For Immediate Release:
June 2, 2011
Contact:
Adam Sarvana, Rep. Grijalva (202) 225- 5445
Jennifer Gore, Rep. Ellison (202) 225-4755
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressional Progressive Caucus Co-Chairs Keith Ellison (D-MN) and Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) and 87 fellow House members today sent a letter to President Obama urging him to appoint Elizabeth Warren, as a recess appointment if necessary, to head the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Signatories include Rep. Barney Frank, Ranking Member on the House Financial Services Committee; Financial Services Committee members Reps. Carolyn Maloney and Brad Miller; and Rep. Elijiah Cummings, Ranking Member on the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
“Elizabeth Warren has proved to be an effective fighter who puts America first by working to protect the middle-class,” Rep. Ellison said. “Professor Warren knows that our future prosperity depends upon working for the economic interests of the overwhelming majority of our citizens. Elizabeth Warren needs to be confirmed without further delay.”
“This is a position the White House has to fight for, even if it becomes a recess appointment,” Rep. Grijalva said. “Whoever heads the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau will be the strongest consumer watchdog in the country. That’s not a position where you can settle for second best. Elizabeth Warren is honest, you can’t question her credentials, and she’s a true advocate for families and consumers’ interests. I strongly support her and hope to see her on the job as soon as possible.”
The lawmakers, speaking in a press conference today, also received nearly 300,000 signatures supporting Mrs. Warren collected by citizen groups Campaign for America's Future (CAF), Progressive Change Campaign Committee (PCCC) and CREDO Action through online campaigns.
"These members of Congress have seen a quarter-million signatures and received thousands of supportive phone calls from their constituents, asking them to send this message to the White House: Elizabeth Warren is the best qualified candidate to lead the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and it's time for President Obama to announce his intention to appoint her," said Stephanie Taylor, PCCC co-founder.
