Trump’s former NFL player HUD secretary pick clears procedural vote
Former NFL player and Texas state lawmaker, Scott Turner, has advanced past a key procedural hurdle in the Senate on Tuesday night, paving the way for a final confirmation vote to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) later this week. The nomination was able to clear the procedural vote by a margin of 55-45, with two Democrats crossing party lines to join Republicans in supporting Turner.
President Donald Trump had announced Turner as his pick for HUD secretary shortly after his election last year. This comes after Dr. Ben Carson, a former GOP presidential candidate, led the department during Trump’s previous administration. Turner, who played in the NFL for nine seasons after being drafted in 1995, had stints with the Washington Redskins, San Diego Chargers, and Denver Broncos before transitioning into politics in his home state of Texas.
In Trump’s announcement, he praised Turner’s work as the First Executive Director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council (WHORC), highlighting his efforts in transforming distressed communities and attracting over $50 billion in private investment to Opportunity Zones. Turner’s leadership and experience in overseeing 16 federal agencies that implemented more than 200 policy actions furthering economic development were also commended.
During his hearing before the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs last month, Turner expressed his commitment to addressing broken policy areas and helping Americans move away from government assistance towards self-sustainability. He emphasized his goal of assisting individuals in achieving the American dream by becoming self-sustainable and independent.
Trump has already seen several of his nominees confirmed, and Turner’s confirmation vote is set to take place later this week. With his background in both professional sports and politics, Turner brings a unique perspective and set of skills to the role of HUD secretary, promising to bring fresh ideas and solutions to the department.
