[Senate Hearing 117-323]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]


                                                       S. Hrg. 117-323


                        NOMINATIONS OF RETA JO LEWIS AND 
                            ELIZABETH DE LEON BHARGAVA

=======================================================================

                                 HEARING

                               BEFORE THE

                              COMMITTEE ON
                   BANKING,HOUSING,AND URBAN AFFAIRS
                          UNITED STATES SENATE

                    ONE HUNDRED SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS

                             FIRST SESSION

                                   ON

                            NOMINATIONS OF:

  RETA JO LEWIS, OF GEORGIA, TO BE PRESIDENT AND CHAIR, EXPORT-IMPORT 
                       BANK OF THE UNITED STATES

                               __________

 ELIZABETH DE LEON BHARGAVA, OF NEW YORK, TO BE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF 
      ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

                               __________

                            OCTOBER 26, 2021

                               __________

  Printed for the use of the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban 
                                Affairs
                                
[GRAPHIC NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]                                


                Available at: https: //www.govinfo.gov /
                
                                __________

                    U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE                    
48-197 PDF                 WASHINGTON : 2022                     
          
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------   

            COMMITTEE ON BANKING, HOUSING, AND URBAN AFFAIRS

                     SHERROD BROWN, Ohio, Chairman

JACK REED, Rhode Island              PATRICK J. TOOMEY, Pennsylvania
ROBERT MENENDEZ, New Jersey          RICHARD C. SHELBY, Alabama
JON TESTER, Montana                  MIKE CRAPO, Idaho
MARK R. WARNER, Virginia             TIM SCOTT, South Carolina
ELIZABETH WARREN, Massachusetts      MIKE ROUNDS, South Dakota
CHRIS VAN HOLLEN, Maryland           THOM TILLIS, North Carolina
CATHERINE CORTEZ MASTO, Nevada       JOHN KENNEDY, Louisiana
TINA SMITH, Minnesota                BILL HAGERTY, Tennessee
KYRSTEN SINEMA, Arizona              CYNTHIA LUMMIS, Wyoming
JON OSSOFF, Georgia                  JERRY MORAN, Kansas
RAPHAEL WARNOCK, Georgia             KEVIN CRAMER, North Dakota
                                     STEVE DAINES, Montana

                     Laura Swanson, Staff Director

                 Brad Grantz, Republican Staff Director

                       Elisha Tuku, Chief Counsel

                        Mohammad Aslami, Counsel

                 Dan Sullivan, Republican Chief Counsel

                 John Crews, Republican Policy Director

                      Cameron Ricker, Chief Clerk

                      Shelvin Simmons, IT Director

                    Charles J. Moffat, Hearing Clerk

                                  (ii)


                            C O N T E N T S

                              ----------                              

                       TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2021

                                                                   Page

Opening statement of Chairman Brown..............................     1
        Prepared statement.......................................    21

Opening statements, comments, or prepared statements of:
    Senator Toomey...............................................     2
        Prepared statement.......................................    21

                                NOMINEES

Reta Jo Lewis, of Georgia, to be President and Chair, Export-
  Import Bank of the United States...............................     5
    Prepared statement...........................................    23
    Biographical sketch of nominee...............................    24
    Responses to written questions of:
        Chairman Brown...........................................    43
        Senator Toomey...........................................    44
        Senator Menendez.........................................    48
        Senator Warren...........................................    50
        Senator Kennedy..........................................    50
Elizabeth de Leon Bhargava, of New York, to be Assistant 
  Secretary of Administration, Department of Housing and Urban 
  Development....................................................     6
    Prepared statement...........................................    33
    Biographical sketch of nominee...............................    34
    Responses to written questions of:
        Chairman Brown...........................................    52
        Senator Toomey...........................................    53
        Senator Menendez.........................................    57
        Senator Warren...........................................    58
        Senator Daines...........................................    58

                                 (iii)

 
      NOMINATIONS OF RETA JO LEWIS AND ELIZABETH DE LEON BHARGAVA

                              ----------                              


                       TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2021

                                       U.S. Senate,
          Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs,
                                                    Washington, DC.
    The Committee met at 10:02 a.m., via Webex and in room 538, 
Dirksen Senate Office Building, Hon. Sherrod Brown, Chairman of 
the Committee, presiding.

          OPENING STATEMENT OF CHAIRMAN SHERROD BROWN

    Chairman Brown. The Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs 
Committee will come to order. Welcome to the witnesses.
    We are operating in a hybrid format. The two witnesses are 
in person; Members have the option to appear in person or 
virtually. They know the rules. I will not repeat them. Our 
speaking order will be as usual, by seniority of the Members 
who have checked in before the gavel came down, either in 
person or virtually.
    The Committee today considers the nomination of two highly 
qualified women, one to be President and Chair, Reta Jo Lewis, 
to be President and Chair of the Export-Import Bank, and 
Elizabeth de Leon Bhargava, to be Assistant Secretary for 
Administration, Department of Housing and Urban Development. We 
congratulate the nominees. We thank them for appearing. We 
welcome their families and friends in attendance. Both nominees 
are highly qualified, ready to work for the American people, 
for their jobs, their businesses, their homes.
    As President of the five-member Ex-Im Board, Ms. Lewis 
would be responsible for leading our country's official export 
credit agency as it supports U.S. workers and manufacturers in 
my State of Ohio, the Ranking Member's State of Pennsylvania, 
and throughout our country in the face of competition, often 
unfair, from Nations like China.
    These nominees are trailblazers of their own right. Ms. 
Bhargava was the first Latina to serve as Deputy Secretary for 
Labor for New York State. Ms. Lewis would be the first Black 
woman to lead Ex-Im. It is a welcome change. We in this 
Committee recognize, many of us do, that our Government works 
better when it looks like America, bringing in different 
viewpoints and attitudes and mores, and it works best if it 
reflects the diversity of American manufacturers and small 
businesses.
    A proud native of Statesboro, Georgia, the same State as my 
mother, also from a small town that many people have not heard 
of--if I could say that, Ms. Lewis--she has more than 25 years 
of distinguished leadership experience in international affairs 
law and public policy.
    Ms. Lewis, we have two Members of this Committee from 
Georgia. To my knowledge, other than the Agriculture Committee, 
it has been the only time that two members in the same party 
have been on a committee in the Senate at the same time. 
Perhaps that is not true, but in my observation it has been.
    Ms. Lewis serves as Senior Fellow and Director of 
Congressional Affairs at the German Marshall Fund, a 
nonpartisan policy organization dedicated to strengthening 
transatlantic cooperation. At the German Marshall Fund, Ms. 
Lewis leads bipartisan exchanges from Members of Congress. She 
served at the State Department in the Obama years, helped build 
and support relationships among the Department, State and local 
governments, and foreign counterparts. If confirmed, she will 
head an agency vital to manufacturing jobs in Ohio.
    Yesterday, I was at a place called MAGNET, one of the 
innovative manufacturing sort of agencies, associations, 
workplaces in Ohio, and we talked about the importance of 
Export-Import. There are 100 export credit agencies and credit 
programs around the world that support foreign manufacturers. 
China's export finance activity is larger than all the export 
credit provided by the G7 countries combined. We can expect 
China to continue using export credit as a weapon to win 
manufacturing business in critical sectors.
    Ohio jobs depend on your success, Ms. Lewis.
    As Assistant Secretary for Administration, HUD, Ms. 
Bhargava would be responsible for ensuring the Department has 
talented and dedicated public servants and is able to meet our 
most pressing housing challenges. She would oversee offices 
responsible for recruitment and staffing procurement and 
providing administrative support for HUD employees.
    She has extensive experience at the highest levels of State 
and local governments. For 5 years, she was Deputy Secretary 
for Labor in New York. She managed a portfolio of agencies with 
a budget exceeding $5 billion and overseeing 5,000 employees. 
Served as the First Deputy Chief of Staff to the Speaker of the 
New York City Council; she managed a staff of 300. She served 
as Deputy Commissioner for the city's Department of Small 
Businesses, served in the State Office of the Attorney General.
    We are glad to have you here today, Ms. Bhargava.
    We are grateful for both of you, for your service in the 
past. We are grateful you want to serve here also. I look 
forward to your testimony. And I would offer that at the 
beginning of your testimony or any time during it you can 
certainly feel free to introduce family members.
    Ranking Member Toomey.

         OPENING STATEMENT OF SENATOR PATRICK J. TOOMEY

    Senator Toomey. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
    Ms. Bhargava and Ms. Lewis, welcome to the Committee. I, 
too, would like to commend both of you for your longstanding 
commitment to public service, and I thank you for your 
willingness to continue that service in these new capacities.
    First, Ms. Bhargava has been nominated to serve as the 
Assistant Secretary for Administration at HUD. HUD would play a 
central role in the Democrats' $3.5 trillion, or however many 
trillion it ends up being, reckless tax-and-spend bill, which 
is currently being negotiated. The plan includes $300-plus 
billion for new spending for housing programs. Billions of this 
aid is not targeted. Some of these programs have weak means 
testing and loopholes. There are no work requirements, even for 
able bodied adults with no dependents. They and many people of 
above average income will do quite well under some of these 
programs.
    Let us consider several of the bill's flawed housing 
provisions. To start with, there is the bill's $80 billion for 
renovating public housing. Now it is interesting. The Biden 
administration did not even request that amount. The Biden 
administration requested only $40 billion.
    So why does the bill have $80 billion? Well, it just so 
happens that the New York City Housing Authority wanted $40 
billion all for itself, but our Democratic colleagues could not 
very well pass a bill that sends 100 percent of public housing 
money to New York City. That would be a bit of a problem for 
the 48 Democratic Senators that do not represent New York.
    So instead, Senator Schumer promised to ``double down'' on 
the Administration's proposal and ``use all of my power as 
Majority Leader to secure a funding package that can restore 
and transform the New York City Housing Authority.'' And, lo 
and behold, we now have $80 billion, substantially all of which 
will not be distributed using the existing formula but, rather, 
by executive fiat. It certainly looks a lot like Senator 
Schumer securing a $40 billion earmark or, as I like to call 
it, a ``Schumark.'' As a result, it appears likely that half of 
all the bill's public housing dollars will go to a housing 
authority plagued by scandals, bribery, and chronic 
mismanagement.
    It is also concerning to see Democrats intent on spending 
billions more on outdated public housing projects. Public 
housing projects concentrate poverty and crime and trap 
families in generational cycles of dependency and despair. Two 
decades ago, both parties recognized their flaws, and that is 
why Congress placed a cap on the number of public housing 
units, on a bipartisan basis, with the Faircloth Amendment. But 
now our Democratic colleagues' reconciliation bill would 
effectively repeal this cap so that new public housing units 
can go up.
    There is also the $9 billion in down payment assistance for 
first-time and first-generation home buyers except that you can 
qualify for this money even if you or your parents previously 
had a home. So much for first time and first generation. Oh, 
and you do not have to be low-income to qualify. In areas like 
Washington, DC, a person earning $180,000 a year could qualify. 
That covers pretty much every single Member of Congress.
    Worst of all, the program is a thinly disguised attempt to 
give assistance to home buyers based more on the color of their 
skin than their financial need, something that is very likely 
unconstitutional. Democrat Chairwoman Maxine Waters has said 
the objective of this program is to help address the racial 
wealth and home ownership gaps, and thus, the bill directs HUD 
to allocate funds in part based on ``racial disparities in home 
ownership rates.'' Now let me be clear. Increasing wealth and 
home ownership rates among minorities is a perfectly fine goal, 
but designing race-based policies and benefits is not.
    Now I want to turn to the Ex-Im Bank. Ms. Lewis has been 
nominated to serve as President and Chair of Ex-Im. I continue 
to remain deeply skeptical of Ex-Im and its role in the 
American and global economy. Taxpayers ultimately bear the 
consequences of undue risks taken by Ex-Im. And if we want to 
promote domestic manufacturing and increase competitiveness of 
U.S. exports, as I do, what we need to do is create a favorable 
climate by maintaining low taxes, provide regulatory certainty, 
and cut red tape to attract capital formation.
    To claim that Ex-Im is needed to achieve these goals simply 
defies the facts. The vast majority of American exports get 
done without any Ex-Im support. We have reviewed annual data, 
export data, from 2007 through 2020. In that period, the 
highest percent of U.S. exports using Ex-Im financing was in 
2012, and it was only 2.3 percent. And that was when Ex-Im had 
everything going for it. It was fully operational. It had a 
quorum on its board. It had not reached its lending limit.
    The reality is we are, the United States is, the world's 
second largest exporter of goods behind only China. We lead the 
world in value-added exports. And we do it almost entirely 
without Ex-Im financing. Not only is Ex-Im financing not 
needed, but it is often nothing more than crony capitalism, 
providing taxpayer-financed subsidies to some of the world's 
largest companies who have plenty of access to private capital.
    Consider Ex-Im's recent deal guaranteeing an $82 million 
loan from JPMorgan to Qantas Airline for the purpose of buying 
jets from General Electric. So let's see. JPMorgan is the 
largest bank in America, Qantas is the largest airline in 
Australia, and GE is one of the largest industrial companies in 
the world. They do not need American taxpayer subsidies to do a 
deal.
    Mr. Chairman, I look forward to hearing from today's 
nominees.
    Chairman Brown. I thank the Ranking Member.
    Would you two please rise and raise your right hands. Do 
you swear or affirm that the testimony you are about to give is 
the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?
    Ms. Bhargava. I do.
    Ms. Lewis. I do.
    Chairman Brown. Do you agree to appear and testify before 
any duly constituted committee of this Congress?
    Ms. Bhargava. I do.
    Ms. Lewis. I do.
    Chairman Brown. Thank you. Please take your seats. Again, 
we welcome you to the Committee. As I said, feel free to 
introduce family members or friends.
    Ms. Lewis, if you would begin your testimony, try to keep 
it to close to 5 minutes. Thank you.

