1. United States
2. Ore.
3. Letter

The Trump administration's nominee for Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Scott Turner, has a concerning record that raises doubts about his commitment to the agency's core mission of providing housing assistance and combating homelessness. As a Texas state legislator, Turner consistently voted against measures to aid the poor, protect low-income tenants, and fund affordable housing initiatives. He has voiced skepticism about the value of government poverty alleviation efforts, calling welfare "destructive" and agreeing that receiving assistance traps people in "bondage." Turner's deeply conservative views seem antithetical to HUD's role as a vital support system for millions of vulnerable Americans. With his opposition to rental assistance, public-private partnerships for the homeless, and affordable housing programs, his leadership could undermine the agency's work and potentially increase housing insecurity. His legislative record demonstrates an alarming disregard for the housing needs of the nation's poorest citizens. I urge you to scrutinize Turner's background and stated positions carefully. Confirming a HUD Secretary so philosophically opposed to the agency's core functions would be a disservice to the millions who depend on its programs. Turner's apparent belief that government assistance is harmful raises serious doubts about his ability to faithfully execute HUD's mission of providing access to affordable, decent housing and promoting economic opportunity. His confirmation threatens to undermine efforts to address the nation's housing crisis and aid those most in need.