Not long after Rep. Mel Watt, D-N.C., was confirmed to lead the Federal Housing Finance Agency, the housing industry and regulators swarmed the wires with public statements.

Two big supporters — Treasury Secretary Jack Lew and Department of Housing and Urban Development Director Shaun Donovan — came out in support of the decision.   

"He has a distinguished and proven record of building bipartisan support to protect consumers, rein in deceptive mortgage lenders, and expand economic opportunity for hard-working Americans," Treasury Secretary Lew said. "Mel knows what it takes to strengthen the economy and middle class, and I look forward to working with him as we continue our efforts to reform the housing finance system, help responsible homeowners refinance their mortgages and boost the recovering housing market."

HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan also pointed to Watt’s background in housing policy.

"Today’s confirmation of Mel Watt represents an important step for our housing market's continued recovery. After decades in both the public and private sectors, Mel has developed a proven track record of protecting consumers, fighting abuses, championing economic growth and working across the aisle on important issues that benefit the common good," Donovan said.