Political Quotes

“I rise today to urge my colleagues to confirm Pamela Patenaude as Deputy Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Ms. Patenaude was advanced by voice vote out of the Senate Banking Committee on June 14, and continues to receive nearly unanimous bipartisan support from affordable housing advocates, public housing agencies, and industry leaders. This month, Senate leadership received a joint letter signed by over 60 independent housing trade groups, urging that this nomination finally be brought to the floor for a vote. Over her distinguished career, Ms. Patenaude has touched nearly every corner of housing policy and has held leadership roles at both the local and Federal level. This is not the first time Ms. Patenaude has been considered for confirmation by this body. Twelve years ago, the Senate confirmed her by voice vote to become Assistant Secretary of Community Planning and Development at HUD. The Senate recognized her back then for what she remains today: an experienced industry veteran who will provide steadfast leadership to HUD. This vote is particularly important given the recent hurricanes in Texas and in Florida. HUD's Deputy Secretary chairs the Department's Disaster Management Group and coordinates the long-term recovery efforts of various program offices within HUD. Ms.…”