Civil Rights Groups Call for Mel Watt Confirmation

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WASHINGTON – Today, civil and human rights leaders spoke out in favor of Senate confirmation of Congressman Mel Watt to be the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). Their quotes are below:

Wade Henderson, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights

“No sitting member of Congress has been filibustered since before the Civil War. And given Congressman Watt’s considerable qualifications for this job, the denial of cloture would set a disturbing new precedent for our nation. Some who oppose or, in the case of the banking trade groups, are taking no position on Watt’s confirmation, are hoping to keep acting head Ed DeMarco in place, thus avoiding a more careful review of their practices. We think it’s outrageous that the Club for Growth would intimidate the Senate by scoring this vote. We ask that senators not kowtow to their radical anti-governance agenda and ensure that Congressman Watt receives a yes-or-no vote tomorrow.” 

Benjamin Jealous, president and CEO of the NAACP

“The NAACP is calling on the Senate to confirm Mel Watt for the position of Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency. Congressman Watt is poised to be a strong and fearless voice for struggling homeowners crippled by the recession and a force against predatory lenders who prey on black and brown communities.”

Brent A. Wilkes, national executive director of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)

“The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the largest and oldest Hispanic civil rights organization in the country, calls on the Senate to confirm Representative Mel Watt as the next Director of FHFA. Affordable housing is a critical need for many in the Hispanic community. LULAC is confident that once confirmed, Rep. Watt will help ensure that minority communities have affordable options toward home ownership. In addition, Rep. Watt will take the steps necessary to maintain stability in the mortgage markets. Rep. Watt has a long and distinguished history of public service and he deserves Senate confirmation for this very important position.”

Mike Calhoun, president of the Center for Responsible Lending

“Congressman Watt has long fought to protect American taxpayers and also ensure home lending is sustainable and available.  He will be a great leader of FHFA.”

Marc Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League

“The National Urban League, one of the largest providers of certified housing counseling to new homeowners and to those struggling to avoid foreclosure, urges Members of the Senate to swiftly confirm Representative Watt as FHFA Director.  The Urban League has been a frontline witness to the devastation that the mortgage crisis has caused in African American communities.  We are confident that Rep. Watt is the right man for these times and brings the expertise and commitment to restore the government’s role to help all Americans achieve the dream of homeownership. “

Janet Murguía, president and CEO of the National Council of La Raza 

“We urge senators to confirm Rep. Watt as the new Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). Rep. Watt has an extensive record of battling predatory lending and protecting homeowners’ rights, and without question, he will work to stabilize our fragile housing market for families and honest lenders alike.”

Lorraine C. Miller, interim president and CEO of the NAACP, and former Clerk of the House of Representatives

“Congressman Mel Watt is a fierce advocate for homeowners. I have known Congressman Watt and observed his effectiveness on the House Financial Services Committee for over a decade.   I am confident that he is the right person for this critical position.  He was among the first to speak against the predatory lending crisis that lead to the collapse of the housing market and massive loss of wealth particularly in communities of color.  We urge the Senate to confirm his nomination as his leadership and vision are needed to ensure that homeownership is accessible and affordable for all Americans.”

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights is a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 200 national organizations to promote and protect the rights of all persons in the United States. The Leadership Conference works toward an America as good as its ideals. For more information on The Leadership Conference and its 200-plus member organizations, visit www.civilrights.org.