House panel votes to audit Federal Reserve Nov 20, 2009
Melvin Watt, D-N.C., argued that Paul's proposal was too intrusive and could indirectly lead to higher interest rates. They proposed a more limited audit. (MSNBC -- Politics)
Geithner Under Fire on Economy... Nov 20, 2009
Melvin Watt (D., N.C.), who opposed Mr. Paul's measure. He said audits would "substantially castrate the Fed so it cannot do what it was set up to do.". (The Drudge Report)
Africare to Honor Grammy Award-Winner John Legend at 2009 Africare Dinner Oct 29, 2009
Hon. Melvin Watt (D-NC). Hon. Jesse L. Jackson (D-IL). (allAfrica.com)
Panel ensures state oversight of big banks Oct 22, 2009
Democratic Representatives Melvin Watt of North Carolina and Dennis Moore of Kansas introduced yesterday s amendment as a compromise because it would allow federal regulators to exempt banks from state laws on a case-by-case basis. In coming weeks, Democrats are expected to roll together the various regulatory reform proposals into a single bill to be voted on by the full House. (Boston Globe)
House panel: Let states protect consumers Oct 22, 2009
Melvin Watt of North Carolina and Dennis Moore of Kansas offered the measure as an amendment to a broader bill that would establish a new federal agency dedicated to protecting consumers. The committee was on track to pass that bill later Wednesday or Thursday. (MSNBC -- Politics)
Bernanke subdued on consumer protection role Oct 2, 2009
Melvin Watt was stunned by what he thought was Bernanke's short shrift to the consumer protection issue. "Five sentences on consumer protection when everything else gets substantially more space," Watt said. (MSNBC -- Business)
U.S Lawmakers Support Zimbabwe's Unity Government Sep 4, 2009
The delegation included Gregory Meeks (D-New York), Jack Kingston (R-Georgia), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas), Melvin Watt (D-North Carolina) and Marcia Fudge (D-Ohio). The U.S. has criticized Mugabe's 29-year-rule but the Obama administration has thrown support behind the coalition government. (CBS News -- World)
US Congressional Delegation Visits AfDB's Key Projects in Rwanda Sep 4, 2009
The delegation, led by Representative Greg Meeks, comprised Georgia Republican Representative, Jack Kingston; Ohio Democratic Representative, Marcia Fudge; Texas Democratic Representative, Sheila Jackson Lee; and North Carolina Democratic Representative, Melvin Watt. The US congressional delegation was accompanied by a Bank Group team led by the institution's Resident Representative in Rwanda, Diko Jacob Mukete. (allAfrica.com)
Rwanda: U.S. Congressmen to Woo Investors Sep 3, 2009
The group which includes Representatives Melvin Watt from North Carolina, Jack Kingston from Georgia, Sheila Jackson Lee from Texas and Marcia Fudge from Ohio visited the US Government funded PEPFAR project at Kigali University Hospital (CHUK) laboratory capacity building and Paediatric HIV/AIDS Care and Treatment Centre of Excellence. Relevant Links. (allAfrica.com)
U.S. Congressional Delegation Visit AfDB Aug 28, 2009
The delegation, led by Representative Greg Meeks, Democrat (New York), includes Jack Kingston, Republican (Georgia); Marcia Fudge, Democrat (Ohio); Sheila Jackson Lee, Democrat (Texas); and Melvin Watt, Democrat (North Carolina). Contacts. (allAfrica.com)
Click to read:D.C. Power Players Get Sweetheart Loans Aug 1, 2009
" Joyce Brayboy, the Chief of Staff for Rep. Melvin Watt was funneled into Countrywides VIP program. Countrywides lobbyist urged the loan officer to "carefully" handle the loan saying Brayboy "reports directly to Congressman Mel Watt who introduced predatory lending legislation to address unscrupulous lending practices, and they do view Countryside as a trusted advisor. " Watt serves on the House Financial Services Committee. Terms offered some of the VIP borrowers were outside Countrywides... (CBS News)
Democrats Approve Control of Wall Street Pay Aug 1, 2009
Melvin Watt, a Democrat. Republicans are reluctantly pushing back. (Newsmax)
House votes to restrict Wall Street pay Aug 1, 2009
Casper Star-Tribune Online - Breaking. Text Size Share This Story. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Unemployment could undercut U.S. recovery: Bernanke Jul 22, 2009
"The Fed has been a sturdy, methodical hand," said Representative Melvin Watt, a North Carolina Democrat. Bernanke told the panel that paying interest on the reserves banks hold at the Fed would play a key role in helping the central bank tighten monetary conditions when the time comes. (Yahoo News -- Top Stories)
House votes to outlaw 'liar loans' May 8, 2009
Brad Miller and Melvin Watt, is one of several that Democrats are pushing to tighten controls on an industry that critics say undermined the economy by underwriting risky loans, then passing them off to investors. The bill passed 300-114, with many Republicans contending it would limit consumers' options and restrict credit. (AZCentral -- Business)
AP: Senate Passes Bill Targeting Mortgage Fraud Apr 30, 2009
Melvin Watt and Brad Miller on Tuesday pushed their proposal to try to prohibit banks from lending to consumers considered at risk for default. Lenders would have to make a "reasonable and good faith determination" effort to ascertain whether the customer can pay back the money. (Missourian Publishing, MO)
Time for Congressional Black Caucus to Disband? Apr 16, 2009
Melvin Watt, D-N.C., Michael Honda, D-Calif. Laura Richardson,, D-Calif. (Townhall.com)
FIDEL: 'HOW CAN WE HELP PRESIDENT OBAMA?' Apr 8, 2009
Melvin Watt (D-N.C.), Marcia L. Fudge (D-Ohio), Michael M. Honda (D-San Jose) and Laura Richardson (D-Long Beach). -- Tony Pierce. (The Drudge Report)
Repayment Risk Shifts Back to Mortgage Lenders Under House Bill Mar 27, 2009
The bill, introduced yesterday, is being sponsored by Representatives Barney Frank of Massachusetts, and Melvin Watt and Brad Miller of North Carolina. Borrowers lured by low introductory interest rates to Alt-A mortgages, which typically require little or no proof of income, are defaulting at a record pace as the mortgage terms on such loans often leave homeowners with higher monthly payments and in some cases an increase in the principal amount. (Yahoo News -- Politics)
