[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 88 (Monday, May 11, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S2338]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                   Nomination of Brian D. Montgomery

  Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I rise today to urge my colleagues to 
confirm Brian Montgomery as the next Deputy Secretary of the U.S. 
Department of Housing and Urban Development. Mr. Montgomery is among 
the most respected voices in the housing market, as well as one of the 
most experienced. His breadth of experience includes service as the 
head of the Federal Housing Administration--or FHA--during the Bush 
administration, the Obama administration, and the Trump administration.
  Mr. Montgomery guided FHA through the 2008 financial crisis and has 
provided steadfast leadership at the FHA through the ongoing COVID-19 
pandemic, arguably the two most turbulent times for the housing market 
in a generation.
  Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, he oversaw the return of FHA's 
insurance fund to its strongest financial position since fiscal year 
2007, while continuing to provide affordable homeownership 
opportunities to tens of thousands of first-time homebuyers each year. 
Since the outbreak, he has worked to make sure that FHA performs its 
traditional countercyclical role of maintaining liquidity and credit 
access in the mortgage market where traditional sources of home 
financing may have dried up.
  For over a year now, Mr. Montgomery has also served in the capacity 
of Acting Deputy Secretary at HUD, where he has managed the day-to-day 
operations of the Department under Secretary Ben Carson. Mr. Montgomery 
knows the Department inside and out and has been intimately involved in 
carrying out HUD's mission to create strong, sustainable, inclusive 
communities and quality affordable housing opportunities for millions 
of Americans.
  He has been described by the National Multifamily Housing Council as 
``a housing policy veteran with deep expertise and experience across a 
wide variety of policy areas.'' The National Association of 
Homebuilders has noted that ``throughout his government and private 
sector career, Brian has proven himself to be both an expert in 
affordable housing policy, as well as an outstanding Federal agency 
administrator and communicator.''
  This confirmation vote comes at a critical time. In the wake of 
COVID-19, we have already seen a huge number of mortgage borrowers 
enter forbearance, while many landlords are struggling to make ends 
meet, and countless renters are unsure where their next rent payment 
will come from. Homeless shelters are at or near capacity and facing 
novel issues related to social distancing, and the homeless community, 
who may be particularly exposed to the risk of contracting COVID-19, is 
leaning on HUD for help.
  HUD has a central role to play in addressing these challenges and 
more. The CARES Act acknowledges this important role, entrusting HUD 
with over $12 billion in additional funding to provide immediate relief 
and to address emerging issues. Bold leadership is especially needed 
during this critical time for HUD, and Mr. Montgomery is a trusted 
voice who fits the mold perfectly.
  Fifteen years ago, this body confirmed Mr. Montgomery on a voice vote 
to serve as FHA Commissioner. Two years ago, we confirmed him as FHA 
Commissioner, again, on a strong bipartisan vote of 74-23.
  I support Brian Montgomery, and I urge my colleagues to join me today 
in voting ``yes'' on his nomination.
  Thank you.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.