President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to head the Department of Housing and Urban Development declined Thursday to wade into the turbulent political waters of how the incoming administration’s tariffs could affect housing costs.

Picked to lead the housing agency under Trump, the former Texas House member tells senators there is a housing crisis. Democrats say they want to act only after a background check.

The Trump administration directed federal agencies to conduct a funding review, including a review of 100 HUD programs.

The subcommittee has primary jurisdiction over issues related to affordable and accessible housing, mortgage servicing, transit, and urban development.

Senate committees on Thursday approved a handful of Trump Cabinet nominees setting them up for approval by the full chamber.

Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) said he’s “absolutely” comfortable with President Trump’s decision to oust more than two dozen inspectors general from various federal agencies.

If confirmed, the NFL veteran and former developer would run a department with a $70 billion budget and roughly 8,000 employees

Senate hearings are scheduled this week for several of Trump’s picks for the Cabinet. While many are rapidly gaining support for their confirmation, the remaining still have to go before the committees overseeing the agencies Trump wants them to run.

Scott Turner, President Trump's pick to head the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, faced opposition from Democrats on the Senate Banking Committee, but his nomination was nonetheless approved by a vote of 13-11.

(AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.) Eric Scott Turner, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to be Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, delivers his opening remarks during a Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs hearing for his pending ...

President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to head the Department of Housing and Urban Development declined ... and cement. The United States produces gypsum but also imported $128 million worth ...

Committees will hear from nominees hoping to lead the Treasury, Interior Housing and Urban Development departments and the Environmental Protection Agency.