Today, the Senate confirmed Scott Turner as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) with a vote of 55-44. U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, expressed his support for Turner’s appointment. He emphasized Turner’s qualifications and their shared objective to tackle the housing crisis by increasing access to affordable housing across the United States.
During Turner’s hearing before the Senate Banking Committee, Senator Scott highlighted Turner’s experience in directing investments in Opportunity Zones. This initiative, part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, aims to boost development in economically distressed areas. Senator Scott expressed his eagerness to collaborate with Turner to streamline bureaucratic processes and promote housing solutions that lead more Americans toward homeownership.
Senator Scott stated: “As HUD Secretary, Scott will make himself known. He will create access to quality, affordability housing…he will work to reverse decades of failed housing policies and make targeted reforms across all segments of the U.S. housing market.”
In his remarks on the Senate floor, Senator Scott criticized previous administrations for failing to address homelessness effectively. He cited a recent survey indicating an 18 percent rise in homelessness over the past year, bringing the total number of homeless individuals in America to nearly 772,000.
Scott Turner has a diverse background that includes serving as a professional athlete in the NFL and two terms in the Texas State Legislature. His role as Executive Director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council involved channeling over $50 billion into minority communities through private sector capital.
Senator Scott concluded his remarks by expressing optimism about Turner’s potential impact as HUD Secretary: “It is time for a blue-collar comeback… More Americans will be able to afford a home because interest rates will come down, the housing supply will increase.”