  STATEMENT OF RETA JO LEWIS, OF GEORGIA, TO BE PRESIDENT AND 
         CHAIR, EXPORT-IMPORT BANK OF THE UNITED STATES

    Ms. Lewis. Chairman Brown, Ranking Member Toomey, 
distinguished Members of this Committee, I am honored to appear 
before you today and deeply humbled by the faith that President 
Biden has placed in me as his nominee to serve as President of 
the Export-Import Bank of the United States.
    As a proud Georgian, I am extremely pleased to testify 
before my home State Senators, Ossoff and Warnock. I grew up in 
rural Georgia, in a family dedicated to public service. My mom 
and dad, Charlie and Alethia Lewis, were small business owners 
and community leaders who instilled in my siblings and me the 
value of work. And although my parents are no longer with us, I 
know they would be extremely proud that I will have the 
opportunity to support small businesses across this great 
country, if confirmed.
    And while I currently reside in Washington, DC, I have 
never lost my small-town roots. As all Georgians know, Georgia 
is always on our minds.
    I would also like to acknowledge my siblings, Le'Ontyne and 
Sharma--and Charlie, who is watching virtually--who are here 
with me today, as well as friends and family watching who have 
provided me with their steadfast support.
    As a member of the leadership team at the German Marshall 
Fund, I am keenly aware of the deep connections between Ex-Im 
and its role in the implementation of the Marshall Plan. If 
confirmed, I hope to harness this history and lead the Agency 
into a new historic era through inclusiveness, transparency, 
and consistent collaboration.
    Throughout my career, I have sought to connect the best of 
America with the world. I have led effective teams in 
supporting America's businesses and built international 
partnerships shaped by American values. I have worked to expand 
inclusiveness in foreign policy, including through the 
participation in the Leadership Council for Women in National 
Security, my work in the Transatlantic Inclusion Leaders 
Network, and the Council on Foreign Relations.
    During my tenure as the first ever Special Representative 
for Global Intergovernmental Affairs at the Department of 
State, I witnessed the immense positive impact that Americans 
can have on the world. I saw the generous spirit of our 
citizens, our willingness to embrace different cultures, and 
our ability to move the world forward by working in common 
purpose with our friends and allies.
    I have also seen the vital role that entrepreneurs and 
their workers play in building a strong middle class. While 
leading strategic alliances at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and 
through my work as an attorney, I helped connect small, 
minority, and women-owned businesses and their organizations 
with resources and networks to foster strategic alliances and 
opportunities. I heard their stories and ensured that they were 
brought into the dialogue on vital business policy matters.
    I pursued this work with a spirit of collaboration and 
bipartisanship. Together, my experiences taught me an essential 
truth, that Americans are the most hardworking, strongest 
people on Earth. And in return, they ask that those of us in 
positions of leadership stand up for them and create a level 
playing field.
    Today, I ask for your support, and I ask for the 
opportunity to fight for America's exporters at Ex-Im. If 
confirmed, I will lead with integrity, and I will work hard to 
open new markets and new exporting opportunities. America's 
exporters are in a competition to win the 21st century, and Ex-
Im must stand shoulder to shoulder with them.
    As we work to recover from COVID-19 pandemic, Ex-Im must 
seize this opportunity to live up to its mission, and Ex-Im 
must partner with its sister agencies like DFC, USTDA, SBA, and 
MCC to enhance the global competitiveness of U.S. businesses 
and workers. Ex-Im must also renew its emphasis on supporting 
small businesses to help our country's economy build back 
better.
    If I am fortunate enough to be confirmed, I will lead the 
Agency with high standards for our stewardship of taxpayers' 
dollars, and I will work with all of you to fully implement the 
provisions of Ex-Im's 2019 reauthorization with a special focus 
on initiatives prioritized in that legislation. Last, I will 
work to diversify Ex-Im's portfolio by broadening outreach 
efforts to key sectors and regions like Sub-Saharan Africa. I 
will also use my bipartisan network to enhance collaboration 
with State and local elected officials in support of their work 
to create jobs in their communities.
    Thank you again for the opportunity to appear before you 
today and for your consideration of my nomination. I look 
forward to your questions.
    Chairman Brown. Thank you, Ms. Lewis. I am sorry your 
parents did not live to see this moment.
    Ms. Bhargava.

  STATEMENT OF ELIZABETH DE LEON BHARGAVA, OF NEW YORK, TO BE 
 ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING 
                     AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

