Press Releases

Today, the House Financial Services Committee, led by Chairman French Hill (AR-02), is holding the Committee's annual hearing with the Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner.

Read Chairman Hill's remarks as prepared for delivery.

"Good morning. I’d like to thank Secretary Scott Turner for being here and applaud his work to reform the structure of HUD, refocus the Department on its core missions, and roll back misguided Biden-era rules and regulations.

"Today, our members will review HUD’s work with Secretary Turner at the helm and discuss the Department’s future direction under his leadership.

"We find ourselves at a pivotal moment in our nation’s housing landscape, one that necessitates thoughtful reform and a clear-eyed focus on the needs of the American people.

"Under the Biden Administration, HUD drifted from its core mission, becoming weighed down by misguided regulations that stifled innovation and limited access to affordable housing.

"Several of these Biden-era rules have proven ineffective and counterproductive which is why HUD is refocusing its policies and programs to deliver safe and accessible housing for the American people. 

"We are witnessing rising costs, shifting demographics, and changing economic realities that demand a fresh approach.

"Every event I attend at home in Arkansas, citizens tell me how shocking the impact of Biden Inflation is. In the Biden-era, home construction prices soared and home financing jumped in the Fed’s fight against their own policy errors, joined with Biden’s fiscal extravagance.

"Access to affordable homes and apartments continue to challenge American families, driven by these high costs exacerbated a persistent shortage of housing supply relative to growing demand.

"Americans’ challenges are further compounded by deficiencies in HUD’s oversight framework and regulatory red tape that have contributed to limited housing inventory and reduced access to affordable housing for many across our nation.

"These shortcomings underscore the need for bipartisan legislative action to reduce regulatory barriers and expand housing supply.

"This Committee has been laser-focused on addressing the high cost of living, and housing is a key component.

"Last month, the Committee overwhelmingly passed the bipartisan Housing for the 21st Century Act, which works to streamline housing development and affordability by updating outdated programs, removing regulatory roadblocks, and increasing local flexibility. I look forward to hearing more about your views on this critical bill.

"While streamlining development is critical, these reforms must be paired with improved accountability to ensure they deliver real results.

"Strengthening accountability benefits homeowners and renters while also safeguarding taxpayers by ensuring their hard-earned dollars are used efficiently and effectively.

"Let’s be frank: Biden’s HUD failed in its oversight of our local Public Housing Authorities between missing funds, unsafe public housing, and outrageous, appalling landlords in the Section 8 Voucher Program. With your leadership, Mr. Secretary, we can tackle this mess together.

"It is imperative Congress work with HUD to make the necessary changes to the Department’s programs, ensuring that they are responsive and effective for all Americans.

"This hearing is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the principles of accountability, innovation, and responsiveness in government.

"I look forward to hearing from Secretary Turner on how we can pave the way for a stronger, more effective HUD."