On February 20, a coalition of 25 Senate Democrats, led by Senate Banking Committee Ranking Member Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), sent a letter to HUD Secretary Scott Turner demanding transparency on the recently announced “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) Task Force and its potential impact on housing programs.
The Senators recognized the importance of HUD’s work, writing that “HUD engages in critical work supporting communities in expanding their housing supply, providing rental assistance, and preventing homelessness—work that is urgently important for millions of Americans looking to purchase a home to build generational wealth or find an affordable place to rent.” The letter raised serious concerns over reports that HUD plans to lay off 50% of its workforce, shut down critical field offices, and cancel the Green and Resilient Retrofit Program—funding already awarded to improve over 30,000 homes for families, seniors, and people with disabilities—compromising HUD’s ability to fully engage in their critical work. In addition to Senators Warren and Schumer, letter endorsers included Senators Alsobrooks (D-MD), Smith (D-MN), Reed (D-RI), Wyden (D-OR), Cortez Masto (D-NV), Padilla (D-CA), Murray (D-WA), Markey (D-MA), Gillibrand (D-NY), Warnock, (D-GA), Durbin (D-IL), Duckworth (D-IL), Luján (D-NM), Peters (D-MI), Klobuchar (D-MN), Merkley (D-OR), Blumenthal (D-CT), Sanders (I-VT), Kaine (D-VA), Cantwell (D-WA), Gallego (D-AZ), Hirono (D-HI), and Van Hollen (D-MD).
Additionally, the senators questioned DOGE’s claims of identifying $260 million in wasteful contracts at HUD, demanding a full accounting of these alleged savings. In the letter, Senators sought clarification on reports that DOGE’s involvement has frozen future HUD funding grants and expressed concerns over the task force’s access to sensitive agency data.
The letter requested Secretary Turner provide detailed responses by February 26, including explanations for the staff cuts, funding pauses, and contract cancellations. The senators emphasized that HUD’s mission—to ensure safe, affordable housing for millions—must not be compromised by an opaque task force operating without congressional oversight.
Read the letter here.