HUD Secretary Scott Turner Grilled by Senators Over Homelessness Record Amid Budget Cuts Defense

Senators Demand Results as HUD Secretary Defends Budget Cuts

Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner struggled to justify the Trump administration’s substantial budget reductions to his department during a combative Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on May 14, 2026. Instead of detailing his own achievements, Turner repeatedly criticized the Biden administration’s policies, drawing frustration from lawmakers.

Senator Gillibrand Challenges Turner on Homelessness Data

New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand pressed Turner for concrete results, questioning the status of homelessness in the U.S. amid the budget cuts. She demanded the release of the federal government’s Point-in-Time Count, an annual report tracking homelessness, typically published in December. As of mid-May 2026, the 2025 report had not been released.

"What is your record? You’ve had this job for well over a year! I just want to know: did you get the number down? Do we have 700,000 homeless still, or is it one million, or one million point five?"

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand

Gillibrand dismissed Turner’s attempts to shift blame, emphasizing the need for accountability.

"I just don’t want to hear what you don’t like about the Biden administration! You’re in charge, you have a vision, let’s see it, let’s see the results!"

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand

Turner responded by defending his tenure and criticizing past policies:

"I thank God that I’m in charge so we can do stuff different, because the plays that were ran before I got here, they failed."

Scott Turner

Gillibrand interrupted, demanding Turner focus on his own performance rather than the Biden administration:

"Stop talking about Biden! Talk about your record!"

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand

Turner attempted to attribute delays in the homelessness report to unrelated factors, including a 43-day government shutdown and ongoing litigation, though Gillibrand challenged these claims.

Senator Murray Calls Out Turner’s Reliance on Biden Criticism

Washington Senator Patty Murray accused Turner of using criticism of the Biden administration as a default response to avoid addressing his own policies. She highlighted the impact of his proposed $10 billion budget cut on housing affordability and homelessness efforts.

"Your budget cuts housing. Can you help more families with housing with $84 billion or $73.5 billion?"

Senator Patty Murray

Turner reiterated past challenges under the Biden administration, prompting Murray’s sharp retort:

"This is the go-to answer for every secretary—to go back to Biden. I’m asking you about your [record]."

Senator Patty Murray

The exchange underscored growing frustration among senators over the administration’s lack of transparency and measurable progress in addressing homelessness.

Key Takeaways from the Hearing

• Budget Cuts Under Scrutiny: Turner defended the Trump administration’s $10 billion reduction to HUD’s budget, despite concerns over housing affordability and homelessness.
• Missing Homelessness Data: The 2025 Point-in-Time Count, which tracks homelessness, has not been released as of May 2026, raising questions about transparency.
• Deflection Over Accountability: Turner repeatedly cited the Biden administration’s policies as the root of challenges, drawing sharp rebukes from senators.
• Senators Demand Results: Lawmakers pressed Turner for tangible outcomes, including reductions in homelessness, but received no clear answers.