Debate over FHFA Leadership Resurfaces

State Attorney General FHFA

On March 15, the attorneys general (AGs) for nine states sent a letter to President Obama and Senate leaders seeking the appointment of a permanent director for the FHFA to replace Acting Director Edward DeMarco. The AGs complain that under Mr. DeMarco’s leadership, “Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac remain an obstacle to progress by refusing to adopt policies that will help maximize relief for homeowners,” identifying the FHFA’s opposition to allowing the entities to offer principal forgiveness as the primary issue. The AGs follow federal lawmakers who made a similar plea last month. Recently, it was reported that the President is considering Representative Mel Watt (D-NC) for the position. During a Senate hearing this week, Senator Bob Corker (R-TN) defended Mr. DeMarco and responded that any nominee for FHFA director should lack political bias and possess technical expertise to help guide Congress through development and implementation of housing reform.