WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman G. K. Butterfield (NC-01) today released the following statement regarding the nomination of veteran lawmaker Congressman Mel Watt as the new Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency:
“Congressman Mel Watt has proudly represented the people of Charlotte, North Carolina in the U.S. House of Representatives for more than twenty years. He has been an outspoken leader on both the House Financial Services and the House Judiciary Committees where he has worked tirelessly to stop predatory lending, protect Americans from harmful financial practices, and increase access to affordable housing.
“From the time he was in the private sector as a small business owner and attorney, until now as a highly respected senior member of Congress, Watt’s entire life’s work has been to create economic opportunity for the middle class and those striving to reach it. His ability to bring together consumer advocates and industry leaders has resulted in much-needed reforms, which have spurred economic growth and reduced fraud.
“The key role he played in passing the Dodd-Frank Act is just one example of his commitment to this work. Overall, his expertise and judgment has made him the ‘go-to’ person on these matters.
“It is no wonder then that President Obama has decided to nominate Congressman Watt as the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency.
“There is no person better suited, more tenured, or as knowledgeable on the housing and financial industries in this Congress than my good friend, and fellow North Carolinian, Mel Watt. I am confident that he will successfully lead the Federal Housing Finance Agency.
“I congratulate him and his family on this well-deserved nomination.”