Patty Murray

We all need to have a concrete plan, not just for an appropriation here or there.

We have to have consistent priorities and know that that funding is going to be consistently there.

This subcommittee is a strong supporter of infrastructure spending.

I think you're absolutely on the mark, that, in order to reinvigorate domestic manufacturing, there needs to be the belief that this is going to be sustainable.

Well, they have structured their fleet plan so that it could support a domestic industry for manufacturing rail equipment by spreading the orders over a 30-year period.

The Nation's shortage of affordable housing for seniors is significant.

I was really disappointed the President's budget didn't include any funding for 2011.

But having administrative challenges at any level here on the ground is a disservice to the veterans.

I have heard wonderful stories from veterans in my home State, in Walla Walla, Washington, that have gotten jobs, gotten healthcare, and gained sobriety because they have these vouchers.

However, your proposal would allow participation by entities that don't have voucher programs, whether they are public housing authorities or owners of other HUD-assisted housing.

We will need to see those. Okay, good.

It sounds really good. I just want to see how it works on paper so we have accountability in the system and we know it works.

I agree. We have got to find a long-term solution on this, but I am concerned about the absence of detail in the proposal so far and its cost.

We have about a quarter of a million Washington State homeowners today who are underwater.

Are you looking at expanding that all?

Are you concerned that if we don't extend those important initiatives, we are going to add to that fragility?

It seems that every day there is a new report out there on the state of the housing market.

Every month sooner we get the legislation is another $300 million in net receipts to the FHA Fund.

We have heard bipartisan support around many of the changes that we have proposed.

I believe it is important, given that we believe FHA's current role is a temporary role, that we want to see the private market return.

Thank you very much for your statement, Mr. Secretary.

This subcommittee is going to face a very difficult task to provide resources to this Department.

If these programs aren't working effectively, let us fix them.

We require more information if we are to give the proposal serious consideration.

The jobs created from these projects are critical to Clark County, where unemployment has now topped 14 percent.