(The Epoch Times)—Scott Turner will be the next secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) after the Senate voted to confirm him on Feb. 5.
The 55–44 vote adds one more member to President Donald Trump’s growing Cabinet, less than a week after the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee voted along party lines, 13–11, to advance the former NFL player’s nomination to the Senate floor.
Turner was nominated for the role by Trump just days after the 2024 election. During his confirmation hearing on Jan. 16, Turner said his primary goal at HUD would be to ease “regulatory burdens” for housing development while maximizing the potential of the agency’s $72.6 billion budget for fiscal year 2025.
As a developer himself, Turner described the impact on construction costs from “permitting fees, inspection fees, [and] zoning difficulties on a local level.” He cited data that shows regulations account for, on average, 40.6 percent of the total development costs of multifamily homes and roughly 23.8 percent of the development costs of single-family homes.
He also discussed the United States hitting an all-time record high of homelessness in 2024.
“That’s a national embarrassment and something that cannot continue,” Turner said. “We have a housing crisis in our country, where American people and families are struggling every day.
“HUD is failing at its most basic mission.”
When Turner’s nomination went in front of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee on Jan. 23 for a confirmation vote, several Democrats on the committee, led by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) signed a letter stating their refusal to advance him before his FBI background check had been completed.
“If confirmed, Mr. Turner will serve as a member of President Trump’s cabinet and be in the line of presidential succession. The Committee’s customary practice—followed by both Republican and Democratic chairs—is to hold a vote on a nomination only after the FBI completes its background investigation,” the Democrats wrote.
Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), chairman of the committee, said Turner has the necessary skill set for HUD in a Jan. 23. video posted to social media platform X.
“HUD’s mission is to create strong and sustainable communities and support quality, affordable homes, serving the most vulnerable in our nation,” Scott said. “Scott Turner’s story and perspective are tools that he brings to the table.”
Turner, 52, was born and raised in Texas. He started his football career at the University of Illinois before the Washington Redskins drafted him in 1995, leading to nine years in the NFL. From 2012 to 2017, he served in the Texas House of Representatives.
The former athlete is also the founder and CEO of the Community Engagement and Opportunity Council. During the first Trump administration, he served as the executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council.
Samantha Flom contributed to this report.
Bypass Big Tech Censors
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.
