Dr. Ben Carson is unable to attend NAHMA’s March Meeting
HUD transition staff have informed NAHMA that Dr. Cason and his staff are unable to attend the March conference, due to the delay in his confirmation to become HUD Secretary. As a matter of protocol, NAHMA was told Dr. Carson has to avoid any appearance of presumption of confirmation.
NAHMA has extended invitations to key Senate leaders that oversee affordable housing programs, including Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Mike Crapo (R-ID), and Tim Scott (R-SC). We are currently waiting to hear back from their respective offices.
Appropriations Subcommittee leaders call on GAO to examine HUD’s lead abatement efforts
This week, Senators Collins (R-ME) and Reed (D-RI) and Representatives Diaz-Balart (R-FL) and Price (D-NC) sent a letter asking the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report on HUD’s lead hazard remediation efforts. The bipartisan leadership of the House and Senate Subcommittees on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development raised concerns about the oversight needed to remediate lead-based paint hazards in HUD-assisted housing.
The letter asks the GAO to produce a report on the effectiveness of federal programs and protocols for identifying and addressing lead-based paint hazards, the partnerships between PHAs and Public Health Agencies, and gaps in regulation compliance and enforcement. Lastly, the letter also inquires about HUD’s process for assessing lead-related risks during Housing Choice Voucher inspections, and the impact, if any, on landlord participation and housing availability.