Washington, D.C. – “This past weekend, amid recent reports that foreclosures have reached record levels, President-elect Barack Obama announced New York City Housing Commissioner Shaun Donovan as his nominee for Secretary of House and Urban Development.  As director of the nation’s largest municipal housing department, Mr. Donovan demonstrated expert judgment and an ability to lead that will enable him to play an integral role in efforts to reduce foreclosures, improve housing infrastructure and combat homelessness.

“Today, President-elect Obama also announced Steven Chu, Director of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, to be his nominee for Secretary of Energy.  Throughout his distinguished career, this Nobel Prize winning physicist has shown himself to be an accomplished scientist and experienced manager who will effectively combat global warming and nurture our nation’s growing green industry.

“I commend President-elect Obama for his selection of these two immensely qualified nominees.  These choices demonstrate his eagerness to bring our nation out of recession by protecting homeowners from foreclosure and creating millions of high-paying green jobs.”

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