The Senate on Wednesday confirmed Rep. Marcia L. Fudge’s nomination as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Fudge is the first Black woman to lead HUD in more than 40 years.
“The past year has reminded us just how important it is to have a safe and stable place to call home. But, right now — for millions of Americans — that sense of security and peace of mind is out of reach,” Fudge said in a statement.
As secretary, Fudge will focus on increasing Black homeownership and ending discriminatory housing practices.
“This is a refreshing turn and, quite frankly, a relief,” Lisa Rice, president and chief executive of the National Fair Housing Alliance, said. “Instead of trying to convince the HUD secretary to uphold our nation’s fair housing laws, we now have someone who believes in the full breadth of the law and is committed to completely enforcing it.”
Fudge was the first African American and first female mayor of Warrensville Heights in Ohio before working on Capitol Hill. Her last deed in Congress, before resigning to take up the role of secretary for HUD, was voting to pass President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion COVID-19 rescue package.
It has been a privilege, pleasure, and distinct honor to serve the people of Ohio’s 11th District in Congress for the last 12 years.
Thank you for placing your trust in me. pic.twitter.com/lESLKoFW6q
— Rep. Marcia L. Fudge (@RepMarciaFudge) March 10, 2021