• "Housing Secretary Turner Faces Backlash Over Planned HUD Workforce Cuts"

  • Feb 20 2025
  • Durée: 3 min
  • Podcast

"Housing Secretary Turner Faces Backlash Over Planned HUD Workforce Cuts"

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  • Résumé

  • Scott Turner was confirmed by the United States Senate on February 5, 2025, to become the 19th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). His confirmation was marked by a bipartisan vote of 55-44, and he was sworn in by Associate Justice Clarence Thomas. In his initial remarks, Secretary Turner emphasized his commitment to lowering the cost of housing and expanding housing supply, aligning with President Trump’s executive order signed on his first day in office.

    Secretary Turner brings a diverse background to his new role, having previously led the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council, driving the Opportunity Zones Initiative. He also served as an Associate Pastor at Prestonwood Baptist Church, Founder and CEO of the Community Engagement & Opportunity Council, and a housing development executive at JPI. Additionally, Turner represented the 33rd District in the Texas State Legislature and had a nine-season career in the National Football League (NFL).

    However, his tenure has quickly been marred by controversy surrounding significant staffing cuts at HUD. On February 16, a group of Democratic Senators, including Patty Murray, Elizabeth Warren, Kirsten Gillibrand, Tina Smith, and Chuck Schumer, sent a letter to Secretary Turner expressing deep concerns about the planned reduction of HUD's workforce by 50 percent, which would affect nearly 4,300 staff members. The letter highlighted that no program office would be spared, with staffing cuts ranging from 10 to 84 percent across different offices.

    The Senators urged Secretary Turner to halt any additional cuts, citing the potential to exacerbate the housing crisis and hinder HUD's ability to implement its programs effectively. They also requested detailed answers to several questions regarding the transparency, accountability, and operational and financial implications of these staffing decisions by February 21.

    This move has been criticized for being counterproductive to the promises made by Secretary Turner during his confirmation hearing and the goals outlined in President Trump’s executive order. The cuts are expected to lead to costly delays and the potential collapse of many housing projects, further worsening the existing housing crisis.

    In response to these concerns, Secretary Turner is under pressure to provide clear justifications and details about the factors considered in the decision to reduce the workforce. The situation is being closely monitored by housing advocacy groups and congressional leaders, who are seeking to ensure that HUD's critical functions, including disaster recovery efforts and affordable housing programs, are not compromised by the staffing reductions.
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