Skip Humphrey heads to Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Posted at 1:13 PM on October 19, 2011 by Brett Neely
Filed under: U.S. House, U.S. Senate

WASHINGTON - Former Minnesota Attorney General Hubert "Skip" Humphrey III is joining the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to head the agency's newly-formed Office of Older Americans.

Humphrey, the son of Vice President and former DFL Sen. Hubert Humphrey, served as Minnesota's Attorney General for 16 years between 1983 and 1999.

In a blog post on the agency's website, Humphrey, who at age 69 is himself a senior, explained his new office's mission.

"While we will help track down scams and enforce the law, we will also educate seniors on how to identify and avoid scams before they put their home and savings at risk," wrote Humphrey.

DFL members of Minnesota's congressional delegation praised Humphrey's appointment.

"The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau couldn't have picked a more qualified and committed person than Skip," said Rep. Keith Ellison in a statement. "While serving as Minnesota's Attorney General, he created many educational programs to reduce the number of crimes targeting consumers, especially the elderly."

"I am confident that the experience and dedication to justice he brings will enable him to serve America's seniors well in this new role," said Sen. Amy Klobuchar in a statement.

The CFPB was created as part of the 2010 Dodd-Frank financial overhaul law as a single agency designed to protect American consumers from risky financial products. It's currently leaderless due to Republican opposition to the agency's structure. Republicans have blocked a vote on President Obama's nominee to lead the CFPB, former Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray.

Services

• Hourly Newscast
• HD Radio
• iPhone App / Mobile
• E-mail newsletters
• RSS feeds
• Podcasts
• Submit your photos
• Videos
• Weather
• Most e-mailed stories