San Antonio, Texas, mayor Julian Castro has been confirmed by the Senate as the next Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. The current Secretary, Shaun Donovan, has been selected by President Obama to serve as Director of the Office of Management and Budget. He is replacing Sylvia Mathews Burwell, who is now Secretary of Health and Human Services. Castro was confirmed in a 71-26 vote. Three Senators, Schatz, Rockefeller, and Vitter, did not vote. As for the Senators from Castro’s home state of Texas, the vote was split. Sen. Cornyn, also a member of the Senate GOP leadership, voted for Castro. Sen. Cruz, on the other hand, voted nay. All Democrats voted in favor of Castro.
President Obama praised the bipartisan vote for Castro in his statement. He also praised Castro.
READ:
I applaud the bipartisan majority of Senators who today confirmed Julián Castro as our next Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Julián is a proven leader, a champion for safe, affordable housing and strong, sustainable neighborhoods. I know that together with the dedicated professionals at HUD, Julián will help build on the progress we’ve made battling back from the Great Recession — rebuilding our housing market, reducing homelessness among veterans, and connecting neighborhoods with good schools and good jobs that help our citizens succeed. Julián has lived the American Dream in his own life, and I’m confident he will help Americans across our country seize their own piece of that dream for themselves and their children.