    Ms. Bhargava. Chairman Brown, Ranking Member Toomey, and 
distinguished Members of the Committee, I am honored and 
humbled to appear before you today as nominee for the Assistant 
Secretary for Administration at the Department of Housing and 
Urban Development. Allow me to begin by thanking President 
Biden and Secretary Fudge for the confidence and trust they 
have placed in me. I also thank the Committee for scheduling 
this hearing and considering my nomination.
    I am here today because of my mother, who is joining me 
today, Rosa Bernard, a strong and determined woman who 
immigrated to the United States from the Dominican Republic. 
She raised my sisters and me as a single mom. I am forever 
grateful to her for teaching me the value of hard work and 
service. I am also grateful to my in-laws, Mom and Dad 
Bhargava, who are here with me today visiting from the great 
State of New Jersey, for being a constant source of strength 
and encouragement. To my siblings, nieces, nephews, friends, 
and mentors, thank you. Know that I cherish you all. My 
youngest sister, Celinas [phonetic], is here with me today. And 
finally, a special thank you to my husband, Neil, for his 
abiding love and unwavering support.
    I understand from direct, personal experience the critical 
role HUD plays in the lives of everyday Americans. When I was 
five, our home was destroyed by fire, and in an instant my 
family and I were homeless. With no home, we felt vulnerable 
and challenged to meet the everyday demands of work, school, 
and life. We were fortunate enough to have the support of 
Government and community groups, which allowed us to stay 
together and find safe and secure housing. The experience was a 
life lesson in the direct role Government can play in 
supporting families and building communities. It is why I have 
dedicated my career to public service.
    The mission of HUD is to develop and manage programs that 
address America's critical housing needs. It provides support 
to avoid foreclosure, enable home ownership, ensure fair 
lending, enforce fair housing laws, and provide rental 
assistance to seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, and 
low to middle income Americans like my own family.
    However, HUD faces its own challenges. Since 2012, HUD's 
workforce has decreased by almost 20 percent, and at the same 
time the demand for HUD's services has increased substantially. 
As families emerge from a global pandemic, the need for 
stable--for the stability of good homes and strong communities. 
Strong leadership will be the key to ensuring program 
continuity and that HUD is able to meet its critical mission.
    I am a leader with more than 20 years of Government 
experience and a proven track record delivering outcomes which 
have directly improved the lives of the communities I have 
served. I began my career at the Manhattan District Attorney's 
Office and from there have held roles of increasing 
responsibility at the New York State Attorney General's Office, 
at the New York City Mayor's Office, at the New York City 
Council, and most recently, as the New York State Deputy 
Secretary for Labor and Workforce.
    As the Deputy Secretary for Labor and Workforce, I was 
responsible for all labor and workforce policy and operations 
impacting almost 10 million working Americans across both 
public and the private sector. I managed a portfolio of 9 
agencies and task forces operating with a combined budget of 
more than $5 billion. My leadership enabled the growth of a 
diverse, inclusive, and talented workforce of 170,000 State 
workers across 96 State agencies. My responsibilities included 
negotiating with more than a dozen unions, managing risk for 
the State, and ensuring compliance with Federal, State, and 
local labor laws.
    My years of Government leadership and management experience 
have made me realize that consistency, efficacy, curiosity, and 
humility are the cornerstones of impactful public service.
    If confirmed, I commit to working with the Secretary, the 
Deputy Secretary, colleagues at HUD, and stakeholders to ensure 
the success of the Department by securing the qualified staff 
and the resources that are needed to administer the programs 
that are so critical to the families across this great Nation. 
If confirmed, it would be a distinct honor to serve as 
Assistant Secretary for Administration at HUD.
    Thank you for the opportunity to testify before you today. 
I look forward to your questions.
    Chairman Brown. Thank you, Ms. Bhargava.
    I will start with Ms. Lewis. As you know, Ex-Im fully 
reopened for business under former President Reed in 2019. The 
Bank has steadily worked to rebuild its support for American 
businesses despite the challenges of the pandemic. There is 
surely tremendous opportunity for Ex-Im to support American 
manufacturing in the years ahead. If you would outline, Ms. 
Lewis, if you are confirmed, how do you use this position to 
support and increase manufacturing jobs in our country?
    Ms. Lewis. You know, Senator, first, thank you so much for 
this hearing. I really enjoyed the conversation when you and I 
had an opportunity to visit and talk about Ex-Im.
    You know, if confirmed, I see one of my top priorities as 
aligning with the mission of Ex-Im to support goods and 
services and those manufactured here in the United States. To 
support U.S. workers and jobs would be an honor for me. I am 
the daughter of small business owners. I believe that the work 
that I have done over my career has been with an intersection 
between economic security and national security. So it would be 
important to help expand outreach, education, access, and 
information about the products and services that Ex-Im 
provides, especially to small businesses.
    I believe that Ex-Im must also be very intentional in the 
focus that we have on small business because oftentimes there 
is a disconnect between the U.S.G. and its customers. 
Interagency coordination with sister agencies, including 
Commerce and Treasury, would be a way to do this work, which I 
would love to do, if confirmed. I would also seek to support 
the competitiveness of U.S. goods and services in the face of 
aggressive foreign ECA activities.
    Chairman Brown. Thank you, Ms. Lewis. How do you make up 
for the stupidity and corruption of U.S.-China policy for three 
decades, where U.S. businesses lobbied Congress for tax breaks 
and trade policy that encouraged U.S. companies to shut down 
production in the United States, move overseas, set up 
production there, and sell products back to the United States? 
I mean, that is what happened to places like central 
Pennsylvania and northeast Ohio and why our population is 
stagnated because of so many lost manufacturing jobs, because 
of a globalization brought on by greed and really good lobbying 
of the Congress. How do you turn that around?
    Ms. Lewis. You know, Senator, I believe my experiences at 
the State Department, traveling and working in China, has given 
me some very invaluable insights into China's political system 
and its economy. I look at the program that Congress put in 
place for Ex-Im to focus on, the creation of the China and 
Transformational Export Program. That was in 2019, when 
Congress recognized the importance of Ex-Im as both a tool to 
compete with China and one to help build and keep manufacturing 
here in the United States. I believe this program can help 
ensure American made exports are not being put at a competitive 
disadvantage due to unfair financing by foreign ECAs so, 
instead, they are able to compete on their quality and 
Americans' values.
    Chairman Brown. Thank you.
    Ms. Bhargava, between 2010 and 2019, HUD's staffing 
declined 22 percent. The previous Marcia Fudge, the Director--
or Secretary Fudge's predecessor--had little knowledge, as we 
know. And I voted to confirm him because he told me he would 
address the issues of lead-based paint and lead in pipes 
leading into homes where too many babies' brain development was 
arrested and slowed, but nonetheless, he showed no interest in 
the Agency and no interest in housing.
    Hiring. HUD needs more staff to oversee loan programs, to 
make sure housing is maintained, to administer critical 
funding. What do you do to ensure that HUD has the people it 
needs to fulfill its mission?
    Ms. Bhargava. Thank you, Chairman, for that question. It is 
critical for HUD to have sufficient staff in order to 
accomplish the critical mission that it has. We are facing, as 
you stated, an increase in demand of services and a decrease of 
staff.
    Having an overview and an assessment across the Agency of 
what is taking place, to focus on the hiring, and understanding 
that we need a robust plan to hire but at the same time looking 
at retaining the staff--and so my focus would be to do a full 
assessment to look at the talent acquisition that is needed, so 
that all programs are able to accomplish their mission, but at 
the same time look at what is going on with the workplace and 
ensure that it is a place that people are excited to work, that 
people want to come to work, and that we can retain the workers 
once we attract them.
    Chairman Brown. Thank you.
    Senator Toomey is recognized.
    Senator Toomey. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Just for the 
record, I want to point out the vast majority of lost 
manufacturing jobs in America are the result of automation, not 
trade. Manufacturing went through an experience very similar to 
agriculture. A hundred years ago, a large majority of Americans 
worked on farms, but the arrival of tractors and automation 
made people far more productive. So now we have a very small 
percentage of Americans working on farms, and they produce more 
agricultural goods than ever, just as we produce more 
manufactured product than ever.
    But let us talk about the Schumark. As I noted, the Biden 
administration originally asked for $40 billion for public 
housing. Senator Schumer doubled that number to 80, which 
appears to be because of New York City's Housing Authority 
wanting $40 billion all for its self. So now it looks like half 
of all the bill's public housing money is effectively a Chuck 
Schumer earmark or a Schumark, as I like to call it, a bailout 
of a single public housing agency with a history of sex 
scandals, bribery, and general incompetence.
    Ms. Bhargava, I know you used to work for the Speaker of 
the New York City Council, and I am sure you are familiar with 
issues surrounding New York City housing. I assume you would 
acknowledge that the New York City Housing Authority does not 
provide half of all the public housing in America. You can 
acknowledge that; right? It is a simple factual matter.
    Ms. Bhargava. I am sorry, Ranking Member Toomey. Can you 
repeat the question?
    Senator Toomey. The question is: Can you acknowledge that 
the New York City Housing Authority provides less than half of 
all the housing, the public housing, that is provided across 
America?
    Ms. Bhargava. Ranking Member Toomey, I cannot answer that 
question because I do not know.
    Senator Toomey. OK. All right. It is much less than half. 
It is closer to 20 percent.
    The bill that our Democratic colleagues are contemplating 
waives the formula that is in the current law for allocating 
the Federal dollars among the various public agencies, and that 
means that Secretary Fudge will have complete discretion in 
determining which agencies receive the money and how much they 
get.
    Now if you take my word for it that the city of New York 
provides far less than half of America's public housing, would 
it nevertheless seem fair for the Secretary of HUD to direct 
half of all this money to New York City alone?
    Ms. Bhargava. Ranking Member Toomey, this subject matter 
is--would not be under my responsibility. It would be under the 
Office of Public and Indian Housing.
    Senator Toomey. OK. Let us move on to the question of work 
requirements. As I mentioned in my opening statement, there 
appear not to be any work requirements, including for able-
bodied adults who have no children and no dependents. Now some 
have suggested that attaching work requirements to these kinds 
of public assistance programs are not necessary because 
everyone wants to work, naturally.
    Well, let me be clear. First of all, many, many people who 
receive Federal housing assistance do, in fact, work. I 
certainly acknowledge that. But not all of them. And if it is 
true that these subsidies do not reduce incentives to work 
because people already want to work, then what is the objection 
to requiring able-bodied people with no dependents to either be 
working or at least seeking work as a condition for getting 
taxpayer-funded housing benefits? Do you support a work 
requirement of that sort for public housing?
    Ms. Bhargava. Ranking Member Toomey, I do not have 
specifics on that. It is not part of what my responsibilities 
would be as Assistant Secretary for Administration.
    Senator Toomey. I think as a senior person at Housing and 
Urban Development your views on that matter really are 
important. So I will submit a question in writing, and I would 
welcome your response and hope that it would be, in fact, 
directly from you.
    Let me turn to the Ex-Im Bank. Ms. Lewis, you have stated 
that protection of taxpayer dollars would be a key priority for 
you. I think that is a direct quote. But in conversations with 
my staff, you were asked whether you support the Biden 
administration's request to double Ex-Im's statutory default 
cap from the current 2 percent to 4 percent. How does doubling 
the permissible rate of defaults protect taxpayers?
    Ms. Lewis. Yes, Senator, I would support an increase that 
the Biden administration has put forward. I believe that Ex-Im 
remains a critical tool in our Government's tool kit. And if 
confirmed, I would commit to making sure that I understand the 
impact that COVID has had on the portfolio. I am not privy to 
all of the details, but in this time of economic upheaval I 
believe there is a critical role for Ex-Im to play----
    Senator Toomey. OK. I understand that you believe Ex-Im has 
a critical role, but I was asking a much more specific 
question, which is: How is it that doubling the permitted 
failure rate on these loans is, in any way, consistent with 
protecting taxpayers?
    Let me ask one last question which is a little different. I 
mentioned in my opening comments about this very recent 
transaction that occurred this year, in which Ex-Im guaranteed 
for the benefit of JPMorgan an $82 million transaction to fund 
Qantas Airline's purchase of jet engines built by General 
Electric.
    So JPMorgan is fundamentally in the business of 
intermediating risk. Qantas was hailed by Fortune Magazine in 
June of this year as being one of the world's most financially 
secure airlines. And General Electric can obviously access 
credit in many, many ways. So all three of these companies 
easily, routinely access private capital markets as a normal 
course of business, and yet, Ex-Im's authorizing statute 
clearly states that Ex-Im ``should supplement and encourage and 
not compete with private capital.'' So given this statutory 
mandate to not compete with private capital, doesn't this 
transaction contradict that part of Ex-Im's mission, Ms. Lewis?
    Ms. Lewis. Senator, not being at the Bank, as you know, I 
would not want to speak specifically about a transaction that I 
am not intimately aware of. I want to be more confident when I 
would want to come and speak with you.
    But you know Ex-Im's mission to level the playing field, 
and in support of jobs for the sake of U.S. competitiveness I 
think that Ex-Im must pay very close attention to how other 
foreign Governments are financing their exports. I understand 
that you and some in Congress may have a concern around the 
deals involving larger companies, but I also understand that 
those companies would lose export sales to foreign competitors 
that may be supported by their own Export Credit Agencies if 
Ex-Im is not there.
    Senator Toomey. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
    Chairman Brown. Thank you, Senator Toomey.
    Senator Cortez Masto from Nevada is recognized from her 
office.
    Senator Cortez Masto. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
    To the nominees, congratulations on your nominations.
    Ms. Lewis, let me start with you. Since President Biden 
took office, the economy has created more than 4 million jobs 
with an average of more 830,000 new jobs over the last 3 
months. In the first half of the year, the economy grew at the 
fastest rate we have seen in nearly 40 years. Yet, COVID-19 
exposed the weakness of the world's supply chains. When most 
products and purchases come from abroad, primarily China, we 
can see shortages when manufacturers or ports shut down.
    So, Ms. Lewis, how does the Export-Import Bank help all 
types of U.S. manufacturers grow their jobs, increase their 
revenue, and compete in international markets?
    Ms. Lewis. Senator, first of all, thank you for the visit 
and the conversation that I had with your staff.
    You know, one of the things that I have always found in my 
interactions with leaders abroad, throughout all of my travels, 
is that they see U.S. businesses and American-made goods and 
services and believe that they are the best in the world. And 
in many cases, American exports must compete against foreign 
products backed by foreign Export Credit Agencies.
    And so since Congress has directed Ex-Im to help U.S. 
exports compete fairly in the international market, if a 
foreign competitor can sell to a foreign buyer with the support 
of their Government-backed Export Credit Agency and the U.S. 
exporter cannot, that is ultimately a loss for American jobs. 
So, I believe Ex-Im financing ensures that U.S. exporters can 
sell their goods on a level playing field and are not being put 
at a competitive disadvantage due to other foreign Government-
backed export financing.
    Senator Cortez Masto. And so as companies seek to make 
their supply chain more resilient and selecting reliable and 
high quality manufacturers in the U.S.A. will be more 
important, how can Ex-Im help U.S. manufacturing firms find new 
customers abroad?
    Ms. Lewis. You know, Senator, I am aware that as part of 
the work that is going on in the Biden-Harris administration, 
that questions have been raised about what role, if any, Ex-
Im's financing can play in supporting domestic projects tied to 
exports. I realize that there may be a gap that could be 
filled. And if confirmed, I commit to working with the Ex-Im 
staff and your office to review what some of those could be and 
those look like, and I would also want to receive your input as 
to how you could see Ex-Im continuing to fulfill its mission 
and purpose.
    Senator Cortez Masto. Thank you. Thank you, Ms. Lewis. And 
I know you are referring to, in June, the Biden administration 
actually released a 100-day review of Federal agencies' 
abilities to build resilient supply chains, to revitalize 
American manufacturing, and foster broad-based growth. So thank 
you for your commitment to working with the Administration to 
really address these issues. I, again, thank you for your 
willingness to serve.
    Ms. Bhargava, let me ask you this. In northern Nevada, the 
previous Administration closed our regional HUD office, 
eliminating three positions and a vital housing resource for my 
State. If confirmed, will you work with my office to hire new 
staff for field policy, public housing, and community planning 
and development for Nevada as requested in a letter from nearly 
the entire Nevada delegation in January 2020?
    Ms. Bhargava. Thank you, Senator, for that question. Having 
staff in the field is extremely important. The staff in the 
field, they are our eyes and ears. They can report on issues in 
real time. And so I think it would be extremely important for 
us to do a review, see what is needed, invest in the staff that 
is in the field. And so I would definitely have a conversation 
with the Secretary, if confirmed, and work with your office to 
address your concerns.
    Senator Cortez Masto. Thank you. I know since 2012 HUD has 
lost about 20 percent of its staff, which is losing some of its 
expertise and capacity in a time when we need to address 
affordable housing needs across this country, including in 
Nevada. It has been really my priority since I have been in the 
Senate to address this need. So I look forward to working with 
you on all of these issues.
    Again, thank you to both of you for your willingness to 
serve.
    Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
    Chairman Brown. Thank you, Senator Cortez Masto.
    Senator Kennedy from Louisiana is recognized for 5 minutes.
    Senator Kennedy. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
    Ms. Lewis, congratulations on your nomination. Tell me one 
change you plan to make at Ex-Im if you are confirmed.
    Ms. Lewis. First of all, Senator, thank you for the visit 
that you and I had to talk about Ex-Im. I really appreciated 
that opportunity.
    You know, not being at the Agency, I want to be really 
confident when I talk about changes that should be made. I 
would want to review all of the policies and the procedures to 
see where we are before making that type of a change. But one 
thing I would commit to you is that I think that we would have 
to be very intentional in the work that we do and intentional 
in the work that we are mandated to do around reforms, around 
being prudent stewards of taxpayers' dollars, and also how----
    Senator Kennedy. Could I ask you to do one thing? And I 
really am sorry to interrupt you, but, excuse me, we have so 
little time. One of the things I would ask you to look at: Why 
in God's name are we using taxpayer money to subsidize 
JPMorgan? Would you look at that?
    Ms. Lewis. Yes, Senator, I commit to reviewing that with 
the Ex-Im staff.
    Senator Kennedy. Yes. I mean, I understand it did not 
happen under your watch, but I think Senator Toomey raises a 
very good question. And it does not seem to me the right answer 
is because China has State-supported businesses. That does not 
mean we should as well. OK?
    Ms. Bhargava? Am I saying your name right?
    Ms. Bhargava. Yes, Senator, you are.
    Senator Kennedy. OK. Tell me in your opinion why San 
Francisco has become the unsheltered homeless capital of the 
world.
    Ms. Bhargava. Thank you, Senator, for the question. The 
most important thing about homelessness for HUD is having the 
sufficient staff to be able to address those concerns, having 
the program staff, having----
    Senator Kennedy. So you think it is because we do not have 
enough staff. But why have so many homeless people gone to San 
Francisco? Have you ever thought about this?
    Ms. Bhargava. Senator, I think homelessness is an issue 
across the country. I think there are several reasons why 
homelessness happens. But I think the most important and 
critical thing for us, if confirmed, I would want to focus on a 
staff that can address the seriousness of homelessness.
    Senator Kennedy. Can you think of another reason other than 
in your opinion we do not have enough staff? I was a little 
surprised. I thought you were going to say we need to put money 
into housing as opposed to more bureaucracy. That surprises me 
a little bit.
    Ms. Bhargava. Senator, it is critical and important that we 
get the resources that we need in order to address such a 
serious issue.
    Senator Kennedy. So you think we are not spending enough 
money on it, on staff.
    Ms. Bhargava. Senator, I think the--we need the staff to 
focus on the issue and finding solutions to focus on the issue.
    Senator Kennedy. OK. Let me ask you this. If somebody is 
under the age of 55 in America, an American citizen, and they 
do not have children and they are not disabled, do you think 
before they receive Government assistance they should be 
encouraged and/or required to get a job given that we have got 
10,000, 10 million rather, job openings in America?
    Ms. Bhargava. Senator, I think that those are issues that 
are being taken very seriously by HUD and being considered.
    Senator Kennedy. I am asking what you think. You are going 
to be a senior official at HUD. What do you think? It is a 
pretty straightforward question.
    Ms. Bhargava. Thank you, Senator. I think I will work with 
everyone at HUD to be able to address these issues.
    Senator Kennedy. What do you think the answer is?
    Ms. Bhargava. Senator, I think the answer is not an easy 
one, but I think we have dedicated staff, and we have----
    Senator Kennedy. So we need more staff to study that one, 
too?
    Ms. Bhargava. Senator, I think we have staff that--at HUD 
that would be able to think about ways to support----
    Senator Kennedy. And you do not have an opinion about 
whether somebody who is relatively young, childless, and 
healthy, before receiving taxpayer money, should be asked to 
get a job? You do not have an opinion about that, and you are 
going to be a senior official at HUD?
    Ms. Bhargava. Senator, I think that I do not have the 
specifics about what is required, and I think we have staff at 
HUD that would be able to really focus on the specifics of the 
question.
    Senator Kennedy. Oh, my God.
    Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
    Chairman Brown. Thank you, Senator Kennedy.
    Senator Menendez from New Jersey is recognized for 5 
minutes.
    Senator Menendez. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
    Ms. Bhargava, in recent years, HUD relocated its 
multifamily housing staff from the office in Newark to the New 
York Regional Office. You are now the second nominee before 
this Committee who comes from New York. New York and New Jersey 
have very different housing needs and challenges. We need to 
have adequate HUD boots on the ground that are familiar with 
New Jersey's unique needs. So what steps will you take to 
ensure that the Newark office has the staff that it needs and 
that New Jersey remains a priority at HUD?
    Ms. Bhargava. Thank you, Senator, for the question. I will 
take a quick moment to let you know that I am being joined by 
my in-laws who are from New Jersey and my husband. So they are 
very excited to meet you today.
    In response to your question, Senator, having staff in the 
field is critical for HUD to be able to accomplish its mission. 
The staff on the ground, they are our eyes and ears. They are 
able to report in real time and alert us to issues. So I 
understand how important they are. It is a place for residents 
to go to in need of services.
    I am aware that the Obama administration undertook a 
transformation of multifamily housing, but it has been several 
years. So I think it is worth to take a look. If confirmed, I 
look forward to working with the Secretary and the Deputy 
Secretary and the staff at HUD to review whether we are 
investing enough on the field staff and other things that----
    Senator Menendez. Well, I appreciate that. And it is great 
to have your relatives from New Jersey here. We are always 
thrilled to see that.
    But the problem is New York is like a huge vacuum for New 
Jersey residents and multifamily housing owners and tenants. It 
just does not get the attention it should. And I have asked 
this question of multiple HUD nominees, but your answer is 
specifically important because you are nominated to be the 
Assistant Secretary for Administration, which has a key role in 
staffing decisions.
    So I know you want to kick it all off into when you get 
there and talk to others, but I want to hear your commitment to 
me that if you are confirmed, if I am going to vote for you and 
you are going to be confirmed, that you will look at this with 
an eye to making sure that New Jersey's housing needs are taken 
care of and if that means staffing in the Newark office we will 
either relocate as we were relocated out into New York or we 
will add additional staff. Do I have that commitment from you?
    Ms. Bhargava. Senator, you have a commitment from me that I 
will look into the matter as you described.
    Senator Menendez. All right. Looking into the matter is not 
going to be sufficient for me. So I am going to let you think 
about it, and I am going to put this question to the record, 
and hopefully, upon your review with others, you are going to 
give me a better answer than that.
    In 2016, HUD published an inclusive diversity strategy plan 
for improving diversity at HUD for the years 2017 to 2021. 
Their most recent Federal Equal Opportunity Recruitment Program 
states that HUD has ``completed 95 percent of the goals and 
objectives outlined'' in that plan. While I am pleased by the 
progress, a lot more needs to be done, particularly with 
regards to Hispanic hiring. If confirmed, how will you follow 
up on the work of this diversity plan, and in particular, how 
will you improve the Department's recruitment of Hispanics?
    Ms. Bhargava. Thank you, Senator, for your question. I am 
not familiar with the 2016 plan, but I am familiar with the 
Executive order that was signed by the President that focuses 
on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. And I look 
forward, if confirmed, to ensuring that that Executive order is 
that we are committed at HUD and that it is implemented across 
the Agency, with a focus on recruitment, on retention, on 
workplace.
    It is--the Executive order is quite detailed. So I look 
forward to----
    Senator Menendez. I hope you will take--and I said this to 
the Secretary as well when she was before us. Latinos are 
underrepresented in this Department, well underrepresented 
compared to the percentage of the population. So we have to do 
better. Diversity has many different elements to it, and one of 
them is us Latinos. So particularly in the role that you are 
going to play, I hope that you will pay close attention to 
that.
    One last question. Ms. Lewis, the most recent Ex-Im 
competitiveness report noted that only 14.6 percent of Ex-Im's 
direct small business support went to minority and women-owned 
businesses. There is a mountain of evidence that the businesses 
were among the hardest hit by the pandemic. So it is critical 
that they have the access to the tools and assistance to remain 
competitive. If you are confirmed, what would you do to improve 
accessibility of Ex-Im's services for minority and women-owned 
businesses?
    Ms. Lewis. Senator, absolutely. One of my top priorities is 
not just about small businesses but also drilling down about 
Minority- and Women-Owned Businesses. You are exactly correct 
about these companies being the hardest hit during this 
pandemic. I have an extensive background focusing on outreach 
to that community that has had very tangible results.
    I look at the fact that we would need to make sure we are 
operating in a whole-of-Government approach, working more 
strongly with our interagency partners, collaborating with the 
large businesses to make sure we educate the businesses they 
work with in the supply chain, understanding that even though 
we have been through COVID, digital is not going to be enough.
    But more importantly, Senator, I would also want to seek 
your input as to how to reach into those communities, as well 
as building on the work I have done with Governors, mayors, and 
county executives and the organizations that represent them. 
Especially those groups that focus on minority communities and 
minority businesses, as well as working with State economic 
development agencies, would be a way to reach deeper into those 
communities.
    Senator Menendez. All right. Thank you.
    Mr. Chairman, I have a series of other questions. I will 
submit them for the record and hopefully these nominees will 
give me a full answer. Thank you very much.
    Chairman Brown. Thank you, Senator Menendez.
    Senator Ossoff from Georgia is recognized for 5 minutes 
from his office.
    Senator Ossoff. Thank you, Chairman Brown.
    And congratulations to the nominees. It is a particular 
pleasure to welcome you, Ms. Lewis, as a Georgia native with a 
J.D. from Emory University School of Law. My wife is a graduate 
of the School of Medicine there and a UGA alum as well. 
Congratulations again. Thank you for joining us.
    I would like to ask you some questions focused on our home 
State of Georgia. As you likely know, Georgia not only became 
one of the top 10 exporting States in 2020; it is also a key 
innovator in the aerospace industry, with over 800 aerospace 
companies in our State. Aerospace products have been among 
Georgia's top exports for years, $9.98 billion in exports in 
2020, and companies like Thrush Aircraft based in Albany are 
providing products used around the world.
    Will you commit, please, Ms. Lewis, to working with my 
office so companies like Thrush Aircraft in Albany and 
Gulfstream Aerospace in Savannah can export more Georgia-made 
products around the world?
    Ms. Lewis. I would commit to working with you, Senator, and 
other Members of this Committee on those types of issues.
    Senator Ossoff. Thank you, Ms. Lewis. And Georgia is also 
rapidly becoming a global leader in clean energy manufacturing 
and technology. We host in Georgia, in Dalton, the largest 
solar module production facility in the western hemisphere. We 
have one of the country's largest electric vehicle battery 
plants in Commerce, Georgia. My goal is to make Georgia the 
national leader in clean energy technology, and that means 
exporting the clean energy products we manufacture in Georgia 
around the world.
    So I want to ask you a similar question. Will you commit to 
working with me and business leaders in Georgia who are 
producing clean energy products to maximize their opportunities 
to export these products?
    Ms. Lewis. Yes, Senator, I will commit to you and working 
with other Members on this Committee since Congress placed a 
high priority on Ex-Im working with exporters and foreign 
buyers to support clean and renewable energy exports.
    Senator Ossoff. Thank you, Ms. Lewis. We have also seen 
significant growth in Georgia's automotive sector. Automotive 
exports in Georgia in 2020 increased 38 percent to $4.45 
billion, supporting thousands of jobs across the State. The Kia 
plant in West Point, Georgia, manufactures 40 percent of Kia's 
cars worldwide.
    Will you commit to working with my office and Mayor Tramell 
of West Point to help bolster automotive exports from cities 
like West Point, Columbus, and Macon, Georgia?
    Ms. Lewis. I commit to working with you, Senator, and other 
Members of this Committee to work very closely with your State 
and local leaders.
    Senator Ossoff. Thank you, Ms. Lewis. Georgia is also a hub 
for technological innovation. We host the Georgia Cyber Center, 
which is a $100 million cybersecurity facility in Augusta, 
Georgia. We host Atlanta's Tech Square, which is a central 
location for technological innovation. With the increasing 
threat posed by cyberattacks and ransomware and network 
intrusions, supporting Georgia's businesses that produce 
cybersecurity products is vital.
    And so I would like to ask you for a commitment to work 
with my office and key leaders in Georgia, and to join me for a 
discussion with the leadership at Georgia's Cyber Center in 
Augusta, to help determine how Georgia can export more 
cybersecurity products from places like August and Atlanta to 
foreign markets.
    Ms. Lewis. Senator, I commit to working with you and other 
Members of this Committee on those types of transformational 
exports issues.
    Senator Ossoff. Thank you, Ms. Lewis. And my final question 
focuses on agriculture. As you well know as a Georgia native, 
Georgia is the Nation's largest supplier of pecans, accounting 
for about a third of U.S. pecan production, and pecan suppliers 
exist across the State, from Fort Valley to Athens to Albany.
    How can you work with me and agricultural leaders and 
farmers in Georgia, Ms. Lewis, to ensure that Georgia's pecan 
industry remains competitive and to work with those farmers 
around Fort Valley, around Athens, around Albany, and other 
major pecan producing regions of the State to help Georgia 
pecans continue to grow as a worldwide agricultural staple 
commodity?
    Ms. Lewis. Senator, I commit to working with you, and 
fulfilling the goals of Ex-Im's 2019 reauthorization, which 
specifically targeted rural communities as a focus for Ex-Im, 
in addition to the work that we would have to do with 
supporting all industries and all sectors. I commit to you that 
I will review the work that Ex-Im is currently doing and seek 
your input as to any ideas you would have for us in those 
areas.
    Senator Ossoff. Thank you, Ms. Lewis.
    Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I yield back.
    Chairman Brown. Thank you, Senator Ossoff.
    Senator Tillis's camera was on and then back off, and if 
Senator Tillis is here he will be recognized for 5 minutes from 
his office.
    [No audible response.]
    Chairman Brown. If not, Senator Van Hollen from Maryland is 
recognized for 5 minutes from his office.
    Senator Van Hollen. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member 
Toomey, and congratulations to both of our nominees here today.
    Ms. Lewis, I have a couple questions for you. Starting with 
the fact that as Ex-Im continues to implement the China and 
Transformational Exports Program, the CTEP program, to help 
U.S. exporters compete abroad, especially in the face of 
China's Belt Road initiative, what are some of the metrics that 
you would look to in measuring how we are faring against China 
in this competition?
    Ms. Lewis. Thank you, Senator, for that question. You know, 
I will say right off I am not at the Agency to understand the 
type of metrics that they use, but with the creation of the 
China and Transformational Export Program that was put in Ex-
Im's reauthorization I am pleased to know that there is a 
dedicated staff who is part of a whole-of-Government approach 
into competing with China. And if confirmed, I would look 
forward to learning more about the status of the program and 
also the metrics that are being used to make sure that we are 
being as effective in the implementation, in the support of 
U.S. jobs and U.S. workers.
    Senator Van Hollen. No, I appreciate that. Well, if you 
could get back to me maybe on some of the metrics that you 
think we should be looking at because we have got to judge the 
success of this program against whatever metrics we decide make 
sense. So I would appreciate a little bit more as we go forward 
on this. I certainly recognize you are not there yet, and I 
appreciate that fact, but any additional thoughts you have 
there would be helpful, ma'am.
    A number of my colleagues have mentioned the issue of 
exports, U.S. exports of clean energy products. As we look 
around the world, we see that foreign export credit support for 
renewable energy projects continues to dwarf Ex-Im's activity. 
You know, despite the fact that Ex-Im set for itself a 5 
percent goal to finance renewable energy products and help 
foster U.S. jobs in that industry here at home, we are nowhere 
close. And it is not just China. You look at India; they also 
have a very robust export credit program.
    I realize that Ex-Im suffered from a lack of a quorum for 
many, many years, but I believe we have to work overtime now to 
recover and achieve that goal. What are some of your thoughts 
as to what can be done to achieve our goal of the 5 percent 
financing for renewable energy products?
    Ms. Lewis. You know, Senator, absolutely. One of the things 
I think right off is that, you know, I believe that climate 
change is a real threat and it is an urgent threat that is 
requiring a whole-of-Government approach. And so when Congress 
placed a high priority of Ex-Im working with foreign buyers to 
support clean and renewable energy deals, I think you made it 
clear that Congress wanted Ex-Im, to make sure that we were 
looking at how we would do that work.
    If confirmed, I would want to review currently what is 
going on at Ex-Im, and I would want to look at how we are being 
very mindful of our mission to support U.S. jobs through 
exports. I would want to, after a review, come back and talk 
with you, Senator, and seek your ideas about how Ex-Im an 
remain committed to investing in energy solutions of the 
future.
    Senator Van Hollen. Well, I appreciate the commitment. We 
have just got to close the gap between commitment and reality, 
and I hope you will work to do that.
    Ms. Bhargava, you look over the next 5 years you will see 
that almost half of HUD's workforce will reach retirement 
eligibility. And I guess my question to you is: Given this 
change which will happen over this 5-year period, what can we 
do to attract the next generation of HUD's workforce with the 
skills that are needed to help modernize HUD's agency? What can 
you do to help bring in the next generation of HUD employees?
    Ms. Bhargava. Thank you for that question, Senator. I am 
excited. There is a lot to do in thinking about the priorities 
for HUD. And as Assistant Secretary, if confirmed, for 
Administration, I would focus on the people. I would focus not 
only on hiring but also retaining. And with that, I would focus 
on the workplace culture. I think the workplace culture is key 
in attracting the best, the most qualified, and also in 
retaining the staff because we are attracting them, we have to 
make sure that they stay.
    And so thinking about succession planning, which is what 
you are raising, is also ensuring that we do not have 
institutional knowledge that is walking out the door with our 
staff that is maybe retiring. And so with that, I think that 
there is a lot of opportunity.
    I am also excited about the systems and the standards that 
we can put forth. I am excited about the prospect. I think my 
vision is that HUD is the best agency, the one that all Federal 
employees want to end up working in. And I look forward to 
working with the Secretary, with the Deputy Secretary, with the 
staff in implementing a plan like that.
    Senator Van Hollen. All right. Thank you.
    Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
    Chairman Brown. Senator Van Hollen, if you--Senator Warnock 
is on the way, is probably 2 minutes away. If you have another 
question you would like to ask, feel free before he gets here, 
as a fellow Georgian.
    Senator Van Hollen. Well, no, I appreciate that, Mr. 
Chairman. Unfortunately, I have got to run to something. But I 
do appreciate the statements of both these nominees, and I may 
have some follow-up questions for the record.
    Chairman Brown. OK. Well, thank you for joining us very 
much and for your candor in answering these questions. 
Productive discussion of the issues, I thought. I hope we can 
work together as a Committee to move forward quickly on the 
nominations of these two very highly qualified people.
    I hope the controversy, I mean disagreement certainly, but 
the real controversy on the Ex-Im Bank is mostly behind us with 
the leadership of Ms. Reed and now, I hope, the leadership of 
you, Ms. Lewis.
    For Senators who wish to submit questions for the hearing, 
those questions are due at the close of business on Thursday, 
October 28th. To the nominees, we would like to have your 
responses by Monday, November 1st.
    With that, the hearing is adjourned.
    [Whereupon, at 11:09 a.m., the hearing was adjourned.]
    [Prepared statements, biographical sketches of nominees, 
and responses to written questions supplied for the record 
follow:]
              PREPARED STATEMENT OF CHAIRMAN SHERROD BROWN
    The Committee meets today to consider the nominations of: Reta Jo 
Lewis to be President and Chair of the Export-Import Bank; and 
Elizabeth de Leon Bhargava to be Assistant Secretary for Administration 
at the Department of Housing and Urban Development. We congratulate the 
nominees and thank them for appearing here today. We welcome their 
families and friends in attendance, and watching from home.
    Both nominees are highly qualified and are ready to work for the 
American people, and for their jobs and their businesses and their 
homes.
    As President of the five member Ex-Im Board of Directors, Ms. Lewis 
would be responsible for leading our country's official export credit 
agency as it supports U.S. workers and manufacturers in Ohio, 
Pennsylvania, and throughout our country--in the face of competition, 
often unfair competition, from Nations like China.
    Both of these nominees are trailblazers in their own way--Ms. 
Bhargava was the first Latina to serve as Deputy Secretary for Labor 
and Workforce for New York State, and Ms. Lewis would be the first 
Black woman to lead Ex-Im.
    It's a welcome change--our Government works better when it looks 
like America, and Ex-Im will work best if it reflects the diversity of 
American manufacturers and small businesses.
    A proud native of Statesboro, Georgia, Ms. Lewis has more than 25 
years of distinguished leadership experience in international affairs, 
law, and public policy.
    She currently serves as a Senior Fellow and Director of 
Congressional Affairs at the German Marshall Fund--a nonpartisan policy 
organization dedicated to strengthening transatlantic cooperation. At 
the German Marshall Fund, Ms. Lewis leads bipartisan exchanges for 
members of Congress.
    Ms. Lewis served at the State Department during the Obama 
administration, helping build and support relationships between the 
Department, State and local governments, and their foreign 
counterparts.
    If confirmed, she will head an agency that is vital to 
manufacturing jobs in Ohio and all of our States, and to our country's 
economic competitiveness. There are more than 100 export credit 
agencies and credit programs around the word that support foreign 
manufacturers.
    China's export finance activity is larger than all of the export 
credit provided by the G7 countries combined, and we can expect China 
to continue using export credit as a weapon to win manufacturing 
business in critical sectors.
    Ohio jobs depend on Ms. Lewis's success, and I look forward to her 
getting to work. Welcome to the Committee, Ms. Lewis. Glad to have you 
here today.
    As Assistant Secretary for Administration at HUD, Elizabeth de Leon 
Bhargava would be responsible for ensuring the Department has talented 
and dedicated public servants ready and able to meet our most pressing 
housing challenges.
    She would oversee offices that are responsible for recruitment and 
staffing, procurement, and providing administrative support to HUD 
employees.
    Ms. Bhargava has extensive experience at the highest levels of 
State and local government. From 2015 to 2020, Ms. Bhargava served as 
Deputy Secretary for Labor and Workforce for New York State. She 
managed a portfolio of agencies with a budget exceeding $5 billion and 
more than 5,000 employees.
    She also served as First Deputy Chief of Staff to the Speaker of 
the New York City Council where she helped manage a staff of over 300 
people. Earlier in her career, she served as Deputy Commissioner for 
the New York City Department of Small Business, and served in the New 
York State Office of the Attorney General.
    We are glad to have you here today, Ms. Bhargava.
    We are grateful to Ms. Lewis and Ms. Bhargava for appearing here 
today, and for their willingness to serve the American people at this 
critical time.
    I look forward to your testimonies.
                                 ______
                                 
