A top House Democrat raised the alarm Thursday over a report that the Trump administration is preparing a $6 billion funding cut for the Department of Housing and Urban Development, signaling the possibility of an early fight over federal spending on affordable housing programs.
“Make no mistake, this plan would result in more people living on the streets,” said Rep. Maxine Waters of California, the top Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee that is responsible for HUD oversight.
Preliminary budget documents show that the administration is considering cutting funds for public housing, HUD staff, housing vouchers and zeroing out funding for Community Development Block Grants entirely, according to the Washington Post.
The cuts would come as part of the Trump White House plan to cut spending across federal agencies by $54 billion and dedicate those savings to defense.
Newly installed HUD Secretary Ben Carson, in the past, has advocated scaling back government assistance programs and encouraging self-reliance. During his confirmation hearings, however, the former neurosurgeon and presidential candidate said that he would defend HUD’s budget if it were targeted for cuts.
HUD had nearly $48 billion in funding in fiscal 2016.
