Representative Maxine Waters (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee (HFSC), sent a letter on February 25 to HFSC Chair French Hill (R-AR) to hold an emergency housing hearing on HUD Secretary Scott Turner’s mass firings and funding freezes under the newly created “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) Task Force.
In the letter to Chairman Hill, Ranking Member Waters warned that “Secretary Turner has partnered with unelected billionaire Elon Musk and the DOGE to terminate thousands of HUD employees who carry out the work of the agency—with further plans to substantially cut staffing levels in DC and local field offices.” Furthermore, she shared reports that the Secretary has continued to improperly withhold funding appropriated by Congress, despite a court-ordered restraining order on the funding freeze.
The letter further raises concerns over the Secretary’s decision to halt enforcement of the Equal Access Rule, which protects LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination in homeless shelters. Additionally, staffing cuts at FHA and Ginnie Mae have alarmed mortgage industry leaders, who warn that the instability could disrupt mortgage markets and prevent closings.
These dangerous and unlawful actions by Secretary Turner and DOGE compromise HUD’s federal mission to “create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all.” Ranking Member Waters urged the House Financial Services Committee to investigate these actions before they cause irreparable harm to renters, homeowners, and housing providers across the country.
Read Ranking Member Waters’ full letter here.
Read Ranking Member Waters’ press release here.