Statement of NLIHC President & CEO Sheila Crowley on Nomination of Mel Watt as FHFA Director

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 1, 2013CONTACT: Sarah Brundage, [email protected], 202.662.1530 x246Statement of National Low Income Housing Coalition President & CEO Sheila Crowley on the Nomination of Representative Mel Watt to Serve as Next Director of the Federal Housing Finance AgencyI applaud the nomination of Representative Mel Watt to be the next director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency. Mr. Watt is a steadfast champion of policy that protects the interests of the public over the interests of big banks. He was an early supporter of legislation to create the National Housing Trust Fund and believes in a strong federal role to solve the shortage of rental housing that is affordable to the lowest income people.With Mr. Watt at FHFA, I am confident that the law will be followed and Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will start to meet their obligation to contribute to the National Housing Trust Fund. I also know that Mr. Watt will protect and expand the important role the secondary mortgage market has on ensuring an affordable and robust multifamily housing market as Congress proceeds with housing finance reform. The National Low Income Housing Coalition fully supports the nomination of Mr. Watt and looks forward to working with him.Dr. Crowley is available for further comment.