House appropriations subcommittee grills HUD secretary over FY2026 cuts and proposed state rental-assistance block grant

Secretary Scott Turner, head of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, told a House Appropriations subcommittee that the administration's FY2026 budget reflects “a new playbook” and a push to shift major rental programs to states while trimming federal spending.

The hearing, convened by Chairman Womack of the House Appropriations subcommittee, focused on Secretary Turner’s proposal to consolidate tenant-based vouchers, project-based rental assistance and public housing funding into a single State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP) and on deep programmatic cuts described by several members. Chairman Womack said, “HUD's request for new budget authority in fiscal 26 is $33,200,000,000. That is a $35,500,000,000 decrease. Let me say that again. That's not a typo.”

Why it matters: Members on both sides warned that the plan — which Secretary Turner said is intended to give states “skin in the game” and more flexibility — would be disruptive without detailed transition plans. Lawmakers said the cuts, as described during questioning, would remove funding for long‑standing programs that provide rental assistance, supportive housing and legal and fair‑housing protections for…