            PREPARED STATEMENT OF SENATOR PATRICK J. TOOMEY
    Mr. Chairman, thank you. Ms. Bhargava and Ms. Lewis, welcome. I 
commend you both for your longstanding commitment to public service.
    First, Ms. Bhargava has been nominated to serve as Assistant 
Secretary for Administration at HUD. HUD would play a central role in 
the Democrats' $3.5 trillion reckless tax-and-spend bill.
    Their plan includes $300-plus billion for housing programs. 
Billions of this aid is not targeted.
    Some of these programs have weak means testing and loopholes. And 
there are no work requirements--even for able-bodied childless adults. 
They, and many people of above-average income, will do quite well under 
some of these programs.
    Let's consider several of the bill's flawed housing provisions. 
Start with the bill's $80 billion for renovating public housing.
    The Biden administration didn't even request this amount. It 
requested only $40 billion. So why does this bill have $80 billion?
    Well, it just so happens that the New York City Housing Authority 
wanted $40 billion for itself. But our Democrat colleagues can't pass a 
bill that sends 100 percent of public housing money to New York City. 
That would be a bit of a problem for the 48 Democratic senators who 
don't represent New York.
    So instead, Senator Schumer promised to ``double down'' on the 
Administration's proposal and ``use all of my power as majority leader 
. . . to secure a funding package that can restore and transform [the 
New York City Housing Authority].'' And lo and behold, we now have $80 
billion, substantially all of which will not be distributed using the 
existing formula but rather by executive fiat.
    This certainly looks a lot like Senator Schumer securing a $40 
billion earmark, or ``Schu-mark.'' As a result, it appears half of all 
the bill's public housing dollars will go to a housing authority 
plagued by scandals, bribery, and chronic mismanagement.
    It's concerning to see Democrats spending billions on outdated 
public housing projects. Public housing projects concentrate poverty 
and crime and trap families in generational cycles of dependency and 
despair.
    Two decades ago, both parties recognized their flaws. That's why 
Congress, placed a cap on the number of public housing units with the 
Faircloth amendment. Now, Democrats' reconciliation bill would 
effectively repeal this sensible law so new public housing units can go 
up.
    There's also the bill's $9 billion in downpayment assistance for 
``first time'' and ``first generation'' homebuyers. You can qualify for 
this money even if you or your parents previously owned a home. So much 
for ``first time'' and ``first generation.''
    And you don't have to be low income to qualify. In areas like 
Washington, DC, a person earning $180,000 a year could qualify, 
including members of Congress.
    Worst of all, this program is a thinly disguised attempt to give 
assistance to homebuyers based more on the color of their skin than 
their financial need--something that's very likely unconstitutional.
    Democrat Chairwoman Maxine Waters has said the objective of this 
program is to ``help address the racial wealth and home ownership 
gaps.'' Thus, the bill text directs HUD to allocate funds in part based 
on ``racial disparities in home ownership rates.''
    Increasing wealth and home ownership rates amongst minorities is a 
fine goal. But designing race-based policies and benefits is not.
    Now turning to the Export-Import Bank. Ms. Lewis has been nominated 
to serve as President and Chair of Ex-Im. I continue to remain deeply 
skeptical of Ex-Im and its role in the global economy.
    Taxpayers ultimately bear the consequences of undue risk taking at 
Ex-Im. If we want to promote domestic manufacturing and increase 
competitiveness of U.S. exports, we need to create a favorable climate 
by maintaining low taxes, provide regulatory certainty, and cut red 
tape to attract capital formation.
    To claim that Ex-Im is needed to achieve these goals defies the 
facts. The vast majority of American exports get done without Ex-Im 
support.
    We have reviewed annual export data from 2007 through 2020. In that 
period, the highest percent of U.S. exports using Ex-Im financing was 
in 2012 and it was only 2.3 percent. And that was when Ex-Im had 
everything going for it. It was fully operational, had a quorum on its 
board, and had not reached its lending limit.
    The reality is: we're the world's second largest exporter of goods 
behind only China. We lead the world in value-added exports. And we do 
it almost entirely without Ex-Im financing.
    Not only is Ex-Im financing not needed, but it's often nothing more 
than crony capitalism providing taxpayer-financed subsidies to some of 
the world's largest companies who have access to private capital.
    Consider Ex-Im's recent deal guaranteeing an $82 million loan from 
JPMorgan to Qantas for the purpose of buying jet engines from GE. 
JPMorgan is the largest bank in America. Qantas is the largest airline 
in Australia. And GE is one of the largest industrial companies in the 
world. They do not need American taxpayers to subsidize this deal.
    Mr. Chairman, I look forward to hearing from today's nominees.
                                 ______
                                 
