12.8.20
President-elect Joe Biden’s December 10 announcement to nominate Congresswoman Marcia Fudge (D-OH) to serve as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) received mixed reviews from top lawmakers with jurisdiction over housing issues. Ranking member of the Senate Banking Committee Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) said in a statement “I am confident that as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development she will work to address this public health crisis and our affordable housing crisis, and make our housing system more equitable.” Similarly, Chairwoman of the House Financial Services Committee (HFSC) stated “In nominating Representative Marcia Fudge as Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, President-elect Joe Biden has selected a seasoned legislator who is ready to address the challenges that lie ahead.” Rep. Fudge has a strong relationship with Chairwoman Waters as fellow longtime Congressional Black Caucus members, and is also close with Senator Brown as both are members of the Ohio Delegation and hail from Cleveland. Rep. Fudge’s selection could suggest close coordination between the three officials. HFSC Ranking Member Patrick McHenry (R-NC) was less optimistic about the announcement and stated, “We have a dozen Democrats on the House Financial Services Committee who would have the credibility and expertise for this position. While I disagree with the policies they’d push, I’d at least have confidence in them to do the job.”