Patty Murray

Okay. When the Secretary was here last week, we spent a bit of time talking about the health of the MMI Fund and the current expectation that an appropriation will not be needed to cover the re-estimate.

I certainly want to see more borrowers take advantage of low interest rates, but I also want to make sure we are monitoring FHA lenders.

I wanted to ask you about one of my highest priorities, which is to help veterans transition from their life in the military into civilian employment.

Mr. Secretary, you really have proven strong leadership for this agency, and you have always worked on a bipartisan basis.

Clearly the re-estimates are going to be impacted by the conditions in the market that is outside, has control, if prices of homes decline or whatever.

I believe we should continue to strive for a market in which Americans who work hard, provide for their families, and pay their bills have an opportunity to own a home.

Do you have all the legal authority you need as a Department to implement something to----

We really appreciate all your work in this, your passion, your energy, and we will continue to work with you throughout this year to put the best bill we can together.

Gas prices are hurting everyone. And as you and I have talked about before, we need to look at all the alternatives to fossil fuels.

Addressing the ongoing challenge of homelessness remains a top priority of mine.

I am very glad that the request for homeless programs reflects a continued commitment to that plan.

The recent settlement announced among the five largest banks, the States, and the Federal Government is an important step.

I am pleased that the budget request continues funding for the HUD-VASH program at $75 million.

We need a transportation system that supports job creation, fosters economic growth, is sustainable, and most importantly, is safe to use.

I want to acknowledge your leadership in really developing a homelessness plan and fostering coordination across departments.

Veterans' homelessness fell by nearly 12 percent in the year 2010, demonstrating that these programs work.

I am concerned that we won't have the resources when the bill eventually comes due.

Okay. And I'll be following that very closely. So anything you can show us on that, that helps paint that picture, I'd really, really appreciate it.

I think the cross-agency coordination on that has been really----

Sometimes when people know they are going to be accountable in bigger ways, it makes a huge difference, so I appreciate that.

I echo Senator Collins' concerns about short-funding on the project-based contracts, so we'll be following that very closely from our end.

The joint Federal-State servicing settlement and the settlement with Bank of America represent not only a significant monetary award, but they also really send a message to FHA program participants that there are serious consequences to…

I look forward to continuing to work with the Department and my colleagues to find additional ways to improve HUD's programs.

I am also concerned that the funding level requested to renew vouchers is effectively flat.

But again, I appreciate the tremendous work of you and your entire staff on an issue that has been at the forefront of our Nation.