Feb. 5 (UPI) — The U.S. Senate on Wednesday confirmed Scott Turner, a former NFL player and past Texas state representative, as secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
The Senate’s vote was 55-44 with all Republicans and two Democrats, John Fetterman of Pennsylvania and Peter Welch of Vermont, voting yes. Democrat Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland didn’t vote.
Turner, 52, played for the Washington Redskins, San Diego Chargers, Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos from 1995-2003.
Turner, who grew up in Dallas, served two consecutive terms in the Texas House, representing the 33rd District northwest of Dallas, from January 2013 to January 2017.
He also was chief visionary officer at the multifamily housing developer JPI.
Turner decried during his confirmation hearing that HUD is “failing at its most basic mission” noting record-high homelessness and a shortage of affordable housing.
“There’s record funding from HUD and we’re still not meeting the need.”
The Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs committee cleared him on a 13-11 party-line vote.
“As HUD Secretary, Scott will make himself known,” Chairman Tim Scott said after the confirmation. “He will create access to quality, affordability housing…he will work to reverse decades of failed housing policies and make targeted reforms across all segments of the U.S. housing market.”
Turner served as the executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump’s first term.
The Senate has confirmed 11 of 22 Cabinet members.
The previous approval was Doug Collins, a former House member serving Georgia, in a 77-23 vote Tuesday.