STATEMENT FROM COMMERCE SECRETARY DONALD L. EVANS PRAISING TODAY’S HOUSING STARTS

“The dream of homeownership is coming true for more and more people as the President's pro-growth policies expand opportunity and America builds an increasing number of new homes. Tax and spend policies would only stifle this growth and hurt America's families. Our country is moving in the right direction, and today's housing starts reflect that.”

Note: Today, the Commerce Department released data indicating that housing starts rose in March 6.4 percent, which was well above market expectations. The numbers build on a rebounding trend in the economy. Earlier this week, retail sales data also rose above market expectations.