The recent focus in the Congress on budget cuts has created a race to the bottom that will make it difficult to continue those investments.

I support the development of high-speed rail, and the benefits for both the movement of passengers and freight.

Thank you very much.

She is a great partner, who works to get results and demonstrates dedication both to her State and to good policy.

I appreciate both of your testimonies today, and I just want to reiterate that safety is a concern to everyone.

The pivotal role that FHA is currently playing in the fragile housing market is important to keep in mind as the threat of a Government shutdown looms.

What about additional security checks?

I'm really troubled by the harsh cuts that the House is proposing to make in the transportation programs that are so important.

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

I look forward to working with her to meet our Nation's transportation and housing needs.

But to date we still don't have or see a way that FAA is placing these air traffic controllers based on an objective test.

This is going to affect a lot of people. If you're hoping to sell your home because you're buying another one--it could impact you, too, obviously, if you are purchasing a home.

I appreciate both of your testimony on all those complex budget issues.

FHA--an institution born out of the Great Depression--has assisted millions of Americans in attaining home ownership.

Well, I appreciate the comments from both of you. I want to reiterate that rail security going forward is going to be very important.

Building more and wider roads won't be enough.

I look forward to hearing from today's witnesses about how we can reclaim our role as the world's leader in rail and get our economy back on track.

The House proposal goes so far as to eliminate TIGER grants that were already awarded to 75 communities last year.

We cannot put together a Federal budget that will put our fragile economy and millions of jobs at risk.

It is deeply concerning to all of us--families, businesses.

I want to see what those other ideas are.

This is a model program--it brings HUD and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) together to use their resources more effectively to achieve results.

I want to congratulate you, Chairman Murray, on your selection to lead this great Committee.

If the rules come out as we saw the draft with the narrow definition, it will not be in keeping with the intent of Congress.

Rather than following the law, the Administration set forth some overly stringent rules, bureaucratic hurdles that would essentially deny help to caregivers.