Patty Murray

Can you tell me how you plan to continue these important projects?

Clearly, agriculture is vital to Washington State's economy and the Central Washington area is a huge part of the industry.

I appreciate all you have done in your time with the Corps of Engineers (COE) and the good work of the districts that serve my home State of Washington.

Does Congress need to pass legislation? Does the military just need to do it? What is the barrier to that happening?

I want to see it translated into something that is not 27 percent of our veterans who are 20- to 24-years old are unemployed.

It is old. It needs to be changed.

Over 27 percent of veterans ages 20 to 24 were unemployed.

These veterans need help translating the skills they have developed in the military into skills that civilian employers can understand.

I believe that we can and should do more to not only prepare these veterans for meaningful civilian employment.

The high rate of unemployment for recently separated veterans is an issue that at first glance defies common sense.

It has to be seen as the first step in their successful career.

S. 325, The Embedded Mental Health Providers for Reserves Act of 2011 introduced by Senators Patty Murray and Claire McCaskill...

That is just unacceptable.

But we can't overcorrect and create a situation that makes it impossible for people to purchase homes.

I really worry that we're putting home ownership out of the ability of many middle-class Americans today with that.

I wanted to ask you, as we continue to think about how to create a stronger, safer housing system--managing risk is going to be a central concern.

I personally appreciate the focus you've put on oversight and enforcement that you've just talked about.

Thank you very much.

I think we need to understand what the consequences of this are, and that's been very helpful.

For any of us who have been there--known we have to move out by a certain date, and we're waiting for a closing to occur--this is a very, very stressful moment for many families.

I want to applaud the efforts of the Administration under the leadership of Secretary Donovan, as well as former Commissioner Stevens, to bring a renewed focus on managing risk at FHA.

The elephant in the room of the Congress today is how we are going to come to agreement and avoid a shutdown.

Are you concerned about a possible double dip?

This is going to affect a lot of people.

The consequences are too great for too many Americans and the Nation's economy to refuse to come to an agreement because of political agendas or pressure.