1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers essential services that support housing stability and community development across the nation. These include assistance for first-time homebuyers, rental subsidies for low-income families, homelessness prevention initiatives, funding to expand affordable housing supply, disaster recovery aid, and fair housing enforcement. However, DOGE's proposed budget cuts threaten to severely undermine HUD's ability to fulfill its vital mission. The planned staffing reductions of up to 50%, closure of field offices, cuts to fair housing agencies, and widespread cancellation of grants would cripple HUD's operations. Moreover, the funding shortfall projected for Section 8 housing vouchers could result in over 280,000 households losing this crucial rental assistance. DOGE's strategy of slashing personnel, grants, and office leases is an underhanded attempt to hobble agencies without formal legislative budget cuts. Congress must intervene to protect HUD and the critical housing services it provides. Immediate steps must be taken to restore staffing levels, reinstate grant funding, reopen field offices, and reject any proposed budget cuts that would undermine HUD's ability to fulfill its mission of promoting affordable housing, community revitalization, and equal housing opportunities for all Americans.