Scott Applauds Scott Turner’s Confirmation as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
Chairman Scott: “As HUD Secretary, Scott will make himself known. He will create access to quality, affordability housing…he will work to reverse decades of failed housing policies and make targeted reforms across all segments of the U.S. housing market.”
Washington, D.C. – Today, the Senate voted to confirm Scott Turner as President Trump’s Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) by a vote of 55-44. Following the vote, Chairman Tim Scott (R-S.C.) spoke on the Senate floor to highlight Secretary Turner’s life story, qualifications to lead HUD, and their share goal of addressing the housing crisis and increasing access to quality, affordable housing opportunities for Americans across the country.
During Secretary Turner’s hearing before the Senate Banking Committee, Chairman Scott highlighted Mr. Turner’s record and leadership directing investments in Opportunity Zones, Chairman Scott’s initiative under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to increase development in economically distressed communities. Chairman Scott noted he looks forward to working with Secretary Turner to cut bureaucratic red tape, advance commonsense housing solutions, and put more Americans on the path to homeownership.
Click here or on the image above to watch Chairman Scott’s remarks.
Chairman Scott’s full remarks as delivered:
Thank you, Mr. President.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development’s mission is to create strong, sustainable communities and support affordable homes.
Yet, under President Biden and his administration, the department failed to serve our nation’s most vulnerable.
Here is the truth: we are facing a homelessness crisis in America.
The latest homelessness survey found an 18 percent increase in homelessness year-over-year, increasing the number of homelessness in our country to nearly 772,000 Americans not able to find a place to lay their head.
This is unacceptable!
On top of that, we are facing an affordability crisis in our country as well.
During President Biden’s tenure, mortgage rates ballooned 150 percent, and rents 20 percent.
Over the last four years, far-left housing policies and burdensome regulations have put the American Dream out of reach for millions and millions of hardworking, dedicated patriots throughout our nation.
It’s no secret that HUD is in serious need of new leadership.
Fortunately, there is good news: help is right over there. And it’s on its way.
My good friend Scott Turner has a remarkable life story – tremendous life story.
Scott is a native Texan who has had an exceptional journey from professional athlete to public servant.
Scott came from humble beginnings, but he never let those circumstances define who he is. Actually, Scott in high school – I believe it was – worked at a barbecue shop. What I love about Scott is he has an affection for the truth – he told me himself – he conceded that South Carolina barbecue is better than Texas. I’m glad he has no microphone to say anything right now I’m just you that is a man I can appreciate.
He went on and had a successful career in the NFL, nine seasons as a cornerback, playing for the Denver Broncos, the San Diego Chargers, and yes, the Washington Redskins. And I note that he did not play for America’s team, the Dallas Cowboys.
Everybody, nobody, can be perfect.
After hanging up his cleats, Scott served two terms in the Texas State Legislature and then went to work in the Trump administration.
As the Executive Director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council, Scott helped implement the Opportunity Zones initiative I that created, directing over $50 billion in private sector capital into hard-hit, typically majority minority communities – breathing hope and opportunity not only into the neighborhoods of the people desperately, passionately praying for hope. And with less than a 5 percent gentrification rate. That’s what I call success.
His story and his perspective are essential tools that he will bring to the table to fight the increase of homelessness, to fight the 150 percent ballooning of our mortgages, and to fight back against a 20 percent increase in rents.
As HUD Secretary, Scott will make himself known. He will create access to quality, affordability housing…he will work to reverse decades of failed housing policies and make targeted reforms across all segments of the U.S. housing market.
It’s time to make America's economy work working class Americans.
It is time for a blue-collar comeback. And I’m so thankful that we have a man prepared to put in 24 hours a day, seven days a week, if necessary, so more people – not 772,000 Americans but more Americans will have a place to lay their head because they’re no longer homeless. More Americans will be able to afford a home because interest rates will come down, the housing supply will increase, and we will thank God Almighty that we live in a land where opportunity is more available because the right person, at the right time, in the right place, says yes.
Mr. President, I’m very thankful that Scott Turner is the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. But I’m more thankful that we have a president making good decisions to put America back on the right track.
I yield back the balance of my time.
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