Western South Dakota News

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune addressed the Senate floor regarding Scott Turner's nomination as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Thune emphasized the critical nature of this role amid a national housing crisis affecting urban, rural, and tribal areas. He noted that high construction costs and stringent regulations have hindered homebuilding, making existing homes unaffordable for many Americans.

Thune highlighted Turner's background, noting his challenging upbringing in Plano and Richardson, Texas. Despite these challenges, Turner pursued his dream of playing professional football, eventually graduating from the University of Illinois and joining the NFL. During an offseason in 2003, Turner interned at a congressional office instead of taking a break.

Post-NFL, Turner founded an organization to aid children in poverty, served as a Texas state legislator, and contributed to the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during President Trump's first term. Thune praised Turner's work overseeing the Opportunity Zone program established by the 2017 Republican tax relief legislation.

Thune expressed confidence in Turner's ability to address issues facing distressed communities as HUD Secretary. He reiterated President Trump's commitment to rebuilding American communities with Turner's leadership.