Hastings Backs Obama on Recess Appointment

On Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Alcee L. Hastings, D-Miramar, defended President Barack Obamas recess appointment of Richard Cordray as the head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Mr. Cordray is qualified and prepared to head the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and deserved fair consideration by the Senate, Hastings stated in a release Wednesday. Though the process is far from ideal, the presidents responsibility is to the American people, not the childish whims of Senate Republicans. Presidents going back to George Washington have used recess appointments. Even George W. Bush made over 170 such appointments.

The president's move skirted the stiff challenge that had been presented by Republicans, who had attempted to block the maneuver by holding pro forma sessions during the holiday recess.

Cordray, a former Ohio attorney general, was nominated by Obama in July.

With a director at the helm, the CFPB can finally begin to fulfill its congressional mandate to protect consumer interests, Hastings continued in his release. For far too many years, Wall Street was allowed to run rampant. It is time for someone to look out for Main Street.

As he takes his place at the helm of the CFPB, it is my sincere hope that Mr. Cordray will continue to protect consumer interests as he has done throughout his career, without adversely impacting members of the financial services community that have continually made good-faith efforts to adhere to sufficient, existing state regulations.