Press Releases

CBC Chair Marcia L. Fudge’s Statement on the Nomination of Rep. Mel Watt as FHFA Director

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                May 1, 2013
CONTACT: Ayofemi Kirby
(202) 226-9776
Ayofemi.Kirby@mail.house.gov

 CBC Chair Marcia L. Fudge’s Statement on the Nomination of Rep. Mel Watt as FHFA Director

Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Chair Marcia L. Fudge released the following statement today on President Obama’s nomination of CBC Member and former Chair Rep. Mel Watt as Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA):

“With the nomination of Congressman Mel Watt to the FHFA, President Obama has chosen a proven leader with a history of tirelessly working across the aisle to ensure pathways to economic opportunity  are open to all people.

“During his 20 years as a corporate and real estate attorney and subsequent service on the Committees on Financial Services and the Judiciary, Rep. Watt advocated for provisions that protect the American people from damaging financial practices and that expand the availability of affordable housing for low-income and middle class families.  Rep. Watt was instrumental in the passage of the Dodd-Frank Act and has worked to end predatory lending and to address the foreclosure issues that advanced this country deeper into the recession.

“Rep. Watt is uniquely qualified, has the specialized knowledge and the commitment required to address our nation’s broken housing market that has affected so many families across this country. He has an incredible attention to detail and recognizes the need to examine every issue closely to consider the impact policies may have on individuals and communities. Rep. Watt will be the transformational leader the FHFA needs to make sure this country stays on the path to full economic recovery.

“I congratulate President Obama and his Administration for making such an outstanding choice in nominating Rep. Mel Watt for this position.  I urge the Senate to swiftly approve his appointment.”

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