Senate Republicans commitment to block the confirmation of any nominee to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau will prevent the agency from deploying all of its supervisory and enforcement powers at least as far as nonbanks are concerned and thats infuriating Senate Democrats. Partisan squabbling was on full display this week as the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee considered President Obamas nomination of Richard Cordray, currently chief of enforcement for the CFPB, to be the first director for the fledgling agency. The purpose of todays hearing should be to consider whether Mr. Cordray is qualified for that job. Instead...