WASHINGTON, March 2 -- Sen. John Thune issued the following press release:

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor:

Thune's remarks below (as delivered):

"Mr. President, ask a group of people what they think of when they think of the American dream, and homeownership is pretty likely to come up.

"A house, a neighborhood, a yard for the kids (or pet) to play.

"Getting the keys to a place of your own.

"That's a part of the American dream for a lot of Americans.

"But it's a part of the American dream that has been increasingly out of reach for many.

"A lot of Americans - particularly younger Americans - are simply being priced out of the housing market.

"Home prices hav...