In a significant bipartisan move, the Senate confirmed Scott Turner as the new Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on Wednesday. The vote tallied 55-44, demonstrating broad support for the former NFL player nominated by President Donald Trump for his second term. This confirmation follows a successful procedural vote on Tuesday, which also saw bipartisan backing with a 55-45 margin.

Turner's impressive nine-season career in the NFL included stints with the Washington Redskins, San Diego Chargers, and Denver Broncos. Transitioning from professional sports to public service, he served as a state legislator in Texas. Prior to his nomination as HUD Secretary, Turner held the position of executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump's first term. In this role, President Trump credited him with leading transformative efforts in distressed communities, overseeing 16 federal agencies and implementing over 200 policy actions to promote economic development. Trump highlighted Turner's key role in attracting over $50 billion in private investment to Opportunity Zones.

Turner's confirmation marks the 12th cabinet appointment for President Trump's second term. The Republican-led Senate has prioritized confirming the President's nominees, achieving a higher confirmation rate at this point in Trump's second term compared to both President Biden's and Trump's first terms, which each had six confirmations at the same juncture.