Scott Turner, a former NFL player turned Texas state lawmaker, said Thursday during his confirmation hearing to become the next Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that his goal is to help people escape government assistance and become more self-sufficient. He said that his goal was to support them.
Testifying before the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, Turner said if confirmed, his priority would be to advance and expand the policies of the incoming Trump administration.
“Right now it’s not just about fixing what’s broken, it’s about continuing and expanding the policies of the first Trump administration, the policies that worked,” Turner said Thursday, adding that his “goals” as HUD secretary include: “It’s about helping people get out of power,” he added. Help us become independent and achieve the American Dream. ”
Turner previously served as executive director of the Trump administration’s Opportunity and Revitalization Council, which created Opportunity Zones, an economic revitalization program aimed at supporting low-income minority communities. He said he would like to establish and expand this. Turner also said he would cut through red tape and work with state, local and private partners to lower housing costs.
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Eric Scott Turner, President-elect Trump’s nominee to be Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, appears before the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee for pending confirmation on Capitol Hill, Thursday, January 16, 2025. The person will be sworn in at a public hearing. Washington. (Related news)
“That’s how most families start building wealth, so I believe homeowners should be able to tap into that equity,” Turner said.
But Democratic lawmakers at the hearing questioned whether Turner could make housing more affordable.
At one point during the hearing, Turner was asked about support for work requirements for people receiving Section 8 housing assistance, and he told committee members he thought it was a good idea. When Turner tried to explain why, he was interrupted by a question from a senator.
As for whether funding would be cut from specific programs, Turner did not give specific answers one way or the other. But he has vowed to “maximize” the funds HUD has and will work with committee members to address concerns about funding specific programs.
When asked by Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, if she would provide additional aid, Turner said, “There are many factors why housing is so expensive right now, but the first step is to finance housing.” I think it needs to be fixed,” he said. Federal investments to reduce the cost of building more affordable housing.
“We look forward to seeing the HOME program and other programs, but we’re seeing record funding from HUD. HUD’s budget is nearly $70 billion right now, and we’re still not meeting the needs that need to be met.” No.”
Eric Scott Turner, President-elect Trump’s nominee for U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, during a Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee confirmation hearing Thursday, January 16, 2025, in Washington, DC. (Getty Images)
In addition to addressing Democrats’ concerns, Turner will conduct an agency-wide review of current programs to assess what is working, what isn’t, and improve affordability. It said it would identify regulatory hurdles that affect the supply of housing.
Turner said much of this effort involves working with state and local officials. Because they have unique knowledge of the housing needs and disabilities within their communities.
Trump’s approval continues to be delayed due to administrative delays at federal agencies
Mr Turner said he also intends to find ways to reduce construction costs and work with private companies within the housing market.
Eric Scott Turner, President-elect Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, arrives to testify at the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs confirmation hearing at the Dirksen Senate Office Building, January 2025. 16th of the month. Washington DC (Getty Images)
In addition to questions about funding for HUD programs, Democrats are asking whether Turner will work to eliminate racial bias from the housing appraisal industry and go after “price gouging” from real estate investors. I also asked about.
Turner said he is committed to studying the issue with Democrats and making a decision from there. But Turner railed against the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) measures being built into HUD.
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“Despite all the subsidies and trillions of dollars; [the Biden administration] Money has been spent, and not much good has happened,” Sen. Tim Scott (R.C.), chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, said in his opening statement Thursday.
“But today is a new day for America, and new leadership brings hope, opportunity and enthusiasm to the American people.”
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