The Leadership Conference is working diligently to see that Tom Perez is confirmed as U.S. Secretary of Labor. Perez is an eminently qualified public servant and consensus builder who has dedicated his career to ensuring that all individuals are treated fairly and have the opportunity to succeed. He has served with integrity and distinction at the local, state and national level, compiling an outstanding record of achievement. Press Release - The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
Senate Republicans Hold Consumer Financial Protection Agency Hostage to Political Agenda
For Immediate Release
Contact: Scott Westbrook Simpson, 202.466.2061, simpson@civilrights.org
February 1, 2013
Washington, D.C. – Wade Henderson, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement in response to continuing Republican efforts to block the confirmation of Richard Cordray -- or any director -- to lead the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB):
“We are profoundly troubled by the unprecedented threat by a minority of the Senate to filibuster the confirmation of any nominee to lead the CFPB unless the Dodd-Frank bill is gutted to drastically weaken the CFPB. By refusing to confirm any potential agency leader, these senators are giving license to the most predatory pay day lenders, private student loan providers, and debt collectors to continue to squeeze the most vulnerable among us.
What makes this filibuster so incomprehensible is that – as we predicted – Wall Street has learned that it can co-exist with Director Cordray. Under his leadership, the CFPB has not abused its powers, has not harmed the markets, and has not shunned Congressional oversight.
It’s clear that the senators filibustering Director Cordray haven’t fully considered the ramifications of the precedent they are setting, which may come back to haunt them in future administrations.
The civil and human rights community is determined to see an effective leader like Cordray continue to head the CPFB so it can fulfill its essential mission.”
Wade Henderson is the president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 200 national organizations to promote and protect the rights of all persons in the United States. The Leadership Conference works toward an America as good as its ideals. For more information on The Leadership Conference and its 200-plus member organizations, visit www.civilrights.org.
