken out about the real impact these cuts will have on the FAA and our aviation system.

And I'm hearing from some people that some air traffic control towers will be hit more in terms of operational ability.

We do need to hold the FAA accountable for how it spends taxpayer dollars.

So do you think it makes sense to close some down for the summer?

Right. So that includes air traffic controllers, safety inspectors, and we are hearing it's going to lead to a lot of delays this summer.

For too long, some members of Congress have been unwilling to reach a fair and balanced compromise on deficit reduction.

I very much appreciate that.

Even if a capital program is fully funded, FAA still needs to have engineers there and traffic controllers on the job in order to get the work done.

The FAA will furlough its air traffic controllers, close down contract towers, and delay NextGen.

The NDAA for Fiscal Year 2013 includes a Senate floor amendment sponsored by Senator Patty Murray that requires DOD to implement a standardize and comprehensive suicide prevention program.

How do we decrease the cost of college itself?

I think it's one of the most compelling issues that we need to address for the future of our country.

All Americans stand with the people of Boston, and that we will bring those people responsible to justice.

But I just had one final question, and that is that you recently announced a significant reorganization of the Office of Multifamily Housing.

For the record, would you give us what your priorities are on the IT? We have invested quite a bit, and I'm worried about that as well.

HECM loans can be a great resource for seniors who want to stay in their homes, but there are a lot of problems with the current product.

But I would certainly support anything that would keep any more losses from occurring as beneficial, not only for the fund, but for the communities that they serve and the individuals that are being impacted by these issues.

I remain concerned that we must reform our present housing finance programs.

Frank was a passionate public servant who was not afraid to fight and vote for what he believed in.

But before we do begin, I do want to just take a moment to remember Senator Frank Lautenberg.

The subcommittee will come to order.

I'm really pleased that FAA has been working hard on making air traffic more sustainable.

Let me begin by asking a question about FAA's contract tower program.

It affects 47,000 of our employees, which is most of them.

My home State of Washington is making some really great strides in research and development of some really promising technologies.