Thank you, Robin. And thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today on the important topic of housing and how housing fits in with the broader economy. First, I want to step back and say that housing—our homes—has a central role in our lives beyond what statistical reports capture. Housing matters greatly for our welfare because shelter is a basic human necessity. Our homes—be it city apartments, farmhouses passed through generations, or suburban dwellings—are among the most significant places in our lives. In terms of household finances, housing is an important source of wealth for many American families. ... (full story)