Patty Murray

I am also concerned about the impact on seniors of the wider spread use of reverse mortgages.

Because they do not have the personnel to do it?

Can you imagine a housing authority saying I can't serve a veteran of this country to get them off the street?

But most of all, it's about the results we deliver for the vulnerable people and places who depend on us most.

As we prepare the budget, it is critical that we address the ongoing challenges with homelessness, which remains a personal top priority of mine.

One out of every six men and women in homeless shelters are veterans.

The budget we recently passed in the Senate provides a path forward that balances responsible spending cuts with necessary investments.

Because of the unwillingness of some in Congress to compromise on fair and balanced deficit reduction, we are now living with sequestration and the arbitrary cuts to Federal spending that it requires.

I am concerned for the Maine housing authority directors, with whom I recently met, who told me they are being forced to reduce spending at the expense of families in need.

This debate is about more than just numbers, it is about people's lives and the Nation's values.

I am always glad to see strong representation on the Republican side of the dais here.

Neither the taxpayers nor the millions of people who rely on these programs can afford waste or inefficiency.

These programs have long provided low-income Americans with safe, affordable housing and shelter in times of crises.

These families are paying the price for the fact that Washington, DC, continues to lurch from crisis to crisis instead of compromising around a balanced deficit reduction plan.

The truth is these cuts are having an impact. And in so many cases, it is an impact that is being felt by the most vulnerable in our society.

HUD needs to live up to its responsibilities to oversee these housing authorities.

We are in a position now where we are trying to work between the White House, the House, and the Senate

A responsible plan will reduce the Nation's deficit. But it cannot be at the expense of the most vulnerable.

I would ask that the Senator accommodate us. We are willing to give it to him.

I am now going to ask for unanimous consent for a number of amendments to get to final passage. I would say to all Senators that we are going to have a number of votes. We would like to tell everyone to sit in your seat. We will get…

I am proud of our Senators for having patience for exactly 30 seconds. I yield to the Senator from Idaho to offer an amendment. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senator from Idaho. Amendment No. 318

I would be willing to get an amendment going, but I haven't seen it yet. I would like the ability to take a look at it, so I suggest the absence of a quorum. It will only be for a very few minutes--patience, please--and then we will come…

I can keep on standing all night. I am sure a number of Senators can. I do have respect for a number of our Senators here who may not be able to stand as long as some of us or who are elderly, and I would ask consideration of them. That is…

We do have a vote that needs to occur but a final word here. I would just say that we want to get a budget passed, and I know the minority wants us to pass a budget. We have been told that time and time again. We can't pass a budget if we…

I am willing to accept this on a voice vote. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The question is on agreeing to the amendment. The amendment (No. 153) was agreed to. Amendment No. 136 The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. There is now 2 minutes…