The Congressional Black Caucus has issued a statement applauding Marcia L. Fudge, who has led the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) since her confirmation by the United States Senate in March 2021.
As she winds down to retirement from public life, Secretary Fudge leaves her mark on the agency as the first African American woman to lead the department in decades and only the second in our nation's history.
Being a former mayor, she acknowledged the crucial role of HUD programs in preserving the American Dream to ensure access to a secure and affordable home as well as recognizing the efforts to address the ongoing housing affordability crisis.
Her focus on racial equity and addressing the gap in Black homeownership has been instrumental in creating a more just society.
Under her leadership, the housing and urban development agency has supported nearly a quarter of a million Black people in purchasing a home.
HUD has also taken significant steps to root out racial bias in the home appraisal process.
For decades, Secretary Fudge served the people of Ohio as Mayor of Warrensville Heights and then as a Member of Congress representing Ohio's 11th Congressional District.
As Chair of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Nutrition, Oversight, and Department Operations, Congresswoman Fudge worked to defend families across the country from cruel and unnecessary cuts to SNAP and other vital programs and services.
As a former Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, Secretary Fudge demonstrated commitment to vulnerable communities.
She tirelessly worked to address many of the most pressing issues facing the country, including immigration, job creation, and combating poverty, among others, showing her deep empathy and understanding of their struggles.
The statement concludes by wishing Secretary Fudge the very best on her next steps and recognizing her unparalleled leadership and commitment to service, which has made the nation better off.
