Senate Approves Scott Turner as Head of Housing and Urban Development – One America News Network
OAN Staff Abril Elfi
10:44 AM – Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Scott Turner has officially been confirmed to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
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On Wednesday, Turner, a former NFL athlete from Richardson, Texas, received confirmation from the U.S. Senate after a 55-44 vote. Democratic Senators John Fetterman (D-Pa.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) joined their Republican colleagues in supporting Turner’s nomination.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) plays a key role in the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) remarked during his speech on the Senate floor that Turner faces a considerable challenge within HUD but believes he possesses the “grit, determination, and passion to succeed.”
“This is a critical position. Our nation is grappling with a housing crisis that affects urban centers, rural regions, tribal areas — essentially every corner of our country. Escalating construction costs and burdensome regulations have hampered the homebuilding process. Furthermore, the available homes on the market are unaffordable for many Americans,” Thune stated.
“Numerous regions are facing issues with homelessness. Too many struggling communities are attempting to improve their circumstances,” Thune added. “Despite a significant increase in funding for HUD, these challenges, in many instances, are worsening.”
During his confirmation hearing, Turner emphasized his focus on executing strategies within a department that has a $70 billion budget and 8,000 employees — including new initiatives addressing housing affordability and the issue of homelessness in the U.S.
“HUD is not fulfilling its most fundamental mission, and this must change,” Turner declared. “As a nation, we are not constructing enough housing. We need millions of homes of various types: multifamily units, single-family homes, duplexes, condos, manufactured housing — you name it.”
Turner played in the NFL for nine years, representing the Washington Redskins, the San Diego Chargers, and the Denver Broncos. Post-NFL, he undertook a political career in Texas, serving as a legislator for several years.
In his previous role, he was the executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council (WHORC) during Trump’s initial term.
He also held the position of chair at the Center for Education Opportunity at the America First Policy Institute.
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