The Hill News

Democratic lawmakers on Thursday tweeted their frustration with Republicans in the Senate who voted against Richard Cordray’s appointment to head the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) tweeted his aggravation with the GOP. “For the first time, we have an agency to protect middle class consumers. Unbelievably, R’s have voted to deprive it of leadership. #CFPB”

Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) tweeted a similar message. “Disappointed that Cordray nom to head the @CFPB was blocked by minority of Sen. #CFPB can't be powerful consumer watchdog w/out leadership.”

And Democratic Sens. Mark Udall (Co! lo.) and Kay Hagan (N.C.) blamed the failed appointment on partisan politics.

“I’m disappointed that partisan politics are standing in the way of appointing the first @CFPB director & protecting American consumers,” Udall tweeted.

Hagan wrote, “Frustrated political posturing derailed Cordray's appt to head #CFPB when he has strong qualifications & wide support.”

Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.), chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee, also vented her frustration with Repub! licans. “By blocking Cordray for @CFPB, the Senate GOP is pr! eventing important protections for millions of American families.”

The vote garnered 53 ayes, but needed 60 votes to pass. Republicans said they voted against the appointment not because they were necessarily against Cordray, but because they felt the institution was set up to hold too much unchecked power.

Earlier in the day, Schumer encouraged President Obama to do everything in his power to get Cordray appointed.

Udall took to Twitte! r touting a similar message. “I urge Pres. @BarackObama to appoint Richard Cordray as @CFPB director via “recess appointment,” Udall tweeted.

Sen. Scott Brown (R-Mass.) was the only Republican who voted in favor of Cordray’s nomination.