Dr. Carson’s confirmation hearing scheduled for next week
The confirmation process for President-elect Trump’s Cabinet appointees begins next week, including Dr. Ben Carson, nominee for HUD Secretary. Dr. Carson’s confirmation hearing is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 12, at 10 a.m. (est). He will appear before the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs to provide testimony and answer questions from Senators. To view next Thursday’s hearing, please visit: https://www.banking.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/1/nomination-hearing
The incoming administration has yet to release their nominees for other HUD leadership positions, as well as for the Agriculture Secretary and the Rural Development leadership.
New Congress announces committee assignments, moves ahead with fiscal and health care negotiations
The new Congress began this week with a flurry of activity, including adjustments to Committee assignments and rules changes. The House Financial Services Committee has chosen Representative Sean Duffy (R-WI) to replace Blaine Luetkemeyer as Chair of the Housing and Insurance Subcommittee, which oversees HUD programs. Jurisdiction over the GSEs is also moving to the Housing Subcommittee under Duffy.
The Financial Services Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling listed reforms such as financial regulation and housing finance among the top priorities for the year. “It’s not in the top three, but I assure you it’s in the top ten priorities of this administration to get done this year,” says Hensarling. A NAHMAnalysis of the restructured Congressional leadership and its effects on the affordable housing landscape is forthcoming.
Meanwhile, just two weeks ahead of the Presidential inauguration, lawmakers have begun to outline plans for tackling both the 2017 budget negotiations and tax reform. President-elect Donald Trump’s plan for his first 100 days in office is expected to be finalized soon and will be centered on infrastructure, immigration reform, tax reform, and overhauling healthcare.