January 24, 2017

Brown Statement on Banking Committee's Approval of Carson for HUD Secretary

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) – ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs – released the following statement after the committee approved Ben Carson’s nomination for Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Brown voted in favor of Carson’s nomination, which now goes to the full Senate for a confirmation vote.

“Dr. Carson is not the nominee I would have chosen to lead HUD, due to both his lack of experience and his often troubling public statements over the last three years. But despite my reservations, and my disagreements with some of his positions, I will give Dr. Carson the benefit of the doubt based on commitments he has made to me in person and to this Committee in his testimony and written responses. This includes Dr. Carson’s promises to address the scourge of lead hazards that threaten the health and futures of children in Ohio and nationwide; uphold the Fair Housing Act and the housing rights of LGBTQ individuals; and advocate for rental assistance, investment to end homelessness, and including housing in the President’s infrastructure plan. I will do everything in my power to hold Dr. Carson accountable for making good on his promises.”

Carson submitted written responses to Brown’s questions for the record to clarify and supplement the nominee’s testimony before the Banking Committee on Tuesday, Jan. 12.

Click here for Brown’s opening remarks, as prepared for delivery, at Carson’s confirmation hearing. The webcast of Carson’s confirmation hearing is available here.

 

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