[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 24 (Wednesday, February 5, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Pages S606-S607]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                      Confirmation of Eric Turner

  Mr. SCOTT of South Carolina. Mr. President, the Department of Housing 
and Urban Development's mission is to create strong, sustainable 
communities and support of affordable homes. Yet under President Biden 
and his administration, the Department failed to serve our Nation's 
most vulnerable.
  Here is the truth: We are facing a homelessness crisis in America. 
The latest homelessness survey found an 18-percent increase in 
homelessness year over year, increasing the number of homelessness in 
our country to nearly 772,000 Americans not able to find a place to lay 
their heads. This is unacceptable.
  On top of that, we are facing an affordability crisis in our country 
as well. During President Biden's tenure, mortgage rates ballooned 150 
percent and rents 20 percent.
  Over the last 4 years, far-left housing policies and burdensome 
regulations have put the American dream out of reach for millions and 
millions of hard-working, dedicated patriots throughout our Nation. It 
is no secret that HUD is in serious need of new leadership.
  Fortunately, there is good news: Help is right over there, and it is 
on its way.
  My good friend, Scott Turner, has a remarkable life story, a 
tremendous life story. Scott is a native Texan who has had an 
exceptional journey from professional athlete to public servant. Scott 
came from humble beginnings, but he never let those circumstances 
define who he is. Actually, Scott, in high school, I believe it was, 
worked at a barbecue shop. What I love about Scott is he has this 
affection for the truth. He told me himself--he conceded--that South 
Carolina barbecue is better than Texas. I am glad he has no microphone 
to say anything right now. I am just telling you that that is a man I 
can appreciate.
  He went on and had a successful career in the NFL: nine seasons as a 
cornerback playing for the Denver Broncos, the San Diego Chargers, and, 
yes, the Washington Redskins. And I note that he did not play for 
America's team, the Dallas Cowboys. Nobody can be perfect.
  After hanging up his cleats, Scott served two terms in the Texas 
State legislature and then went on to work in the Trump administration.
  As the Executive Director of the White House Opportunity and 
Revitalization Council, Scott helped implement the opportunity zones 
initiative I created, directing over $50 billion in private sector 
capital into hard-hit, typically majority minority communities, 
breathing hope and opportunity not only to the neighborhoods but into 
the lives of people who desperately, passionately were praying for 
hope, and with less than a 5-percent gentrification. That is what I 
call success.
  His story and his perspective are essential tools that he will bring 
to the table to fight the increase of homelessness, to fight the 150-
percent ballooning of our mortgages, and to fight back against the 20-
percent increase in rents.
  As HUD Secretary, Scott will make himself known. He will create 
access to quality, affordable housing as a top priority. He will work 
to reverse decades of failed housing policies, and make targeted 
reforms across all segments of the U.S. housing market.
  It is time to make America's economy work for working-class 
Americans. It is time for a blue-collar comeback. And I am so thankful 
that we have a man prepared to put in 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, if 
necessary, so more people--not 772,000 Americans, but more Americans--
will have a place to lay their heads because they are no longer 
homeless. More Americans will be able to afford a home because the 
interest rates will come down, the housing supply will increase. And we 
will thank God Almighty that we live in a land where opportunity is 
more available because the right person, at the right time, in the 
right place, says yes.
  I am very thankful that Scott Turner is the Secretary of Housing and 
Urban

[[Page S607]]

Development. But I am more thankful that we have a President making 
good decisions to put America back on the right track.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. Mr. President, I would like to say I look forward to 
Texas and South Carolina running for No. 2 to be the best barbecue in 
the country, with Alabama being a clear No. 1.
  Mr. SCOTT of South Carolina. Will the Senator yield?
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I will yield.
  Mr. SCOTT of South Carolina. It sounded like you were suggesting that 
there was a place on the planet that has better barbecue than South 
Carolina. I know my ears mistook the words coming out of your mouth. I 
know you are a fine coach, Coach, but we both know we can't lie to the 
public.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. Will the Senator yield?
  Mr. SCOTT of South Carolina. The Senator will yield.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. Your neighbor to the southwest has been recognized as 
the No. 1 barbecue in the United States by many, many authorities, so I 
think we probably could leave it at that.
  Mr. SCOTT of South Carolina. Will you yield?
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. I will.
  Mr. SCOTT of South Carolina. Thank you, Coach.
  I will just simply say that although there are many, many people 
living in Alabama coming to the conclusion--it makes total sense to me. 
Alabama is a fine State. You guys produce national championships, and 
you know something about that. Of course, the home of barbecue, the 
beginning place of barbecue and sweet tea is South Carolina.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. Will the Senator yield?
  Mr. SCOTT of South Carolina. Yes, sir.
  Mr. TUBERVILLE. That sounds like a challenge.
  Mr. SCOTT of South Carolina. We will have a taste test.