WASHINGTON – After a brief debate, the Senate has confirmed the nomination of Julian Castro to be Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
C-SPAN broke the news just after 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, exactly one month and one week after President Obama officially submitted the former San Antonio mayor's nomination to the Senate on June 2.
Nearly two weeks ago, the Senate banking community approved Castro's nomination.
Within moments of the announcement of Castro's confirmation as HUD secretary, statements of support began pouring in from politicians across Texas and the nation.
Besides having worked with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as mayor of San Antonio, Castro said during his Senate confirmation hearing he also brings his personal experience to the job of HUD secretary.
Castro said shortly after the announcement of his nomination that his time in office has made him realize that cities across the nation are growing and that housing is a top priority.
Obama has lauded Castro's mayoral term, saying that Castro has "become a leader in housing and economic development ... (and) cares deeply about the people he serves and the city he loves."
When Castro assumes his new role in Washington, current city council members will then formally inform the city clerk they would like to fill the mayor's seat.
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