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

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.

As we look to the future, we have to find the appropriate balance between strengthening and protecting the housing finance system from undue risk, while maintaining access for credit-worthy Americans to achieve sustainable home ownership.

Are you concerned about a possible double dip?

I need assurances that our veterans will continue to receive vital services and payments that they have earned.

I really want to avoid what happened during the last shutdown when veterans received checks late and some services were curtailed.

I think we need to continually re-evaluate the burial needs of our veterans

We have talked about several times today the VBA moving from this paper system into one that uses technology to help speed up work and improve the final decision.

I do not need to tell you it is not going to be easy, but it has to be done

Are you committed to fixing the rating schedule?

I wanted to ask you today what safeguards are in place to keep what happened at Arlington from happening at our VA national cemeteries.

I am going to be introducing legislation very soon to fix this problem. I hope to be working with Senator Burr on this.

Every organization needs a leader, and I am anxious to have permanent leadership at the top of both the VBA and the NCA.

I come to the floor this morning to mark the 1-year anniversary of a terrible tragedy in my home State of Washington, and to once again honor the memories of those who were killed. On April 2, 2010, a fire broke out at the Tesoro refinery…

I am concerned that the Administration's budget does not similarly support our Nation's fragile trauma centers and systems.

let me thank the Senator from Louisiana, Ms. Landrieu, for her tremendous work on the bill in front of us today, the small business bill. It is so important that we keep focusing on what is most important right now for families and small…

What construction projects are required to upgrade the base and how much do they cost?

When does construction on the necessary MILCON projects need to begin in order to have NAS Whidbey prepared to receive aircraft by 2017?

When will the Navy make a final decision regarding whether or not to follow the ROD?

I rise to talk about legislation that I have introduced that is essential to the academic success of millions of vulnerable children and youth. The Educational Success for Children and Youth Without Homes Act responds to the growing crisis…

Okay. Please stay in very close touch with us. This is very important for that region of our State--actually, for our entire economic region there.

In a competitive program, I would add.

Transportation is central to so much of the way our lives are organized.

I was deeply concerned that the House Republican budget would eliminate funding for the highly competitive TIGER Discretionary Grant program.

Replacing the Memorial Bridge is an important infrastructure project that is essential to the flow of goods, services, and people between Maine and New Hampshire.