Senator Martinez's on the housing crisis's impact on the economic situation in the state of Florida and the possible solutions (i.e. FHA modernization, regulatory reform, more liquidity) for the crisis.
Sen. Martinez questions whether or not TARP (intended for a financial institution bailout) money should be allocated to the auto industry based on the fact it is working from a business model that is "destined to fail"
Sen. Martinez introduces Hugo Yurenz, former Deputy Chief of Mission to the US embassy in Madrid. The committee is considering Mr. Yurenz as an ambassador to Honduras.
Sen. Martinez states his support for the Safe Mortgage Licensing Act. Uses Florida and its foreclosure rates as way to showcase the necessity for the act. The act would established a national professional licensing standard for all mortgage brokers and lenders. Would also be used to create a database with the credentials of the brokers and lenders.
Sen. Martinez brings up his proposals for changes to energy policy. Among other things, Martinez suggests a summer holiday on the 18 cent/gallon, 24 cent/gallon diesel gas tax in order to assist consumers. Also to consider the termination of "boutique" fuels and to work more with oil companies on create gas blends that are better for the air. Martinez also suggests that the US expand refinery capacity as well as exploring alternative fuels.
Sen. Martinez takes issue with the current gas prices and the rising prices. Martinez uses previous statements by the Democratic party as part of his demonstration on the need for the United States to drill within their own shores and to alter the US's Energy Policy.
Sen. Martinez speaks on the proposed gas tax holiday (from Memorial Day to Labor Day) and how it could help the Florida State economy through allowing families to travel to the state for tourism. Martinez speaks his approval for the Boxer Substitute Amendment to H.R. 1195, the Highway Technical Corrections Act (The Coburn Amendment).
Sen. Martinez speaks at the Florida Housing and makes a presentation on federal issues including the economic stimulus project, the housing market as it affects Florida (modernization of FHA, incentives to buy unoccupied homes, etc), the Everglades restoration project, Herbert Hoover Dike restoration project, the National Catastrophe Fund, greater access to healthcare
Sen. Martinez talks to MSNBC about Sen. McCain's Energy Plan, the US's position on North Korea, the way Sen. McCain's campaign is being run and Sen. McCain's relationship with Hispanic voters.
Sen. Martinez discusses his support for FHA modernization. He talks about the programs homeowner have had making mortgage payments and the falling value of homes. FHA is helping homeowner to refinance their mortgages and foreclosure counseling. He calls for more action from the Congress.
Sen. Martinez says we need to focus on the housing crisis in order to fix economy problem and goes into detail about some of the problems of the housing crisis and the need for FHA reform, for mortgage originator regulation, the problem with the growing housing stock and the good progress of the Hope Now Alliance.
On "The Situation Room" with Wolf Blitzer, Sen. Martinez discusses the problems within the republican party including the possible resignation of Alberto Gonzales as Attorney General, dissatisfaction of republican party members with the party and the negative feelings caused by the war on Iraq.
Sen. Martinez speaks on the proposed free trade agreement with Peru and its merits, including the specific gains it would have for Florida's economy. Sen. Martinez says we should also see progress on trade agreements with Panama and Columbia and use the Peru free trade agreement as a template for this.
Sen. Martinez's taped statement for the kickoff of the 2009 March for Babies. Sen. Martinez asks for people to participate and donate in spite of the economic recession.
Senators Coburn, Lieberman, Whitehouse, Webb, Murkowski, Martinez, Warner commemorate the 232rd anniversary of the declaration of independence with a presentation of its history, meaning and a reading of the declaration.
Sen. Martinez talks with "Fox & Friends" hosts Tiki Barber, Kiran Chetry and Brian Kilmeade about rebuilding in Florida after Wilma. Segment starts at 17 min 7 sec. Ends at 21 min 13 sec.
