San Antonio Corridor News

Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) has introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at bringing much-needed transparency and accountability to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The legislation requires the Department's Inspector General to testify before Congress on an annual basis, ensuring that proper oversight is maintained.

The decision to introduce the bill came after a committee hearing where HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge, when questioned under oath, stated that she had not come across any instances of waste, fraud, or abuse during her tenure. Congresswoman De La Cruz, determined to address this issue, authored the legislation to ensure that HUD's commitment to being good stewards of taxpayer dollars is upheld.

In her statement, Congresswoman De La Cruz emphasized the importance of effective oversight in the housing affordability discussion. She highlighted the significant amount of federal funding allocated to HUD, making it crucial for the department to demonstrate its dedication to responsible financial management.

"To ensure that people in our communities who most need HUD assistance can receive it, it is imperative that we work to root out waste, fraud, and abuse where found," stated Congresswoman De La Cruz. "Oversight is the job of Congress, and this bill asserts that oversight."

The bill introduced by Congresswoman De La Cruz seeks to address the lack of accountability within HUD by requiring the Inspector General to provide regular testimony before Congress. This requirement aims to shed light on any potential issues and ensure that necessary actions are taken to rectify them.

By holding the Inspector General accountable and providing a platform for transparent dialogue, the bill aims to strengthen HUD's operations and improve its effectiveness in providing housing assistance to those who need it most. The legislation also reinforces the role of Congress in overseeing the proper use of taxpayer funds.

The introduction of this bipartisan bill marks a significant step towards bringing greater transparency and accountability to HUD. With the support of both Democrats and Republicans, Congresswoman De La Cruz's legislation has the potential to enact meaningful change within the Department, ultimately benefiting individuals and communities in need of housing assistance.