Palmetto State News

In a recent Senate hearing, Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) addressed the nomination of Scott Turner for Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, Scott emphasized expanding access to affordable housing as essential for achieving the American Dream.

Scott praised Turner's leadership in directing investments in Opportunity Zones, an initiative under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act aimed at fostering development in economically distressed areas. He expressed eagerness to collaborate with Turner to reduce bureaucratic obstacles and promote practical housing solutions.

During his opening remarks, Scott acknowledged new committee members including Senators Pete Ricketts, Jim Banks, Bernie Moreno, Dave McCormick, Andy Kim, Gallego, Lisa Blunt Rochester, and Angela Alsobrooks. He also mentioned working alongside Ranking Member Elizabeth Warren to find bipartisan solutions for national issues.

Scott criticized the Biden administration's policies for escalating mortgage rates from 2.65% in January 2021 to 7.79% by October 2023. "The devastation of the Biden administration’s policies led to mortgage rates going from 2.65 percent in January 2021 to 7.79 percent by October 2023," he said.

Highlighting Turner's background as a former NFL player turned public servant with experience dealing with drug addiction challenges within families, Scott described him as a visionary leader needed at HUD.

Turner has served two terms in Texas' state legislature and was executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council under President Trump. He played a role in attracting over $50 billion private investment into Opportunity Zones without gentrifying communities.

Scott concluded by discussing his ROAD to Housing Act introduced in Congress aimed at addressing federal housing policy comprehensively while centering support around families facing homelessness or renting challenges.

"Scott Turner is the solution we are looking for," Scott stated regarding Turner's potential leadership at HUD.