HUD Secretary Resigns

U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson announced today he is resigning as the nation's chief housing officer. Jackson will conclude his government service as the nation's 13th HUD Secretary on April 18, said a HUD press release. "During my time here, I have sought to make America a better place to live, work and raise a family," Jackson said. "I take great pride in working alongside some of the most dedicated civil servants in America. The hardworking people at HUD make a difference in the lives of thousands of Americans daily." According to the HUD release, Jackson during his term oversaw HUD's $37 billion budget and 9,200 employees. The former HUD secretary has recently caught the ire of the U.S. Senate after refusing to answer questions regarding accusations that he had in appropriately directed his staff to steer federal housing contracts to Jackson's political allies. Senate Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) asked for Jackson's resignation earlier in March, stating that Jackson was unfit to lead HUD now that the U.S. is in the midst of a housing crisis.