Republicans Filibuster Mel Watt’s Nomination For Housing Finance Agency

President Barack Obama's nominee for the Federal Housing Finance Authority (FHFA) Director Rep. Mel Watt, D-NC., waves during the announcement of his nomination in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washingt... President Barack Obama's nominee for the Federal Housing Finance Authority (FHFA) Director Rep. Mel Watt, D-NC., waves during the announcement of his nomination in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, May 1, 2013. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) MORE LESS
Start your day with TPM.
Sign up for the Morning Memo newsletter

The Senate on Thursday voted 56-42 to proceed to vote on Rep. Mel Watt’s (D-NC) nomination to head the Federal Housing Finance Agency, short of the 60-vote filibuster-proof threshold needed to advance to a final vote.

Almost every Republican voted against proceeding to Watt’s nomination, who would head an agency carrying regulatory control over Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. 

White House press secretary Jay Carney said Thursday that the White House hopes Republicans reconsider their vote, calling the filibuster “enormously disappointing.”

Latest Livewire
Masthead Masthead
Founder & Editor-in-Chief:
Executive Editor:
Managing Editor:
Deputy Editor:
Editor at Large:
General Counsel:
Publisher:
Head of Product:
Director of Technology:
Associate Publisher:
Front End Developer:
Senior Designer: