Scott Turner was confirmed as Secretary of HUD by a Senate vote of 55-44 on February 5. Two Democrats, Senators John Fetterman (D-PA), and Peter Welsh (D-VT) joined with all Republican senators in the confirmation vote. Turner’s confirmation comes at a critical time for national housing policy, particularly in light of growing concerns about housing instability and homelessness. However, Turner’s testimony during his confirmation hearing raised alarms among housing advocates, signaling potential support for policies that could undermine federal housing and homelessness programs, as noted in a statement by NLIHC interim president and CEO Renee Willis.
During his confirmation hearing, Turner voiced support for several policies that could increase housing instability, including increasing the role of private equity in the rental market and opposing HUD’s efforts to advance racial equity. Turner failed to commit to protect federal housing programs from budget cuts and supported new barriers to assistance, such as work requirements – policies that echo those pursued during the first Trump administration.
Despite these concerns, Turner expressed support for several solutions long advocated for by NLIHC that would help address our nation’s housing crisis, such as increasing the supply of affordable housing by reforming zoning and land-use restrictions, improving federal housing programs like Housing Choice Vouchers, and reducing homelessness among veterans. As Turner assumes HUD leadership, NLIHC will continue to monitor and mobilize in opposition to policies that could harm marginalized, vulnerable populations while supporting measures that promote housing affordability and equity.
NLIHC urges advocates to remain vigilant and engaged in the ongoing efforts to protect federal housing programs and ensure policies that promote housing justice for all.
Read the statement from NLIHC interim president and CEO Renee Willis here.