Key Takeaways:

• Scott Turner, nominated to lead HUD, expressed concern over rising homelessness, calling HUD's mission a personal failure.
• Turner discussed the need for improved efficiency in housing programs without committing to increased federal investment.
• His responses included NFL analogies, reflecting on his personal experiences with housing assistance and homelessness.

During Scott Turner's confirmation hearing before the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, he candidly stated that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is failing in its mission. As President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for HUD Secretary, Turner emphasized his belief that the agency needs significant reform to better serve the homeless and low-income communities.

Reflecting on his own life experience, Turner noted that overcoming adversity has personal significance for him. He recounted his family's efforts to help a homeless uncle and remarked on the U.S. housing crisis as a continuous struggle for many. "HUD, if you will, is failing at its most basic mission," he declared, referencing recent data showing a record high of approximately 770,000 homeless individuals in 2024, as reported by the agency.

Throughout the hearing, Turner peppered his discourse with sports analogies, drawing laughs from senators while simultaneously outlining his vision for HUD. While he indicated that more HUD staff might need to return to in-person work, much of the discussion centered around the affordability of housing. He acknowledged the concerns of his own son about homeownership prospects yet contended that significant new federal investment might not be necessary. Instead, Turner suggested that HUD needs to optimize its existing resources.

Democratic senators pushed Turner for clarity on how he plans to reform existing HUD programs, particularly the Section 8 voucher program. While he did not promise an increase in the number of housing vouchers—long a Democratic priority—he did express a desire to streamline the system, making it easier for landlords to participate. On the topic of housing discrimination regulations established during previous administrations, Turner offered a commitment to enforce fair housing laws without fully addressing potential changes to existing policies.

In his testimony, Turner maintained that corporate interest in real estate can be beneficial and acknowledged the importance of "wraparound services" for the homeless. He faced scrutiny regarding Trump's previous budget cuts to HUD, but did not commit to opposing future reductions, expressing a focus instead on demonstrating the agency's efficacy to the President and Congress. As Turner moves forward in the confirmation process, his responses reflect both personal commitment and the complexities of navigating the future of housing policy in America.

For full coverage and details on the hearing, visit AP News and NPR.