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 low‑income households, seniors, people with disabilities and people with HIV/AIDS.

Turner described the proposal as a “paradigm shift” to return discretion to states and reduce administrative burden. He said the FY2026 request “is indeed that new playbook” and that the department has set aside funding for HUD’s Policy Development and Research (PD&R) office to work with states on implementing SRAP. Turner also told the panel he has begun visits with local officials and public housing authorities to assess conditions.

Members repeatedly asked for specifics. Ranking Member Clyburn framed the dispute as one of values and outcomes, saying housing “is a basic human need and serves as a foundation for education, health, and financial outcomes,” and warned that “these so called reforms would shift HUD program cost onto low income residents.” Representative Watson Coleman accused the administration of proposing “devastating” cuts and provided a list of program reductions cited during the hearing, including large cuts to rental and homeless assistance, public housing, HOPWA and community development programs (figures she read into the record during questioning). Representative Mike Quigley and others pressed for detail on how people now served by HOPWA, HUD VASH (veterans), Section 202 and Section 811 (elderly and disabled housing), and other targeted programs would be protected during any transition.

Turner disputed the premise that changes would leave people without support, saying HUD would prioritize the elderly and people with disabilities under SRAP and that the budget includes technical assistance to states to implement the new structure. He added HUD would continue inspection and oversight responsibilities for public housing authorities, citing visits to multiple authorities and saying some “are not operating efficiently.” Turner also told members he and Interior Secretary Berger have signed a memorandum to identify underutilized federal land as an avenue to expand housing supply.

Members described concrete local problems they fear would worsen under the plan. Rep. Espaillat and others highlighted New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) capital and safety shortfalls; Turner acknowledged visiting NYCHA and described capital arrears and safety concerns he observed. Several members raised disaster recovery funding and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) support for recent wildfire and flood recovery in California, asking when HUD would request disaster recovery funds and expressing skepticism that states alone could fill gaps. Representatives Gonzales and Siskamani raised veterans housing and HUD–VA (HUD‑VASH) voucher utilization and asked for increased outreach and reduced program red tape to improve uptake.

Members on both sides repeatedly asked for budget specifics, transition timelines and statutory pathways. Turner and several members noted that some statutory changes would need authorizing committee work; Turner said the administration welcomes discussions with authorizers and appropriators. Chairman Womack reminded the panel that the subcommittee has begun markup work on FY2026 appropriations, noting 12 bills already under consideration.

No formal votes or binding committee actions were taken during the hearing; members used the Q&A period to press for more granular numbers, program safeguards and implementation plans.

Ending: The hearing closed with members emphasizing the need for written budget detail, transition plans and continued interaction between HUD, the subcommittee and authorizing committees as appropriations work proceeds.