James Arthur Jemison II Testifies at Nomination Hearing

On Oct. 7, James Arthur Jemison II testified before the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs in a nomination hearing. Jemison is the Assistant Secretary Designate for the office of Pubic and Indian Housing (PIH) at the Dept. of Housing and Urban Development. In his testimony, Jemison stated:  

“If confirmed, I will use all of my energy and experience working to transform public housing; ensure vouchers stabilize households and end homelessness; and support the strength of tribal communities across America.”

Three other nominees testified at Thursday’s hearing, including Assistant Secretary of Commerce Designate Matthew Axelrod, President Designate of HUD Gennie Mae Designate Alanna McCargo, and Assistant Secretary Designate of HUD’s Office of Community Planning and Development (CPD) Mark Colon.

Chairman Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) welcomed the nominees and applauded their respective qualifications. Ranking Member Sen. Pat Toomey (R-PA) expressed some concern around perceived mismanagement in some of the nominees’ prior positions. Several committee senators joined the hearing to question the nominees about their plans for their roles and their prior statements or beliefs.

On behalf of NAHRO, Interim CEO Mike Gerber expressed support for Jemison’s nomination, stating:

“Mr. Jemison is a dedicated professional with extensive experience in affordable housing and community development at HUD, the Detroit Housing Commission, the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development and other organizations. We support his nomination and urge the Senate to confirm him as HUD Assistant Secretary of Public and Indian Housing.”

The committee will vote on all four witnesses at a later date. The full hearing and written testimonies are available on the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs website.