                  PREPARED STATEMENT OF RETA JO LEWIS
   To Be President and Chair, Export-Import Bank of the United States
                            October 26, 2021
    Chairman Brown, Ranking Member Toomey, distinguished Members of 
this Committee, I am honored to appear before you today and deeply 
humbled by the faith President Biden has placed in me as his nominee to 
serve as President of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-
Im).
    As a proud Georgian, I am extremely pleased to testify before my 
home State Senators Ossoff and Warnock.
    I grew up in rural Georgia in a family dedicated to public service. 
My mom and dad, Charlie and Alethia Lewis, were small business owners 
and community leaders who instilled in my siblings and me the value of 
work. Although my parents are no longer with us, I know they would be 
extremely proud that I will have an opportunity to support small 
businesses across this great country if confirmed. And while I 
currently reside in Washington, DC, I have never lost my small-town 
roots. As all Georgians know, Georgia is always on our minds.
    I would also like to acknowledge my siblings Le'Ontyne, Sharma and 
Charlie, who are here with me today, as well as friends and family 
watching who have provided me their steadfast support.
    As a member of the leadership team at the German Marshall Fund of 
the United States, I am keenly aware of the deep connection between Ex-
Im and its role in the implementation of the Marshall Plan. If 
confirmed, I hope to harness this history and lead the agency into a 
new, historic era through inclusiveness, transparency, and consistent 
collaboration.
    Throughout my career, I have sought to connect the best of America 
with the world. I have led effective teams in supporting American 
businesses and built international partnerships shaped by American 
values. I have worked to expand inclusiveness in foreign policy, 
including through participation in the Leadership Council for Women in 
National Security, the Transatlantic Inclusion Leaders Network, and the 
Council on Foreign Relations.
    During my tenure as the first-ever Special Representative for 
Global Intergovernmental Affairs at the Department of State, I 
witnessed the immense, positive impact that America can have on the 
world. I saw the generous spirit of our citizens, our willingness to 
embrace different cultures, and our ability to move the world forward 
by working in common purpose with our friends and allies.
    I have also seen the vital role entrepreneurs and their workers 
play in building a strong middle class. While leading strategic 
alliances at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and through my work as an 
attorney, I helped connect small, women and minority-owned businesses 
and organizations with resources and networks to foster strategic 
alliances and opportunities. I heard their stories and ensured that 
they were brought into the dialogue on vital business policy matters.
    I pursued this work with a spirit of collaboration and 
bipartisanship.
    Together, my experiences taught me an essential truth: Americans 
are the most hardworking, strongest people on earth. In return, they 
ask that those of us in positions of leadership stand up for them and 
create a level playing field.
    Today, I ask for your support and for the opportunity to fight for 
America's exporters at Ex-Im. If confirmed, I will lead with integrity, 
and I will work hard to open new markets and new exporting 
opportunities.
    America's exporters are in a competition to win the 21st century, 
and Ex-Im must stand shoulder to shoulder with them.
    As we work to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, Ex-Im must seize 
this opportunity to live up to its mission. Ex-Im must partner with 
sister agencies like the International Development Finance Corporation 
(DFC), the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), the U.S. Small 
Business Administration (SBA), and the Millennium Challenge Corporation 
(MCC) to enhance the global competitiveness of U.S. businesses and 
workers. Ex-Im must also renew its emphasis on supporting small 
businesses to help our country's economy build back better.
    If I am fortunate enough to be confirmed, I will lead the agency 
with high standards for our stewardship of taxpayer dollars and work 
with all of you to fully implement the provisions of Ex-Im's 2019 
reauthorization, with a special focus on transformational export areas, 
renewable energy, energy efficiency, and energy storage exports, 
strategic competition with China, and increasing support for 
historically underserved businesses.
    Lastly, I will work to diversify Ex-Im's portfolio by broadening 
outreach efforts in key strategic sectors and regions like Sub-Saharan 
Africa. I will also use my bipartisan network to enhance collaboration 
with State and local elected officials in support of their work to 
create jobs in their communities.
    Thank you again for the opportunity to appear before you today and 
for your consideration of my nomination. I look forward to your 
questions.
[GRAPHICS NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

            PREPARED STATEMENT OF ELIZABETH DE LEON BHARGAVA
To Be Assistant Secretary of Administration, Department of Housing and 
                           Urban Development
                            October 26, 2021
    Chairman Brown, Ranking Member Toomey, and distinguished Members of 
the Committee, I am honored and humbled to appear before you today as 
the nominee for Assistant Secretary for Administration at the 
Department of Housing and Urban Development.
    Allow me to begin by thanking President Biden and Secretary Fudge 
for the confidence and trust they have placed in me. I also thank the 
Committee for scheduling this hearing and considering my nomination.
    I'm here today because of my mother, Rosa Bernard, a strong and 
determined woman who immigrated to the U.S. from the Dominican 
Republic. She raised my sisters and me as a single mom. I am forever 
grateful to her for teaching me the value of hard work and service. I'm 
also grateful to my in-laws, Mom and Dad Bhargava, for being a constant 
source of strength and encouragement. To my siblings, nieces, nephews, 
friends, and mentors, thank you! Know that I cherish you all. And, 
finally, a special thank you to my husband Neil, for his abiding love 
and unwavering support.
    I understand, from direct personal experience, the critical role 
HUD plays in the lives of everyday Americans. When I was five, our home 
was destroyed by fire and in an instant my family and I were homeless. 
With no home, we felt vulnerable and challenged to meet the everyday 
demands of work, school, and life. We were fortunate to have the 
support of Government and community groups, which allowed us to stay 
together and find safe and secure housing. The experience was a life 
lesson in the direct role Government can play in supporting families 
and building communities. It is why I have dedicated my career to 
public service.
    The mission of HUD is to develop and manage programs that address 
America's critical housing needs. It provides support to avoid 
foreclosure, enable home ownership, ensure fair lending, enforce fair 
housing laws and provide rental assistance to seniors, veterans, people 
with disabilities, and low to middle-income Americans, like my own 
family.
    However, HUD faces its own challenges. Since 2012, HUD's workforce 
has decreased by almost 20 percent. At the same time, the demand for 
HUD's services has increased substantially, as families emerge from a 
global pandemic, and need the stability of good homes and strong 
communities. Strong leadership will be key to ensuring program 
continuity and that HUD is able to meet its critical mission.
    I am a leader with more than 20 years of Government experience and 
a proven track record delivering outcomes which have directly improved 
the lives of the communities I served.
    I began my career in the Manhattan District Attorney's Office and 
from there have held roles of increasing responsibility at the New York 
State Attorney General's Office, New York City Mayor's Office, the New 
York City Council, and most recently as the New York State Deputy 
Secretary for Labor and Workforce.
    As the Deputy Secretary for Labor and workforce, I was responsible 
for all labor and workforce policy and operations, impacting almost 10 
million working Americans, across both the public and private sector. I 
managed a portfolio of nine agencies and task forces operating with a 
combined budget of more than $5 billion.
    My leadership enabled the growth of a diverse, inclusive, and 
talented workforce of 170,000 State workers across 96 State agencies. 
My responsibilities included negotiating with more than a dozen unions, 
managing risk and ensuring compliance with Federal, State, and local 
labor laws. My years of governmental leadership and management 
experience have made me realize that consistency, efficacy, curiosity, 
and humility are the cornerstones of impactful public service.
    If confirmed, I commit to working with the Secretary, the Deputy 
Secretary, colleagues at HUD, and stakeholders to ensure the success of 
the Department by securing the qualified staff and the resources needed 
to administer the programs that are so critical to families across this 
great Nation.
    If confirmed, it would be a distinct honor to serve as Assistant 
Secretary for Administration at HUD.
    Thank you for the opportunity to testify before you today. I look 
forward to your questions.
[GRAPHICS NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

        RESPONSES TO WRITTEN QUESTIONS OF CHAIRMAN BROWN
                       FROM RETA JO LEWIS

Q.1. Where have you excelled in past positions in attracting, 
hiring, and promoting people of color in positions in your 
organization? Where might there be room for improvement?

