The Senate Banking Committee on Tuesday officially approved the nomination of Brian D. Montgomery, the current FHA Commissioner and Acting Deputy Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to the full-time Deputy HUD Secretary position, RMD has learned.
Montgomery, who was officially nominated for the position in October, has served the role in an acting capacity since January of 2019, upon the resignation of the previously full-time Deputy HUD Secretary Pam Patenaude. Montgomery is the first individual to serve as head of FHA twice and under three different administrations, doing so under the presidencies of George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Donald Trump, respectively.
In a vote of 20-5, the committee roundly approved Montgomery’s nomination, clearing a procedural hurdle that will now send it to the full Senate for a final confirmation vote. At the time of his nomination, Commissioner Montgomery expressed gratefulness at the prospect of further service.
“Once again, I am tremendously honored to be called upon by President Trump and Secretary Carson to serve this Department and the American people,” said Commissioner Montgomery in a press release announcing his nomination for the full-time position. “Service to our fellow Americans is the cornerstone of our Department and I look forward to continuing to help fulfill HUD’s critical role.”
The approval of the nomination was lauded by Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) President and CEO Robert D. Broeksmit shortly after the vote took place.
“MBA commends the Senate Banking Committee for approving the nomination of Brian Montgomery to be the next HUD Deputy Secretary,” Broeksmit said. “His knowledge, experience, and aptitude will serve him well in this position as he serves alongside Secretary Ben Carson and other members of the Administration. We look forward to continuing to work with HUD on the important issues facing the housing economy, and urge the full Senate to promptly take up this vote.”
Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Id.) began the voting procedure by lauding all the deliberated nominees, including Mr. Montgomery, urging his colleagues to confirm them.
Ranking Member Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), however, chose to vote “no” for Mr. Montgomery over concerns related to HUD limiting funding for the community development block grant during Montgomery’s tenure as Acting Deputy Secretary, and steps HUD has taken to eliminate the public housing capital fund, he said.
