Hearing on Nominees to lead Housing and Urban Affairs Agency Conveyed by Crapo

Senator Crapo, Chairman of the United States Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, today delivered the following remarks during a full committee hearing on the nominations of:

Mr. J. Paul Compton, Jr., of Alabama, to be General Counsel, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development;

Ms. Anna M. Farias, of Texas, to be Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development;

Mr. Neal J. Rackleff, of Texas, to be Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development;

Mr. Richard Ashooh, of New Hampshire, to be Assistant Secretary for Export Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce;

Ms. Elizabeth Erin Walsh, of the District of Columbia, to be Assistant Secretary for Global Markets and Director General of the United States and Foreign Commercial Service, U.S. Department of Commerce; and

Mr. Christopher Campbell, of California, to be Assistant Secretary for Financial Institutions, U.S. Department of the Treasury.  

The text of Chairman Crapo’s remarks, as prepared, is below.

“This morning, we will consider the nominations of six individuals to serve in key leadership posts within the Administration. 

“Welcome to all of you, and congratulations on your nomination to these very important offices.

 “I see friends and family behind you and I welcome them here today, as well.

 “The nominees before us are Paul Compton, to be HUD General Counsel; Anna Farias to be HUD Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity; Neal Rackleff to be HUD Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development; Richard Ashooh to be Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration; Elizabeth Walsh to be Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets and Director-General of the United States and Foreign Commercial Service; and, Christopher Campbell to be Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Financial Institutions.

“Each of these nominees brings diverse life and work experience and expertise which will play an important role in shaping national policy and advancing economic opportunities for Americans.

“Mr. Compton has dedicated his entire 30-year legal career to affordable housing and community development, and has developed an intimate familiarity with HUD’s various programs. 

“This will enable him, as General Counsel of HUD, to provide effective counsel to Secretary Carson and be a valuable resource for other HUD program administrators.  

“Ms. Farias, who grew up in public housing in Crystal City Texas, later returned to run the Crystal City housing authority, and, leading by example, lived in one of the units she managed. 

“She also served, twice, as a HUD Deputy Assistant Secretary, and has dedicated much of her legal career to developing diverse communities and fighting discrimination in housing.

“Mr. Rackleff, as well, has on-the-ground community development experience, directing the Houston Housing and Community Development Department and serving as General Counsel for the Housing Authority of the City of Houston. 

“Mr. Ashooh served for over two decades in the aerospace industry, ensuring the success of programs that protect our warfighters, particularly in the electronic warfare space.

“This experience should equip him well to develop policies and regulations for the Bureau of Industry and Security which handles our nation’s critical export control system.

“Ms. Walsh has had an extensive international career in both the public and private sector, including experience at the State Department and the United Nations.

“In her position, she would assist US firms in entering foreign markets as well as promote investment into the United States. 

“Mr. Campbell serves as staff director for the Senate Finance Committee, where he has developed a strong reputation of policy expertise, and an ability to work with both sides of the aisle to get results.  

“Chris has been instrumental in the enactment of significant recent legislative accomplishments in trade, health care, customs reform and tax extenders. 

“Senators from both sides of the aisle have looked to Chris for his policy insights and strategic know-how. 

“As a member of the Finance Committee myself, I know Chris well, and I know that he also understands how the Senate and the Treasury can work together to enact meaningful reform.  

“Passing bipartisan legislation to promote economic growth is one of my top priorities this Congress, and, if he is confirmed, I look forward to working closely with Chris and other members of this Committee on getting legislation enacted into law. 

“I urge my colleagues to confirm all six of you without delay. 

“This committee will continue its work to push nominations through as expeditiously as possible so that our agencies have all the personnel they need to tackle the critical issues facing our country. 

“Once again, congratulations to all of you on your nominations to these very important offices, and thank you for your willingness to serve.”

###