Transcripts For CSPAN2 Senator Crapo On Housing And Urban Development Secretary 20170301

Of the department of housing and urban development. Mr. Crapo on january 12, the Senate Banking Committee Held its confirmation hearing and dro questions and concerns thoroughly and thoughtfully. Dr. Benjamin carson was unanimously reported out of the Senate Banking committee on january 24. To many americans, dr. Carson needs no introduction. However, his impressive resume bears repeating. Dr. Carson was raised by a single mother in an impoverished part of the city of detroit. He attended Yale University and the university of michigan medical school. And later became a highly accomplished and respected neurosurgeon. Dr. Carson was named director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins hospital in 1984 at the age of 33, the youngest such director in the nation. He gained National Fame in the 1980s by becoming the first doctor to lead an operation that separated twins conjoined at the head, one of many highprofile operations led by dr. Carson. He also ran for president this past election and spent months traveling the country listening to the American People about the problems and the issues that they face with respect to housing. During his testimony before our committee, dr. Carson highlighted the commitment that he has to carrying forth the mandate of h. U. D. And to learning more from the people directly affected by h. U. D. Policies. Hes also received bipartisan letters of support from four former h. U. D. Secretaries, henry cisneros, former senator mell martinez, Alphonso Jackson and Steven Preston who served under both republican and democrat administrations. He said he plans to continue his conversations with the American People and do a listening tour if confirmed. This is an encouraging sign that dr. Carson wants to hear from stakeholders and more importantly from the American People. There are many h. U. D. Issues to be addressed. Once confirmed, we can begin working on several important issues under h. U. D. s jurisdiction. Streamlining requirements for local Public Housing authorities, revising certain Public Housing programs and strengthening financing for small and rural Affordable Housing developments are areas that should be addressed. Tackling homelessness, especially among our nations veterans, is another issue that is important to me and should be addressed. Its critical that h. U. D. Allow local communities to Craft Solutions that work best for their needs. There has been bipartisan interest in several of these reforms over the years, and im confident that we can make progress once dr. Carson is confirmed. Dr. Carson has consistently demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of his fellow americans and his intellect leadership. And his Life Experiences are unique, valuable assets for leading an agency like h. U. D. I urge my colleagues to vote in support of dr. Carsons nomination so that we can continue the great work of approving an improved americas housing system. And, mr. President , senator cornyn very graciously gave me his time of who is lined up to speak first, and he has asked if he could take his time at this point. I therefore a his courtesy, and i yield the floor. Mr. Brown mr. President . The presiding officer the senator from ohio. Mr. Brown thank you. Im rising in support of dr. Carson for secretary of housing and urban development, but i just cant resist when i listen to my friend, senator cornyn. I do like and respect senator cornyn. I mean that. I just am amused by the term obstructionism when this president