A.1. Over the course of my career, I hired and promoted diverse 
teams at the Department of State, the German Marshall Fund, the 
DC Department of Public Works and built diverse Advisory 
Committees at various institutions. I believe there always is 
room for organizations to create diverse talent pipelines that 
help mentor, develop, and retain historically underrepresented 
candidates.

Q.2. What specific measures will you use to evaluate the 
success of the Export-Import Bank in understanding and 
addressing the needs of Black, Indigenous, and people of color 
(BIPOC)? And, will you work with the Board to keep Congress 
apprised, as appropriate, on the progress being made on these 
measures?

A.2. I believe diversity begins at the top and that diverse 
teams produce the best results. If confirmed as the next 
President of Ex-Im, it will be a personal priority to diversify 
not only our workforce but also our business lines. In order to 
make progress, I will hold myself, senior leadership and 
managers accountable for diversity initiatives. I will review 
relevant Ex-Im policies and procedures with our staff and will 
place a high priority on the recruitment, retention, and 
development of diverse talent and increased outreach to 
minority- and women-owned businesses.
    Diversity is important but creating a culture where people 
from all backgrounds feel included is essential. I believe that 
the agency must have a formal diversity strategy and 
implementation plan. If confirmed, I commit to work with you, 
other Members of the Committee and the Board to keep Congress 
apprised on the progress of these measures as appropriate.

Q.3. What is your plan for creating an inclusive working 
environment for employees within your office?

A.3. I believe that cultivating inclusion in the workplace is 
an evolving process. To foster inclusion, creating an ongoing 
culture for employee engagement and feedback will be critical. 
If confirmed, I will meet with staff, at all levels, to conduct 
an audit and review of existing policies and procedures that 
impact creating an inclusive working environment.

Q.4. In 2016, Ex-Im created the Environmental and Social 
Project Information and Concerns web portal. That portal allows 
for communities to submit grievances about project impacts. 
Financial and development institutions often review their 
accountability mechanisms every 4 or 5 years and solicit public 
input to improve their processes. The COVID-19 pandemic has 
limited the ability of Ex-Im and its contractors to undertake 
project assessments and monitoring.
    If confirmed, do you believe that it is important for the 
Ex-Im Board of Directors to ensure project monitoring and 
accountability processes are robust, and do you believe that 
public consultation to improve Ex-Im practices is important?

A.4. I believe public consultation to improve Ex-Im practices 
is important. Public input and robust stakeholder engagement 
present an important opportunity to allow all voices on all 
sides of the issue to be heard. I believe that the agency 
should emphasize transparency in its operations with 
stakeholders, including Congress. If confirmed, I look forward 
to an update from staff to determine what action, if any, is 
needed to modernize Ex-Im's accountability mechanisms and 
project monitoring processes.
                                ------                                


        RESPONSES TO WRITTEN QUESTIONS OF SENATOR TOOMEY
                       FROM RETA JO LEWIS

Q.1. Congressional Oversight--Please provide your philosophy on 
how the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im) will 
approach and respond to Congressional information requests 
(both for documentary information and oral testimony), if you 
are confirmed.

A.1. If confirmed, I believe that Ex-Im should be transparent 
in its operations. I commit to responding to Congressional 
documentary requests in a timely manner and to comply with 
requests for information in accordance with statutory and 
regulatory guidance. If confirmed, I will take seriously the 
Congressional notification process and make sure that 
congressional feedback is considered as a part of the Board's 
decision-making process. I look forward to working with 
Congress and commit to making myself available to respond to 
Congressional requests for oral testimony should I be 
confirmed.

Q.2. If confirmed, do you intend to respond to information 
requests differently depending on who is making the 
Congressional information request (whether it's the chair of 
the Congressional committee, the Ranking Member, or another 
member of Congress)? Please answer ``yes'' or ``no.'' If your 
answer is ``yes,'' please explain.

A.2. If confirmed, I will seek to be responsive to all 
information requests from Congress, regardless of who makes the 
request, consistent with all statutory and regulatory 
requirements.

Q.3. Will you commit that, if confirmed, you will respond in a 
timely manner and fully comply with all information requests 
from me? Please answer ``yes'' or ``no.'' If your answer is 
``no,'' please explain.

A.3. If confirmed, I commit to responding in a timely manner to 
requests from you, Members of the Committee and the Congress, 
consistent with all statutory and regulatory requirements.

Q.4. Will you commit that, if confirmed, you will make yourself 
and any other Ex-Im employee expeditiously available to provide 
oral testimony (including but not limited to briefings, 
hearings, and transcribed interviews) to the Committee on any 
matter within its jurisdiction, upon the request of either the 
Chairman or Ranking Member? Please answer ``yes'' or ``no.'' If 
your answer is ``no,'' please explain why.

A.4. If confirmed, I will make myself and my staff available 
consistent with all statutory and regulatory requirements.

Q.5. Professional Experience--During your professional career, 
have you ever reviewed and approved a loan?

A.5. I have more than 25 years of leadership experience in 
international affairs, legal, policy, and business roles and, 
while I have never directly approved a loan, I am confident 
that I have the skills and experience to build a strong team 
that will enable me to effectively lead Ex-Im in its mission of 
supporting U.S. jobs through exports while being a responsible 
steward of taxpayer resources.

Q.6. Have you ever served as a President of a Federal 
governmental entity?

A.6. I have more than 25 years of leadership experience in 
international affairs, legal, policy, and business roles and, 
while I have never served as the president of a Federal agency, 
I am confident that I have the skills and experience to build a 
strong team that will enable me to effectively lead Ex-Im in 
its mission of supporting U.S. jobs through exports while being 
a responsible steward of taxpayer resources.

Q.7. Have you ever served as the Chair of a Board of Directors?

A.7. I have more than 25 years of leadership experience in 
international affairs, legal, policy, and business roles, and 
while I have never served as the chair of a board of directors, 
I am confident I have the skills and experience to build a 
strong team that will enable me to effectively lead the Board 
of Directors and fulfill Ex-Im's mission of supporting jobs 
through exports.

Q.8. Private Sector Financing--How will you ensure that Ex-Im 
is not competing with private lenders in facilitating financing 
for exporters of all sizes, but particularly large exporters 
who have access to private capital?

A.8. I understand that Ex-Im's former Chairman Kimberly Reed 
led a review of the agency's procedures to review transactions 
to ensure that they are consistent with Ex-Im's mandate of 
supplementing and not competing with private capital. Under her 
leadership, the agency conducted a public review and the Board 
approved revised procedures. If confirmed, I would look forward 
to reviewing these procedures, as well as each individual 
transaction that comes before the Board of Directors to 
determine that Ex-Im is acting in accordance with its statutory 
requirements.

Q.9. Ex-Im's charter states that ``[i]t is also the policy of 
the United States that the Bank in the exercise of its 
functions should supplement and encourage, and not compete 
with, private capital.''
    Will you commit to working with me and this Committee to 
ensure that large corporations who have access to private 
capital do not turn to Ex-Im financing without first exhausting 
all efforts to obtain credit elsewhere?

A.9. If confirmed, I would be pleased to work with you and this 
Committee to ensure that the agency is fulfilling its statutory 
requirement of supplementing and not competing with private 
capital as it works to support U.S. jobs through exports.

Q.10. During the October 26, 2021, Banking Committee hearing 
for your nomination, Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) asked you: 
``[W]ill you commit, please Ms. Lewis, to working with my 
office so companies like Thrush Aircraft in Albany and 
Gulfstream Aerospace in Savannah can export more Georgia made 
products around the world?'' You responded, ``I will commit to 
working with you Senator, and other Members of this Committee 
on those types of issues.''
    Thrush Aircraft has received Ex-Im financing numerous 
times. Gulfstream Aerospace has as well, including for sales to 
China. The Ex-Im board has a responsibility to ensure its loan, 
loan guarantee, and insurance approvals are financially sound, 
done strictly as a lender of last resort, and free from 
political interference. How will the commitment you made here 
impact future Ex-Im Board decisions involving Gulfstream 
Aerospace or Thrush Aircraft?

A.10. In my comments to Senator Ossoff, I was committing, if 
confirmed, to work with him and the Members of this Committee 
to ensure that Ex-Im is being responsive to the needs of all 
U.S. exporters, in accordance with all applicable statutory and 
policy requirements.

Q.11. If your response to the previous question entails there 
will not be an impact, what does your commitment to Senator 
Ossoff, along with other Senators of this Committee, entail 
when specific companies are referenced in the commitment?

A.11. If confirmed, I would seek to work with the Members of 
this Committee to ensure that Ex-Im is being responsive to the 
needs of all U.S. exporters, in accordance with all applicable 
statutory and policy requirements. If the agency staff is not 
efficiently or effectively engaging with U.S. exporters or 
foreign buyers, I would seek to resolve those issues. If the 
agency's policies or procedures are not sufficiently responsive 
to the needs of U.S. exporters, I would seek to better 
understand what steps, if any, the agency should take to ensure 
it is effectively fulfilling its mandate in accordance with all 
applicable statutory requirements.

Q.12. COVID-19 Temporary Measures--In March 2020, Ex-Im adopted 
four ``temporary'' measures that put the U.S. taxpayers at 
greater risk, such as increasing the guaranteed coverage option 
to 95 percent. These measures were extended for an additional 
year to April 30, 2022. However, in FY2020, only two out of the 
131 transactions took advantage of the 95 percent coverage 
option.
    If confirmed, will you commit to letting the temporary 
measures that Ex-Im adopted during the pandemic expire on April 
30, 2022?

A.12. If confirmed, I commit to reviewing the temporary 
measures that Ex-Im's Board adopted and determining if they 
have been effective in supporting U.S. exporters facing 
challenges due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and 
whether they are still needed. I would look to work with you 
and the Members of this Committee to better understand if there 
are specific concerns about the temporary measures that Ex-Im's 
Board has adopted.

Q.13. If confirmed, will you commit to ensuring these 
``temporary'' measures do not become permanent policies of Ex-
Im?

A.13. If confirmed, I commit to reviewing Ex-Im's programs to 
determine how the agency can best support U.S. jobs through 
exports, while being a responsible steward of taxpayer 
resources.

Q.14. China Program--In December 2020, the Ex-Im Board of 
Directors unanimously approved lowering the domestic content 
policy for its Program on China and Transformational Exports 
(CTEP) to 51 percent, with the potential to be even lower.
    What is the lowest domestic content percentage that you 
would personally support? Please provide a numerical 
percentage.

A.14. At this time, I do not have a predetermined view on Ex-
Im's domestic content policy. If confirmed, I would look to 
better understand what Ex-Im's existing policy is, what effect 
that policy has on the agency's ability to support U.S. jobs, 
and consider the views of various stakeholders, including the 
Members of this Committee and Congress.

Q.15. The Ex-Im Advisory Committee recommended a U.S. content 
minimum of 20-30 percent to purportedly better level the 
playing field with foreign competitors. Would you support a 20 
percent domestic content for a loan guarantee? If so, can you 
explain how this fits within Ex-Im's mission statement of 
supporting U.S. jobs when 80 percent of the product will be 
made elsewhere?

A.15. At this time, I do not have a predetermined view on Ex-
Im's domestic content policy. If confirmed, I would look to 
better understand what Ex-Im's existing policy is, what effect 
that policy has on the agency's ability to support U.S. jobs, 
and consider the views of various stakeholders, including the 
Members of this Committee and Congress.

Q.16. During the October 26, 2021, Banking Committee hearing 
for your nomination, Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) asked you: 
``[A]s Ex-Im continues to implement the China and 
Transformational Exports Program, the CTEP program, to help 
U.S. exporters compete abroad especially in the face of China's 
Belt and Road Initiative. What are some of the metrics that you 
would look to in measuring how we're faring against China in 
this competition?''
    After your response, Senator Van Hollen requested 
additional information from you on some of the metrics that you 
will be looking at in response. Can you elaborate what those 
metrics are?

A.16. At this point, I do not have sufficient information about 
the China and Transformational Exports Program to have a 
definitive view about the appropriate metrics to evaluate its 
effectiveness. As a general matter, I believe it will be 
important to understand whether U.S. exporters see the program 
as helping them compete against Chinese Government-backed 
export financing, the volume of financing the program is doing, 
and the performance of Ex-Im's financing activity under the 
program.

Q.17. Ex-Im Priorities as President and Chair--During the 
October 26, 2021, Banking Committee hearing for your 
nomination, Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) asked you: ``Tell me 
one change you plan to make at Ex-Im if you're confirmed.'' In 
your response, you did not provide any changes.
    What is one change you plan to make at Ex-Im if you're 
confirmed?

A.17. If confirmed, one of my top priorities would be to expand 
Ex-Im global business development efforts. The agency has a 
critical role to play for businesses that are looking to reduce 
the risk of exporting and need access to capital. Congress has 
directed Ex-Im to expand and increase its presence and outreach 
in rural States, with veterans, women and minorities and 
persons with disabilities to ensure American exporters and 
foreign buyers know about the services Ex-Im provides. I would 
look forward to drawing upon my years of experience and 
national network working with all types of businesses and 
associations to ensure businesses, especially small businesses 
and those underrepresented in exporting, are aware of and have 
access to Ex-Im services.

Q.18. Have you had any discussions with either White House or 
Ex-Im staff about potential changes or modifications to any 
existing Ex-Im policies? If so, please identify what policies 
and explain what the potential changes and modifications are?

A.18. I have not had any discussions with either the White 
House or Ex-Im staff about any potential changes or 
modifications to any existing Ex-Im policies.

Q.19. Answering Questions for the Record--Please describe with 
particularity the process by which you answered these questions 
for the record, including identifying who assisted you in 
answering these questions along with a brief description of 
their assistance.

A.19. I prepared my questions for the record and worked with 
Ex-Im's Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs 
to ensure that I was fully complying with the information 
requested.
                                ------                                


               RESPONSES TO WRITTEN QUESTIONS OF
              SENATOR MENENDEZ FROM RETA JO LEWIS

Q.1. The most recent Ex-Im competitiveness report found, ``an 
increased role of foreign export credit agencies in supporting 
domestic companies with no export footprint during COVID-19.'' 
In other words, Ex-Im's foreign peers invested in their own 
domestic, nonexport, companies. Potentially, this creates an 
opportunity for U.S. exporters.
    As foreign export credit agencies focus on their nonexport 
domestic companies, is this an opportunity for Ex-Im to more 
aggressively provide support to U.S. export companies and help 
the U.S. be more competitive?

