I would like to thank Chairman Sarbanes for holding this hearing. It is important that we get vacant positions filled as quickly as possible, and I appreciate his expediency in scheduling hearings. It is my hope that this Committee can work with the White House to quickly to fill the remaining positions.
As the Ranking Republican on the Housing and Transportation Subcommittee, I am particularly pleased to have a chance to hear from our witnesses today. Although housing and transportation are sometimes the forgotten issues of this committee, I believe that they are some of the most important. Housing and transportation matters touch the everyday life of every citizen, and our nominees today understand that responsibility. I believe that they are all well qualified and will be assets to the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Federal Transit Administration.
It is especially important that we get good people in at HUD. Most HUD programs are still designated as high risk by GAO, so HUD needs leaders who can take the actions necessary to turn HUD around. There are also important responsibilities at FTA. As more communities face a transportation crunch, the responsibilities of FTA and its Administrator will increase.
I would like to conclude by saying welcome to our witnesses today- I look forward to your testimony, and I look forward to working with you on matters important to the people of Colorado.