Cummings calls for closer look at misuse of federal housing funds

The newspaper examined every major project currently funded under the HUD program — a database of 5,100 projects worth $3.2 billion — examining more than 600 satellite images and collecting information from 165 housing agencies nationwide.

He said the issue presents “an opportunity for bipartisan and constructive oversight” to examine “potential flaws in the block grant process that allegedly led to fraud, waste and delay.”

“At a time when so many Americans are struggling to stay in their homes, it would be deeply upsetting if these allegations proved true,” Cummings said. “Our committee should help ensure that contractors actually do the work they receive taxpayer funds for, and that local and federal agencies properly oversee funds they distribute. We should also correct any deficiencies in the law that prevent agencies from adequately monitoring projects and recouping taxpayer funds if necessary.”

Senate Banking Chairman Tim Johnson (D-S.D.) and ranking member Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) said their committee will look into The Washington Post’s yearlong investigation into how HUD spent billions of dollars on local housing programs. 

“We are deeply concerned by these reports, particularly at a time when so many Americans are in need of affordable housing,” they said in a joint statement.