A.1. Ex-Im has a statutory mandate to level the playing field 
for U.S. exporters. If U.S. exporters are being put at a 
competitive disadvantage, I believe that Ex-Im has an 
obligation to determine how it can best level the playing field 
for U.S. exporters, in accordance with its statutory 
requirements.

Q.2. In past recessions, Ex-Im has typically expanded its 
support as private commercial banks scale back their trade 
financing. For example, in fiscal year 2009, during the Great 
Recession, Ex-Im's credit assistance grew 46 percent over the 
prior year, and much of that new assistance was in support of 
American small businesses.
    If confirmed, what steps will you take to ensure Ex-Im is 
responding to the needs of small exporters during the COVID 
recovery?

A.2. It is my understanding that Ex-Im has taken some initial 
steps to support small business exporters during the COVID 
pandemic. Should I be confirmed I would look forward to 
reviewing the actions that have already been taken and 
understanding their effectiveness in meeting the unique needs 
of small businesses.
    Also, it seems that one of the major barriers to using Ex-
Im financing is knowledge of the tools and resources Ex-Im can 
provide, especially among minority and women-owned businesses 
that may have been particularly hard-hit during the pandemic. 
Therefore, if confirmed I would place a high priority on 
education and outreach through in-person outreach, digital 
engagement, and engagement with amplifier networks to ensure 
small businesses are aware of how Ex-Im can support them during 
COVID recovery and beyond as they seek to grow their sales 
through exports.

Q.3. What lessons can Ex-Im take from the COVID-19 response to 
improve our resiliency to future pandemics and other shocks 
that cause global trade disruptions?

A.3. Ex-Im has important tools that support liquidity needs of 
businesses, especially during times of economic uncertainty. 
Through Ex-Im's Working Capital Loan Guarantee Program, small 
businesses can access capital to support a variety of preexport 
needs, such as salaries, raw materials, and more. Such 
liquidity can be an important buffer against trade disruptions. 
Ex-Im's Export Credit Insurance can allow exporters to offer 
open account terms, allowing goods time to get to foreign 
markets. To help these tools support the current recovery and 
improve resiliency for future trade shocks, I believe that Ex-
Im must expand business development and outreach so that 
businesses, especially small businesses or those new to 
exporting, become aware of how Ex-Im can support them.
    As I am not at the agency, I am unable to determine how 
effective Ex-Im's response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been 
and what lessons, if any, should be drawn from the experiences 
of the agency and U.S. exporters. However, I am aware that 
there have been broader conversations about whether Ex-Im can 
play a role in strengthening U.S. leadership in the development 
and manufacturing of critical goods. I look forward to learning 
more about these efforts and, if confirmed, I would be pleased 
to further discuss this issue with you and your office.

Q.4. As the United States increases its focus on clean energy 
and creating good-paying green tech jobs here at home, there 
has been some public criticism that Ex-Im has inadequately done 
its part to reach out to the clean energy industry, educate 
them about the opportunities Ex-Im provides, develop a clean 
tech project pipeline, and in turn create competitive American 
made climate tech industries and jobs.
    If confirmed, will you commit to engaging directly with the 
clean energy industry to ensure that they have a robust 
understanding of the opportunities provided by Ex-Im?

A.4. I believe there is tremendous opportunity for growth in 
the renewable and clean energy sectors, especially through Ex-
Im's China and Transformational Exports Program. If confirmed, 
I would make it a priority to ensure businesses in these 
industries are aware of how the U.S. Government can help them 
export their products. I look forward to working with Ex-Im 
staff to partner with colleagues across the U.S. Government, 
State, and local elected leaders, State economic development 
entities, and amplifier groups such as industry trade 
organizations to spread the word about Ex-Im tools and 
resources.
                                ------                                


        RESPONSES TO WRITTEN QUESTIONS OF SENATOR WARREN
                       FROM RETA JO LEWIS

Q.1. Please describe your plans to implement the provisions of 
Ex-Im's reauthorization with an emphasis on clean technology 
and renewable energy, including how you plan to reach out to 
industry and educate them on the opportunities Ex-Im provides 
and create competitive, American-made clean tech jobs.

A.1. Ex-Im must be committed to supporting the energy solutions 
of the future and ensuring that clean, renewable energy and the 
products and innovations that drive it are American made. If 
confirmed, I will work to increase Ex-Im's global business 
development efforts to ensure that businesses of all sizes are 
aware of and have access to Ex-Im's services.
    If confirmed, I would work with the Ex-Im team to 
strengthen Ex-Im's interagency coordination with the 
Departments of Energy, Commerce, and State and the Small 
Business Administration, U.S. Trade and Development 
Administration, Millennium Challenge Corporation, and U.S. 
International Development Finance Corporation as part of a 
whole-of-Government approach to identifying export 
opportunities, developing U.S. manufacturing, and winning 
overseas contracts.
    I would also seek to foster enhanced relationships with 
business leaders, trade associations, State and local leaders, 
and other amplifier organizations to ensure U.S. companies and 
foreign buyers are aware of the products and services Ex-Im 
provides. I believe there is tremendous opportunity for growth 
in the renewable energy and clean technology sectors, 
especially through Ex-Im's China and Transformational Exports 
Program, and should I be confirmed I would make it a priority 
to ensure businesses in these industries are aware of how the 
U.S. Government can help them export their products.
                                ------                                


       RESPONSES TO WRITTEN QUESTIONS OF SENATOR KENNEDY
                       FROM RETA JO LEWIS

Q.1. President Biden's Executive Order 14008, Tackling the 
Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad, directs the Secretaries of 
State, Treasury, and Energy to work with the Export-Import Bank 
``to identify steps through which the United States can promote 
ending international financing of carbon-intensive fossil fuel-
based energy while simultaneously advancing sustainable 
development and a green recovery.''
    In response to the Executive order, the Treasury Department 
announced guidance in August of this year restricting support 
for financing of natural gas projects overseas. Treasury's 
guidance further confounds the uncertainty surrounding 
President Biden's support for U.S. LNG exports and thousands of 
high-paying jobs here in the United States.
    I am concerned that other Federal financing agencies, such 
as the Ex-Im Bank may seek to implement similar policies that 
discriminate against projects involving U.S. LNG.
    Ms. Lewis, section 2(k) of the Ex-Im Bank's Charter 
prohibits the Bank from:
    (1) Denying an application for financing based solely on 
the industry, sector or business the application concerns; or
    (2) Promulgating or implementing policies that discriminate 
against an application based solely on the industry, sector or 
business that it concerns.
    This clearly does not comport with the administration's 
efforts to limit financing mechanisms for U.S.-led LNG projects 
overseas.
    Ms. Lewis, if confirmed do you commit to strictly uphold 
the Ex-Im Bank's nondiscrimination policy against any industry, 
sector or business, including the natural gas industry of the 
United States?

A.1. I believe that Ex-Im has an important role in supporting 
industries and workers in accordance with all statutory and 
policy requirements. Ex-Im must review every transaction using 
the criteria set forth in its Charter and Congress has mandated 
that Ex-Im cannot discriminate solely on the basis of industry, 
sector, or business.
    If confirmed, I commit to upholding this legal requirement 
and working with you and other Members of the Committee to 
ensure Ex-Im is fulfilling its mission to support U.S. jobs 
through exports.

Q.2. What assurances can you provide to this Committee today 
that you will not allow partisan policies that discriminate 
against the U.S. LNG industry to influence the Ex-Im Bank's 
financing policies?

A.2. I believe that Ex-Im has an important role in supporting 
industries and workers in our country in accordance with all 
statutory and policy requirements, including nondiscrimination 
solely on the basis of fuel source. Ex-Im must review each 
transaction using the criteria set forth in its Charter.
    I have significant experience working in a bipartisan 
manner and, if confirmed, I intend to continue that practice in 
my leadership of the agency. I do not believe that partisan 
policies should play any role in the agency's financing 
policies.

Q.3. Ex-Im Bank was given authority under the China and 
Transformational Exports Program to level the playing field 
directly against the People's Republic of China [Sec. 2(l)(1) 
of the Bank's Charter]. Are you prepared to aggressively 
finance projects for U.S. exporters that face Chinese 
competition?

A.3. If confirmed, I am prepared to uphold the Ex-Im mission to 
support U.S. jobs through exports and believe the China and 
Transformational Exports Program can support that mission, 
especially in the face of Chinese competition. I recognize that 
the Chinese Government has aggressively worked to support their 
exporters and I agree that the Ex-Im must stand ready to 
support U.S. exporters who are confronting this reality in 
markets around the world.
    If confirmed, I look forward to learning more about the 
status of the Program and working with you and your staff on 
how the agency can further support U.S. jobs and workers, while 
being a responsible steward of taxpayer resources.

Q.4. Exporters tell me that Ex-Im Bank loan officers spend over 
50 percent of their time training and answering questions from 
the Inspector General versus working on transactions for U.S. 
exporters to compete against China. The Inspector General's 
office at Ex-Im Bank spends 6 percent of the agency's budget, 
employs 10 percent of the agency's employees, and has more 
investigators than the Bank has loan officers. As of last year, 
the agency's loan volume is down 80 percent since the IG office 
grew so large. Will you work with the IG to properly size their 
office so that exporters can get their deals approved and we 
can level the playing field against China?

A.4. I recognize that Ex-Im's Office of the Inspector General 
has an important role to play in providing an independent and 
objective review of the agency. If confirmed, I would look to 
build a constructive relationship with the Office of the 
Inspector General to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse, and 
improve agency operations. I will work with the Ex-Im staff, 
the Office of the Inspector General, and Congress to ensure the 
agency can best fulfill its mission of supporting U.S. jobs 
through exports, including in sectors where there is direct 
competition against the Chinese.
                                ------                                


        RESPONSES TO WRITTEN QUESTIONS OF CHAIRMAN BROWN
                FROM ELIZABETH DE LEON BHARGAVA

Q.1. Please describe your plans to implement the provisions of 
Ex-Im's reauthorization with an emphasis on clean technology 
and renewable energy, including how you plan to reach out to 
industry and educate them on the opportunities Ex-Im provides 
and create competitive, American-made clean tech jobs.

A.1. Ex-Im must be committed to supporting the energy solutions 
of the future and ensuring that clean, renewable energy and the 
products and innovations that drive it are American made. If 
confirmed, I will work to increase Ex-Im's global business 
development efforts to ensure that businesses of all sizes are 
aware of and have access to Ex-Im's services.
    If confirmed, I would work with the Ex-Im team to 
strengthen Ex-Im's interagency coordination with the 
Departments of Energy, Commerce, and State and the Small 
Business Administration, U.S. Trade and Development 
Administration, Millennium Challenge Corporation, and U.S. 
International Development Finance Corporation as part of a 
whole-of-Government approach to identifying export 
opportunities, developing U.S. manufacturing, and winning 
overseas contracts.
    I would also seek to foster enhanced relationships with 
business leaders, trade associations, State and local leaders, 
and other amplifier organizations to ensure U.S. companies and 
foreign buyers are aware of the products and services Ex-Im 
provides. I believe there is tremendous opportunity for growth 
in the renewable energy and clean technology sectors, 
especially through Ex-Im's China and Transformational Exports 
Program, and should I be confirmed I would make it a priority 
to ensure businesses in these industries are aware of how the 
U.S. Government can help them export their products.
                                ------                                


        RESPONSES TO WRITTEN QUESTIONS OF SENATOR TOOMEY
                FROM ELIZABETH DE LEON BHARGAVA

Q.1. Congressional Oversight--Please provide your philosophy on 
how the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration 
will approach and respond to Congressional information requests 
(both for documentary information and oral testimony), if you 
are confirmed.

A.1. I recognize the important role that Congress plays in 
reviewing and monitoring the work of administrative agencies, 
including HUD. If confirmed, I would work to ensure the Office 
of the Assistant Secretary for Administration cooperates with 
the HUD offices in charge of responding to such requests and 
that our team assists those offices to respond to Congressional 
information requests in a timely and transparent manner, 
consistent with applicable law and regulation.

Q.2. If confirmed, do you intend to respond to information 
requests differently depending on who is making the 
Congressional information request (whether it's the chair of 
the Congressional committee, the Ranking Member, or another 
Member of Congress)? Please answer ``yes'' or ``no.'' If your 
answer is ``yes,'' please explain.

A.2. If confirmed, I would work to ensure the Office of the 
Assistant Secretary for Administration cooperates with the HUD 
offices in charge of responses to Congressional information 
requests, and that we assist those offices to do so in a way 
that is consistent with applicable law and regulation.

Q.3. Will you commit that, if confirmed, you will timely 
respond to and fully comply with all information requests from 
me? Please answer ``yes'' or ``no.'' If your answer is ``no,'' 
please explain.

A.3. If confirmed, I would work to ensure the Office of the 
Assistant Secretary for Administration cooperates with the HUD 
offices in charge of evaluating Congressional information 
requests and coordinating such responses, and that we assist 
those offices to diligently respond to Congressional 
information requests, consistent with applicable law and 
regulation.

Q.4. Will you commit that, if confirmed, you will make yourself 
and any other Office of the Assistant Secretary for 
Administration employee expeditiously available to provide oral 
testimony (including but not limited to briefings, hearings, 
and transcribed interviews) to the Committee on any matter 
within its jurisdiction, upon the request of either the 
Chairman or Ranking Member? Please answer ``yes'' or ``no.'' If 
your answer is ``no,'' please explain why.

A.4. I recognize the important role that Congress plays in 
reviewing and monitoring the work of administrative agencies, 
including HUD. If confirmed, I would work in consultation with 
the HUD offices in charge of evaluating Congressional requests 
and coordinating such responses to ensure the Office of the 
Assistant Secretary for Administration responds to 
Congressional information requests, consistent with applicable 
law and regulation.

Q.5. Do you believe that the Office of the Assistant Secretary 
for Administration may assert any privileges or other legal 
justifications to withhold information (whether records or oral 
testimony) from Congress? Please answer ``yes'' or ``no.''

