Policy

Policy News from the Administration

Statement from the Housing Assistance Council on the Nomination of Secretary Tom Vilsack and Rep. Marcia Fudge to Lead USDA and HUD

As the nation’s rural housing intermediary, the Housing Assistance Council congratulates former Secretary Tom Vilsack and Representative Marcia Fudge on their nominations to lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, respectively. Their nominations come at a time of crisis in rural communities. The pandemic has laid bare market failures and capacity challenges that disproportionately affect rural communities. Rural homeowners and renters have been out of work for months. Federal mortgage forbearance and eviction moratoriums are set to expire at the end of the year. This is truly a time for strong, experienced leaders that can manage crisis-level responses. We are confident these two leaders will help families across the country – including in our nation’s most persistently poor places in rural America.

Rural housing markets and programs have suffered from neglect for decades. Decent, safe, and affordable housing leads to good health and wealth building. former Secretary Vilsack and Rep. Fudge know that. We look forward to working with them in their new roles to place a renewed focus on the needs of rural communities. They both bring the knowledge and experience necessary to take the helm at a difficult time in our nation’s history. We wish them well as they begin the confirmation process.