WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman G. K. Butterfield (NC-01) today released the following statement after the U.S. Senate failed to reach cloture on the nomination of Congressman Mel Watt (NC-12):
“I am utterly disappointed that Senate Republicans have blocked a straight up or down vote on the confirmation of Congressman Mel Watt, who clearly had the support of the majority of the Senate.
“As a former real estate attorney, the representative of the second largest banking center in the nation, and an author of Dodd-Frank, there is no doubt that Congressman Watt is qualified to serve as the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency.
“Throughout his career, Congressman Watt has worked tirelessly to stop predatory lending, protect Americans from harmful financial practices, and increase access to affordable housing. Yet, Senate Republicans have denied him confirmation to further their own political interests on Wall Street and, in the process, denied the nation of a capable leader that would ensure fair finance practices and the recovery of our sluggish housing industry.
“I truly hope that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and the White House acts quickly to urge Senate Republicans to reconsider.”