Melvin Watt: “This is not about minority rights. This is about democracy and the rights of every Member of this House.”

Woman, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I am pained to be here today in opposition to this bill. I stood shoulder to shoulder with the chair of our full committee 2 years ago in patent reform after working almost 6 years to find…

Only in America could somebody be confirmed to this position that has the regulatory authority over the bulk of housing in this country.

Don't expect me to disregard the law and do it for you.

I support the concept of expanding access to affordable housing for both rental and ownership for the American people.