The Government Accountability Office has announced an investigation into the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) regarding proposed budget cuts to fair housing enforcement. This inquiry was initiated following a request from Democratic senators concerned that the reductions would undermine the enforcement of the Fair Housing Act. Local organizations that rely on federal grants, now facing a $30 million funding loss, have expressed alarm over how this could foster discrimination. Secretary Scott Turner’s plan to significantly reduce HUD's staff further raises concerns over the impact on housing equity and discrimination enforcement.
The investigation, announced by the Government Accountability Office, adds pressure on HUD and DOGE as they seek to cut fair housing funds amid rising concerns for housing equality.
Cuts to fair housing initiatives could embolden discrimination, risking lives, as highlighted by Democratic leaders in their letters urging accountability in the funding decisions.
The rescission of $30 million in grants to local fair housing organizations has posed a significant threat to their operational budgets, many under $1 million annually.
HUD Secretary Scott Turner's forecasted cuts of 77% in staffing at the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity signal deep reductions in fair housing enforcement.
Collection
[
|
...
]