Minority members of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs sent a letter to Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner seeking information on the newly announced Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Task Force at HUD and warning that it could undermine the department’s ability to serve vulnerable communities. The letter cites reported DOGE plans to cut 50% of HUD’s workforce, eliminate half of HUD field offices, and reduce programs addressing discrimination protections, homelessness, housing supply, and disaster recovery. It also points to reports that HUD is terminating the Green and Resilient Retrofit Program and attempting to claw back funds already awarded and obligated to nonprofits and other housing providers to improve more than 30,000 homes. In parallel, the senators request clarity on DOGE’s objectives, how it defines “waste,” and supporting detail for HUD’s announcement that HUD and DOGE identified USD 260 million in savings from “wasteful contracts.” The senators asked Secretary Turner to provide the requested information by February 26, 2025.
U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs 2025-02-24
U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs minority members demand HUD details on the DOGE Task Force and a $260 million contract savings claim
Minority members of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs have expressed concerns to Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner regarding the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Task Force. They warn that DOGE's plans, including significant workforce and program cuts, could undermine HUD's service to vulnerable communities. The senators seek clarification on DOGE's objectives and the reported USD 260 million savings.