President Barack H. Obama’s nominee to oversee the Department of Housing and Urban Development has been confirmed for the job.
The president nominated Julián Castro in May to be HUD secretary. Castro is the mayor of San Antonio, Texas.
Castro is filling a vacancy being left by HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan, who Obama has nominated to be the director of the Office of Management and Budget.
On Wednesday, the full U.S. Senate confirmed Castro as HUD secretary by a vote of 71 to 26.
Obama issued a statement applauding the Senate’s confirmation.
“Julián is a proven leader, a champion for safe, affordable housing and strong, sustainable neighborhoods,” the White House statement said. “I know that together with the dedicated professionals at HUD, Julián will help build on the progress we’ve made battling back from the Great Recession — rebuilding our housing market, reducing homelessness among veterans, and connecting neighborhoods with good schools and good jobs that help our citizens succeed.”
Also applauding the confirmation was National Association of Home Builders Chairman Kevin Kelly, who said that his trade group ” looks forward to working with Secretary Castro to promote policies that will strengthen the nation’s housing recovery and ensure a reliable and adequate flow of affordable credit for single-family and multifamily housing.”
Mortgage Bankers Association President and Chief Executive Officer issued a statement commending the Senate from confirming Castro.
Stevens noted that the administration is well positioned to address important housing policy issues.
There was no indication given about when Castro will be sworn in.
