Democratic Party of Georgia Chairman Mike Berlon Statement on Filibuster of Wall Street Watchdog

Atlanta, GA – Today, both Republican Senators in Georgia filibustered the confirmation of former Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray as head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), a Wall Street watchdog created because of the Wall Street reform law signed by President Obama that would help protect American consumers. In response, Georgia Democratic Party Chair Mike Berlon issued the following statement:

“Today’s Republican filibuster of Richard Cordray to head up the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is an affront to middle-class Georgia families that are trying to play by the rules.   This is a make or break moment for the middle class, and we should be making sure that this Wall Street watchdog is firing at all cylinders to advocate for American consumers.

“President Obama signed Wall Street reform into law last year because he believes that the rules should be fair for everyone.  But too often it feels like the odds are stacked against middle class families.

“With this vote, Republicans had the opportunity to join President Obama to protect consumers by confirming Richard Cordray.  Instead, Republicans turned their backs on Georgia and refused to stop unscrupulous financial institutions. The latest Republican politically-motivated block on President Obama’s priorities confirms once again that Republicans are more interested in blocking the President’s initiatives than standing up for consumers and Georgia’s families.”