In Washington, D.C., Chairman Tim Scott presided over a hearing on the nomination of Scott Turner for Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The focus was on expanding access to affordable housing to help Americans achieve their vision of the American Dream.
Chairman Scott emphasized Turner’s leadership in directing investments in Opportunity Zones, an initiative under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act aimed at boosting development in economically distressed areas. He expressed his intention to collaborate with Turner to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and advance housing solutions.
Scott acknowledged his Republican colleagues for allowing him to serve as chairman for the 119th Congress and welcomed new committee members, including Senators Pete Ricketts, Jim Banks, Bernie Moreno, Dave McCormick, Andy Kim, Gallego, Lisa Blunt Rochester, and Angela Alsobrooks. He also looked forward to working with Ranking Member Elizabeth Warren on bipartisan solutions.
Scott criticized the Biden administration’s policies for increasing mortgage rates from 2.65 percent in January 2021 to 7.79 percent by October 2023. He argued that reckless spending diminished Americans’ spending power and highlighted a rise in homelessness despite increased HUD spending.
He noted that African American homeownership levels have not changed significantly since the Fair Housing Act of 1968. However, he expressed optimism about new leadership under Turner bringing hope and opportunity back to Americans.
Turner’s background includes a career as an NFL player and public servant roles such as executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council under President Trump. His efforts led to over $50 billion in private investment into Opportunity Zones without gentrifying communities.
Scott introduced his ROAD to Housing Act aimed at addressing federal housing policy by supporting families who are homeless or renting and those aspiring to homeownership. He intends to work with colleagues on a bipartisan framework for this bill.
Asserting that most housing issues must be addressed locally, Scott sees Turner as a visionary leader needed at HUD for this new chapter.
