Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Scott Turner, a former NFL player turned Texas state lawmaker, said Thursday during his confirmation hearing that he will be the next Housing and Urbanism (HUD)’s goal will be to help people escape government assistance and become more self-sustaining.
Testifying before the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, Turner said that if confirmed, his priority would be to advance and expand policies announced by the incoming Trump administration.
“This moment is not just about fixing what’s broken, it’s about continuing and expanding the policies of the first Trump administration, policies that worked,” Turner said Thursday, adding that his “goal” as HUD secretary will be “helping people get out of government.” assistance, becoming self-sustainable and achieving the American dream.”
Turner previously served as executive director of the Trump administration’s Council on Opportunity and Revitalization, which he established “Opportunity Zones”, an economic revitalization plan aimed at helping low-income minority communities, which Turner said he hopes to expand. Turner also said he plans to cut red tape and work with state, local and private partners to lower the cost of housing.
‘NLARA VISION’: CONSERVATIVES GATHER AT HEGSETH FLIGHT AFTER CONFIRMATION HEARING TO ‘CRUSH’
Eric Scott Turner, President-elect Trump’s nominee to be secretary of Housing and Urban Development, is sworn in during a Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee hearing for his pending confirmation on Capitol Hill Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025 in Washington. (Associated Press)
“I think having that equity in the home should be available to the homeowner because that’s how most families start building wealth,” Turner said.
But Democrats at the hearing questioned whether Turner could make housing more affordable.
At one point in the hearing, Turner was asked about his support for work requirements for those receiving Section 8 housing assistance, and he told committee members he thought they were a good idea When Turner tried to explain his reasoning, the senator questioned him and was unable to answer.
On whether he would cut funding for certain programs, Turner did not give a concrete answer one way or the other. But he pledged to “maximize” the funding HUD has and will work with committee members to address concerns about funding for certain programs.
“There are a lot of factors why housing is so expensive right now, and I think we need to get our own fiscal house in order first,” Turner told Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, when asked by Turner would provide additional support. federal investment to reduce the cost of building more affordable housing.
“I’m looking forward to looking at the HOME program and other programs, but there’s record funding for HUD. HUD’s budget is almost $70 billion right now and we’re still not meeting the need that we’re supposed to meet ”
Eric Scott Turner, President-elect Trump’s nominee for U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, during a confirmation hearing before the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee in Washington, DC, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (Getty Images)
Turner said that in addition to addressing Democrats’ concerns, he intends to conduct an agency-wide review of current programs to assess what’s working and what’s not working well and identify any regulatory hurdles that affect delivery of affordable housing
Turner said much of that work will involve collaborating with state and local officials, as they are uniquely familiar with the housing needs and obstacles in their communities.
CONFIRMATION DELAYS PICK UP FOR TRUMP NOMINEE AS WORK RESULTS IN FEDERAL OFFICES
Turner also said he plans to find ways to reduce it construction cost and liaise with private sector entities within the housing market.
Eric Scott Turner, President-elect Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, arrives to testify at his Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs confirmation hearing in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on January 16, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Getty Images)
In addition to their questions about funding for HUD programs, Democrats asked Turner whether he would work to eliminate alleged racial bias in the home appraisal industry and whether he intends to pursue “increasing prices” of real estate investors.
Turner said he would commit to studying the issue with Democrats and making a determination from there. However, Turner criticized the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) measures he said are embedded in HUD.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“Despite all the subsidies and all the trillions of dollars spent (by the Biden administration), it hasn’t gone very well,” Senator Tim Scott, RS.C., chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, said Thursday during his opening statement.
“But today is a new day in America, and new leadership is bringing hope, opportunity and enthusiasm back to the American people.”
