Democrats block HUD nominee Turner over missing FBI background check

U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, along with all Democratic members of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, voted against advancing Scott Turner's nomination for Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. The decision was made after the White House did not complete Turner's FBI background check before the committee vote.

Senator Warren stated that she was ready to support Turner's nomination but emphasized the need for complete information before proceeding. She and other committee Democrats had previously requested Chair Tim Scott to delay the vote until the FBI background check was finalized.

Turner, if confirmed, would join President Trump's cabinet and be in line for presidential succession. It is customary for committee votes on nominations to occur only after an FBI background investigation is completed. Warren highlighted that other Senate committees have postponed hearings due to incomplete background checks.

In her remarks, Warren expressed willingness to work across party lines to address housing costs in America. She acknowledged concerns about Turner’s nomination but appreciated his recognition of the housing supply crisis and commitment to addressing it.

Despite readiness to proceed with Turner's confirmation, Warren insisted on adhering to committee precedent by waiting for the FBI's background check results. "There is no reason to anticipate a problem," she said, "but it would be irresponsible for this committee to vote on a cabinet nominee without his background check."

Warren urged adherence to this standard as seen in other committees like Armed Services, Agriculture, and Veterans Affairs, which have delayed hearings pending background checks. She concluded by emphasizing that ensuring a complete background check serves both political parties and the American public.

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