A.5. If confirmed, I will work with HUD's Office of General 
Counsel to ensure that the Office of the Assistant Secretary 
for Administration provides all the information necessary for 
such determinations to be made. As an effective public servant, 
I recognize that it is important to respond to Congressional 
requests, but I would defer to the Office of General Counsel on 
whether the Office of the Assistant Secretary for 
Administration has any such privileges or other legal 
justifications.

Q.6. If you answered ``yes'' to the preceding question, please 
list every such privilege or other legal justification and 
provide the legal basis for why you believe the Office of the 
Assistant Secretary for Administration may use such privilege 
or legal justification to withhold information from Congress.

A.6. N/A.

Q.7. In an effort to be open and transparent with Congress and 
the public, will you commit not to assert any such privilege or 
legal justification against Congress that you listed above? If 
not, why not? If so, please identify all such privileges or 
legal justifications that you will commit to not assert against 
Congress.

A.7. I commit to lead the Office of the Assistant Secretary for 
Administration, if confirmed, with transparency and openness, 
consistent with applicable law and regulation. As an effective 
public servant, I would defer to the appropriate office for 
making such determinations, the Office of General Counsel, on 
whether the Office of the Assistant Secretary for 
Administration has any privileges or other legal justifications 
for withholding information.

Q.8. HUD Staffing Retention Issues--From 2008 through 2017, HUD 
lost 18.5 percent of its staff, more than any other Cabinet-
level department. During this time, total staff governmentwide 
grew by 11 percent. According to recent reports, nearly a 
quarter of HUD's workforce is eligible to retire. That estimate 
will grow to 45 percent of HUD staff in just 5 years.
    Do you think it's prudent to appropriate $150 billion or 
more to HUD--which is roughly three times the HUD's annual 
budget--when so many staff responsible for administering these 
funds may just retire overnight?

A.8. If confirmed, I will work with the Secretary, Deputy 
Secretary, and my colleagues across the Department to ensure 
that HUD has the capacity to efficiently and effectively deploy 
all appropriated funds in ways that effectively advance HUD's 
mission to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities 
and quality affordable homes for all. The services of HUD are 
more important than ever, and I will work to make sure that we 
can hire, train, and retain staff and procure the services 
necessary to deliver on HUD's mission.
    HUD is fortunate to have many employees who have 
accumulated enough experience to qualify for retirement, as 
this means the agency is doing well in retaining employees with 
long-standing experience, and in complying with legal 
prohibitions against age-based employment discrimination.
    I agree with Secretary Fudge that recruiting and retaining 
the best talent is imperative to rebuilding HUD's workforce and 
fulfilling its mission. If confirmed, I would work with the 
Office of Administration to increase HUD's hiring capacity, and 
to review the hiring process so as to strengthen efficiencies 
such as reducing the number of steps to hire a new employee. If 
confirmed, I will work with the team to continue taking 
positive steps forward to grow HUD's workforce, while retaining 
institutional knowledge.

Q.9. Can HUD effectively administer these programs given the 
very real risk of staff attrition? If so, what is your plan to 
help ensure that staff turnover does not adversely impact HUD's 
ability to responsibly administer these programs and protect 
taxpayer resources against waste, fraud, and abuse?

A.9. If confirmed, I will work with the Secretary, Deputy 
Secretary, and my colleagues across the Department to ensure 
that HUD has the capacity to efficiently and effectively deploy 
all appropriated funds to advance HUD's mission to create 
strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality 
affordable homes for all and ensure HUD is protecting taxpayer 
resources.
    Further, it will be critical to minimize the impact of any 
turnover by focusing first on the methodical preservation of 
the teams' institutional knowledge, and then the effective 
dissemination of that knowledge.

Q.10. HUD has additional challenges hiring staff quickly. HUD's 
average time-to-hire in FY2019 exceeded OPM's goal by 61 days. 
It takes nearly 5 months, on average, to get staff on-boarded 
at HUD. With very clear hiring challenges, why should Congress 
trust HUD is capable of quickly hiring people to administer 
billions more in taxpayer dollars?

A.10. If confirmed, I will work with the Office of the Chief 
Human Capital Office (OCHCO), which is a part of the Office of 
Administration, to understand the current procedures, barriers, 
and opportunities for improvement in HUD's hiring process. I 
will also evaluate and contribute to the resources OCHCO needs 
to lead the hiring process. I will also work with my colleagues 
in the Office of the Chief Financial Officer and Office of the 
Chief Information Officer to identify the resources and 
technology necessary to deliver efficiently on HUD's hiring 
needs.

Q.11. Minimum Wage and Paid Family Leave--Your biography notes 
that you were ``integral in securing New York's historic 
minimum hourly wage increase to $15'' and that you ``led the 
establishment of New York's Paid Family Leave program.''
    Isn't it true that a requirement for paid family leave will 
reduce either compensation or a different benefit because a 
company can only reserve so much for this purpose?

A.11. New York Paid Family Leave is insurance that is fully 
funded by employees through payroll deductions. My 
responsibility, if confirmed, will be to ensure that HUD is 
complying with Congress' mandate in an efficient and effective 
way that ensures the retention and recruitment of a highly 
qualified and diligent workforce.

Q.12. If not, where do businesses get the money to cover this 
expense from?

A.12. Please see the response above.

Q.13. Work Requirements for HUD Programs--Do you support 
requiring able-bodied adults without dependents to work or, at 
a minimum, look for work, in order to receive taxpayer-funded 
housing benefits? If you do not, why not?

A.13. Policy development of program requirements do not fall 
under the Office of Administration. My responsibility, if 
confirmed, would be to support HUD in its hiring, training, and 
retention of staff and procuring the services necessary to 
deliver on HUD's mission.

Q.14. Many people are on waitlists to receive housing subsidies 
from HUD. Why should able-bodied adults without dependents who 
choose not to work receive taxpayer-subsidized housing instead 
of others in greater need of assistance?

A.14. Management of waitlists do not fall under the Office of 
Administration. My responsibility, if confirmed, would be to 
support HUD in its hiring, training, and retention of staff and 
procuring the services necessary to deliver on HUD's mission.

Q.15. HUD Procurement Issues--Procurement challenges are 
extraordinary for HUD's grantees. Public housing agencies 
(PHAs) routinely mismanage or steer lucrative contracts to 
favored vendors. The District of Columbia Housing Authority is 
one of the more recent examples of PHAs plagued by fraud and 
abuse in the last few weeks. The New York City Housing 
Authority (NYCHA)--for which Senator Schumer wants to secure a 
$40 billion earmark in the Democrats' reconciliation bill--is 
another. Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Relief 
(CDBG-DR) program grantees also fail to follow Federal 
procurement standards or equivalent standards. HUD's Inspector 
General (IG) discovered that Puerto Rico--which received almost 
$20 billion for CDBG-DR--lacked a written procurement policy 
and had deficiencies in 100 percent of the files they sampled. 
But HUD fares no better than its grantees. In 2019, HUD even 
identified risks in inadequate oversight of vendors and third-
party service providers.
    What steps must HUD take to better address contracting 
challenges when the HUD is set to administer another $150 
billion or more from the Democrats' partisan reconciliation 
bill?

A.15. If confirmed, I will oversee the Office of the Chief 
Procurement Officer (OCPO), which is responsible for obtaining 
all contracted goods and services required by the Department 
efficiently and in the most cost-effective manner possible to 
enable the Department to deliver on its mission.
    I will begin by conducting a comprehensive assessment of 
the procurement system in order to identify areas where we can 
maximize competition on procurement bids, ensure competitive 
rates, streamline, gain efficiencies, improve transparency, and 
increase participation of small or disadvantaged businesses.

Q.16. HUD has a history of hiring people who defraud the 
Government. A former HUD contracting specialist was recently 
sentenced 2 years ago for accepting bribes in return for 
preferential treatment by bidders on HUD's contracts. \1\ 
Another was sentenced last year for getting section 8 voucher 
payments and hiding that from the Government. \2\ What steps 
should HUD take to safely manage contracts and ensure its own 
people do not engage in criminal conduct?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
     \1\ https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/pr/former-hud-employee-
sentenced-24-months-accepting-bribes-government-contractor
     \2\ https://www.justice.gov/usao-hi/pr/former-hud-employee-
sentenced-66-months-prison-fraud-and-identity-theft

A.16. If confirmed, I will work with the Secretary, Deputy 
Secretary, General Counsel, and my colleagues across the 
Department, to ensure the proper training, oversight, and 
controls are in place to protect taxpayer resources and ensure 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
the highest level of ethical conduct.

Q.17. Answering Questions for the Record--Please describe with 
particularity the process by which you answered these questions 
for the record, including identifying who assisted you in 
answering these questions along with a brief description of 
their assistance.

A.17. I prepared my answers. They were then reviewed through an 
interagency process in consultation with counsel.
                                ------                                


               RESPONSES TO WRITTEN QUESTIONS OF
        SENATOR MENENDEZ FROM ELIZABETH DE LEON BHARGAVA

Q.1. In recent years, HUD relocated key multifamily housing 
staff from its office in Newark to the New York regional 
office. New York and New Jersey have very different housing 
needs and challenges. We need to have adequate HUD boots on the 
ground that are familiar with New Jersey's unique needs and 
don't only focus on New York.
    Ms. Bhargava, what specific steps will you take to ensure 
that the Newark office has the staff it needs and that New 
Jersey remains a priority at HUD?
    Will you commit that if you are confirmed you will look at 
this issue with an eye for addressing New Jersey's housing 
needs?

A.1. Having staff in the field is critically important to HUD 
and its mission. Field staff are the eyes and ears on the 
ground and have the pulse of what is happening in a community 
and provide a place for residents to go to for services.
    I understand that the Obama administration undertook the 
transformation of Multifamily Housing with the goal to improve 
its performance to better serve our need for quality and 
affordable rental housing. However, it has been several years 
since implementation. If confirmed, I would commit to looking 
at this issue with an eye for addressing New Jersey's housing 
needs. I would discuss with the Secretary and Deputy Secretary 
the need to review HUD's field staffing in New Jersey so as to 
understand what is working and where there is a need for more 
staff. If confirmed, I would assess the steps HUD could take to 
ensure that we are investing in our staff and achieving our 
objectives to provide high quality and well-distributed 
services to residents and communities.
                                ------                                


        RESPONSES TO WRITTEN QUESTIONS OF SENATOR WARREN
                FROM ELIZABETH DE LEON BHARGAVA

Q.1. Please describe how you intend to ensure HUD is equipped 
with a workforce of the proper size and composition to ensure 
the agency can meet the increased demand for HUD programs and 
services.

A.1. We're in a time of great workplace upheaval that crosses 
industries and sectors. At the same time, the services of HUD 
are more important than ever and require a ready and evolving 
workforce to deliver on our mission. Throughout my career in 
public service, I have addressed similar challenges, and if 
confirmed, I look forward to bringing that expertise and 
leadership to HUD. If confirmed, I will look across HUD at 
current staffing and internal operations to make sure that the 
workforce is sufficient to manage the workload and protect the 
agency and taxpayers from risk. I will work with Secretary 
Fudge and the Deputy Secretary to identify the resources HUD 
needs to attract, retain, and develop a workforce that is able 
to carry out its work. If confirmed, I will begin by 
collaborating with the different program offices at HUD to 
assess the current state of talent and open positions in order 
to align job skills, experience, and training with HUD's 
mandate. This will involve exploring how to reorient and 
increase the efficacy of various functions and processes and 
reimagine functional job descriptions and laddering. I would 
also examine the HUD employee life cycle (recruiting, 
onboarding, laddering, developing/training, retaining, and 
offboarding). I believe in establishing an organizational 
culture, systems and ingrained behaviors that are aligned with 
equity, inclusion, and belonging, and to institute practices 
that are deeply aligned with the Department's mission. I will 
work in partnership with my team to define the values, 
processes, and procedures to expand HUD's workforce to meet an 
expanded mission.
                                ------                                


        RESPONSES TO WRITTEN QUESTIONS OF SENATOR DAINES
                FROM ELIZABETH DE LEON BHARGAVA

Q.1. What wasteful or inefficient practices do you intend to 
eliminate or reform within your areas of the Department?

A.1. If confirmed, I look forward to working with the 
Secretary, Deputy Secretary, and the staff of the Office of 
Administration to undertake a comprehensive review of the 
hiring and procurement practices in the Office, learn more 
about the process improvement procedures in place, and, if 
inefficiencies are identified, I will work to reform them. I 
will also review and carefully consider recommendations made by 
the Office of the Inspector General.

Q.2. You have commented that improving employee morale and work 
environment are central tenets of your goal to retain staff. 
What methods do you intend to use to achieve this objective?

A.2. If confirmed, I will work with the Secretary, Deputy 
Secretary, my team in the Office of Administration and my 
colleagues across the Department to ensure we are prioritizing 
employee morale and creating a diverse, equitable, inclusive, 
and accessible workplace. These methods may include: providing 
additional resources to support employee well being; enhancing 
leadership development and training opportunities for all HUD 
employees, especially supervisors and managers; and executing 
an effective Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility 
Strategic Plan as outlined in President Biden's Executive order 
and in compliance with all applicable law and regulations.

Q.3. Do you expect to instate mandated employee trainings and 
will they be required of subcontractors and grantees as well?

A.3. I am not familiar with HUD's policies on mandated employee 
training and whether they require training of the 
subcontractors and grantees. If confirmed, I will assess the 
trainings required for HUD employees, and work with the 
Secretary, Deputy Secretary, and my team in the Office of 
Administration to determine what, if any, changes should be 
made.

Q.4. Researchers across the Montana University System have 
worked extensively with Cross Laminate Timber (CLT) to create a 
highly versatile, and durable building material. If confirmed, 
will you commit to thoroughly consider incorporating CLT 
products into your technical assistance to your local housing 
partners?

A.4. Thank you for this information. If confirmed, I would not 
manage an office that plays a role in providing technical 
assistance to local housing partners. However, if confirmed, I 
would work to ensure that information of this type when shared 
with my office would be passed on to the appropriate offices, 
in a manner that is consistent with statutory, regulatory, and 
ethical requirements.

                               [all]