March 29, 2012

JOHNSON STATEMENT ON SENATE CONFIRMATION OF KEY FINANCIAL REGULATORS

WASHINGTON – Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Johnson (D-SD) released the following statement on confirmation of Martin Gruenberg, Thomas Hoenig, and Jeremiah Norton to be a members of the FDIC Board of Directors, and Thomas Curry to be the Comptroller of the Currency. All four nominations were approved by unanimous consent.

“It is vital that we have strong leaders in place at our financial regulators as we continue our economic recovery, continue implementation of the Wall Street Reform Act, and are faced with challenges from the crisis in Europe,” said Chairman Johnson. “I’m glad that the Senate was able to set aside partisan politics and approve these individuals.”

“Marty Gruenberg has done excellent work as both Acting Chairman and Vice Chairman of the FDIC ever since he was first confirmed with bipartisan support in 2005. I am confident that his intellect and years of experience in financial services, including distinguished service on the staff of the Senate Banking Committee, make him superbly qualified to continue to serve at the FDIC.

“Tom Curry has been a strong, effective Director at the FDIC for the past seven years, and his experience as both a state and federal regulator will serve him well as the next Comptroller of the Currency.

“As the former President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City from 1991 to 2011, Mr. Hoenig is well prepared to serve on the FDIC board. I know Mr. Hoenig will be a strong voice for rural communities and the need to preserve the community banking model.

“Mr. Norton’s diverse experience having worked in both the public and private sectors will give him the perspective and knowledge he needs to be an effective FDIC board member.”

The Senate also approved the nomination of Maurice Jones to be the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development and Christy Romero, to be Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program.

“Throughout the nomination process Mr. Jones has proved to be well qualified to serve as the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and HUD is fortunate to have him joining the team,” said Johnson.

“I have been extremely impressed with Ms. Romero and the American taxpayer is lucky to have her leading the way as the Special Inspector General for TARP.

Since Senator Johnson became Chairman in February 2011, the Banking Committee has reported out and the Senate has confirmed 23 of the President’s nominees.



-30-