Mel Watt’s confirmation as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (the FHFA) is heartening news for American families and communities.

Americans for Financial Reform has fought for new FHFA leadership alongside many consumer, housing, civil rights and other organizations. We welcome the Senate’s action today, and look forward to working with Director Watt.

For too long, this important agency, created to oversee Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, has been led by an acting director with a narrow and ideologically extreme view of its mission.

Representative Watt is a knowledgeable and thoughtful public servant and a longtime leader in the fight against predatory lending. Under his leadership, the FHFA can be a help rather than a hindrance in efforts to deal with the foreclosure crisis, assist homeowners, and ensure broad access to sustainable and affordable credit.
Statements by AFR member organizations