The Woodstock Institute's Katie Buitago wrote the following regarding Kirk's vote to block Watt from the job of director of the FHFA:
Senator Mark Kirk voted today against the nomination of Congressman Mel Watt of North Carolina as Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), which regulates Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Despite Senator Kirk’s opposition, the nomination passed out of the Senate Banking Committee on a 12-10 party line vote and will proceed to the full Senate for a vote.
“We are deeply disappointed in Senator Kirk’s vote to blockMel Watt today,” said Dory Rand, president of Woodstock Institute. “Illinois homeowners need a fresh leader at the FHFA who has the vision to limit the pain caused by foreclosures and jump-start housing market investment. Consumer advocates and industry representatives agree thatMel Watt is clearly qualified to do that job. We urge Senator Kirk to reconsider his position when Watt’s nomination comes before the full Senate.”