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Takeaways from the AP's story about the Trump administration's effort to end 'Housing First'

Takeaways from the AP's story about the Trump administration's effort to end 'Housing First'

President Donald Trump's administration is rapidly shifting away from the approach at the heart of federal homelessness policy

HUD Reforms Homelessness System, Prioritizing Recovery and Self-Sufficiency Over Housing Placements

HUD Reforms Homelessness System, Prioritizing Recovery and Self-Sufficiency Over Housing Placements

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is moving forward with significant reforms to the nation's homelessness system, following a decision by the First Circuit Court of Appeals on September 16. These reforms aim to redefine success in addressing homelessness, shifting the focus from merely providing housing placements to promoting recovery, restoration, and self-sufficiency. This change comes after months of litigation by what is described as the 'Homeless Industrial Complex' to block these reforms. Historically, federal homelessness policy, particularly since 2013 under President Barack Obama's 'Housing First' approach, prioritized permanent housing without requiring treatment or sobriety. Despite a 151% increase in taxpayer-funded beds by 2025, homelessness surged by 27% and chronic homelessness by 81%, reaching record highs. HUD officials are confronting previous statistical 'gimmicks' that obscured the true extent of homelessness and the effectiveness of programs, such as excluding indi...

Trump’s shift from 'Housing First' is causing upheaval for homelessness programs and many they serve

Trump’s shift from 'Housing First' is causing upheaval for homelessness programs and many they serve

The Trump administration is shifting federal policy and dollars away from the “Housing First” approach that has been at the heart of federal homelessness policy

HUD's Innovative Housing Showcase Faces Scrutiny Over Timing and Promotion Amidst Affordable Housing Crisis

HUD's Innovative Housing Showcase Faces Scrutiny Over Timing and Promotion Amidst Affordable Housing Crisis

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently held its annual Innovative Housing Showcase (IHS) on the National Mall, with HUD Secretary Scott Turner pre-announcing the event and its 'Made in America' theme. However, the event has drawn criticism regarding its timing and promotional efforts. The showcase occurred during a Congressional recess and coincided with a high-profile visit from China's President Xi Jinping, leading to concerns about reduced policymaker visibility and media attention. Critics, including Ed Pinto of the AEI Housing Center, suggest that the event's promotion was insufficient, with low viewership for HUD's promotional videos and a lack of prominent visibility on the Manufactured Housing Institute's (MHI) website. This has led to questions about whether the IHS effectively promotes manufactured housing as a solution to the affordable housing crisis or primarily serves as an 'illusion of motion' for public relations.

Lawmakers Press USDA on Unreleased Urban Agriculture Grant Funds

Lawmakers Press USDA on Unreleased Urban Agriculture Grant Funds

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is facing pressure from lawmakers regarding its failure to disburse grant funds designated for urban and suburban farmers. Congress allocated these funds over the past two years, but the agency has not yet made them available. This inaction has prompted concerns among agricultural communities and their representatives. The delay in releasing these grants impacts the development and support of urban and suburban farming initiatives, which are often crucial for local food systems and community development. The issue highlights a disconnect between congressional appropriations and the agency's implementation, raising questions about the USDA's priorities and operational efficiency in supporting diverse agricultural sectors.

U.S. Judiciary Prepares for Courthouse Facilities Management Pilot Amidst Congressional Deliberation

U.S. Judiciary Prepares for Courthouse Facilities Management Pilot Amidst Congressional Deliberation

The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AO) is actively preparing to take over the management of some federal courthouses, a move that would shift responsibilities currently held by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). Judge Robert J. Conrad Jr., director of the AO, announced on September 17 that the judiciary is hiring staff and developing criteria to select up to 10 federal judicial districts for a proposed pilot program. This preparation is occurring despite the fact that Congress has not yet authorized the transfer of these management duties. The bipartisan Judicial Space and Facilities Management Effectiveness Act, S. 5194, introduced on July 30, would enable this pilot program, allowing the judiciary to demonstrate its capability in managing properties before a broader transfer of authority. The bill is currently with the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.

Watchdog says Trump can't cancel more than $800M in spending approved by Congress

Watchdog says Trump can't cancel more than $800M in spending approved by Congress

President Donald Trump is not permitted to withhold beyond the end of the fiscal year more than $800 million in spending approved by Congress

U.S. Rep. Kevin Mullin Introduces 'Garrett's Law' to Mandate Background Checks for Airgun Purchases

U.S. Rep. Kevin Mullin Introduces 'Garrett's Law' to Mandate Background Checks for Airgun Purchases

U.S. Rep. Kevin Mullin (D-CA-15) has introduced federal legislation, titled 'Garrett’s Law,' which proposes that airgun purchases require background checks and that regulatory oversight of these devices be transferred to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The bill was introduced following the suicide of one of Mullin’s constituents, Garrett Edwards, who reportedly struggled with mental health issues. Gun prohibition lobbying groups have expressed support for the legislation, characterizing it as a common-sense safety reform. However, the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms (CCRKBA) has strongly opposed the measure, arguing that airguns should not be classified under federal firearm statutes. CCRKBA Executive Director Andrew Gottlieb stated that the bill is an overreaction and a 'publicity stunt' that targets law-abiding citizens and mischaracterizes airguns, which are not firearms.

Vanderbilt University Advocates for Federal Research Funding in Washington, D.C.

Vanderbilt University Advocates for Federal Research Funding in Washington, D.C.

Throughout September 2026, Vanderbilt University faculty, researchers, and leaders engaged with lawmakers in Washington, D.C., to advocate for federal investment in research and education. Organized by the Office of Federal Relations, these engagements highlighted Vanderbilt’s expertise in areas such as democracy in the Americas, education research, nuclear waste management, and Tennessee’s economic and workforce priorities. Meetings were held with various congressional offices, including those of Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Senator Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), and Representative Chuck Fleischmann (R-Tenn.). The university emphasized its role as a research institution, educator, employer, and partner in Tennessee’s innovation economy, underscoring the value of federal funding for ongoing research partnerships and the development of a specialized workforce.

The Columbus Dispatch

Columbus grants $30k to Haitians facing hardship, fear after TPS ended

Columbus grants $30k to Haitians facing hardship, fear after TPS ended

Columbus Haitians who lost TPS are struggling with basic needs and fear. City Council approved a $30,000 grant to help.

Reps. Westerman and Gluesenkamp Perez Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand VA Home Loans for Rural Veterans

Reps. Westerman and Gluesenkamp Perez Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand VA Home Loans for Rural Veterans

Reps. Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) have introduced the Veterans Owner-Builders’ Rights Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at expanding VA home loan access for rural veterans. The proposed legislation seeks to establish a five-year pilot program under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that would provide direct housing loans to veterans in rural areas for the construction of new homes. This initiative is designed to allow veterans with relevant skills to utilize their VA home loan benefits to build their own residences, addressing a current limitation where only about 30% of veterans use these loans. The bill also includes provisions for providing blueprints with American wood sourcing requirements, streamlining the permitting process by requiring permits within 45 days and covering associated fees, and offering technical assistance for construction and permit applications. Additionally, it includes a safeguard against home-flipping by requiring veterans to reside in the home for...