Senate Confirms Marcia Fudge as HUD Secretary
The Senate on Wednesday afternoon confirmed Marcia Fudge, the Biden Administration’s nominee as HUD Secretary, by a 66-34 vote. The Senate also approved Merrick Garland’s nomination as Attorney General.
Mortgage Bankers Association President & CEO Robert Broeksmit issued the following statement after the vote:
“MBA congratulates Congresswoman Fudge on being confirmed as the Secretary of HUD. I am confident she will continue the agency’s critical work addressing the need for ongoing housing assistance during the COVID-19 emergency. We also look forward to working with the new Secretary on improving the FHA program by continuing the enhancements to its technology platforms as well as reforming servicing rules to lower costs and expand the number of lenders participating in the program. Finally, we hope she continues to support public-private partnerships such as FHA’s collaboration with MBA on multifamily underwriting training. MBA looks forward to working with Secretary Fudge and others in leadership at HUD, FHA, and Ginnie Mae on important issues facing both homeowners and renters.”
In remarks following her swearing-in ceremony, Fudge said she was honored to serve as HUD Secretary and couldn’t wait to get started.
“A good home shapes nearly every part of our lives,” Fudge said. “It’s where we start and end each day. It’s where we raise our families and come together in times of joy. It’s where we find shelter and comfort during times of hardship. The past year has reminded us just how important it is to have a safe and stable place to call home. But, right now—for millions of Americans—that sense of security and peace of mind is out of reach.”
President Joseph Biden Jr. nominated Fudge in December. She has represented Ohio’s 11th Congressional District for the past 12 years; she is former mayor of Warrensville Heights, Ohio, and past Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus.
The Senate Banking Committee forwarded Fudge’s nomination to the Senate on Feb. 4. She is the first woman to lead HUD in more than 40 years and the second Black woman in history to lead the Department.
MBA sent a letter last week urging the Senate to approve Fudge’s nomination, saying she will help “strengthen America’s housing market, promoting the production of affordable rental housing, improving the fabric of communities nationwide and addressing the needs of those in our country still living ‘on the outskirts of hope.”
Matt Ammon has been serving as acting HUD Secretary, after former HUD Secretary Ben Carson vacated the position during the transition of administrations.
