Question One

Who is the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development?  

A.  Ben Carson
B.  Marcia Fudge
C.  Shaun Donovan
D.  Henry Cisneros

Answer:  B. Marcia Fudge

On December 10, 2020, President Biden announced his plan to nominate Fudge for Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. She appeared before the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs on January 28, 2021. On February 4, committee chairman Sherrod Brown advanced her nomination after a 17-7 vote in favor. 

On March 10, 2021, Fudge was confirmed by the Senate by a vote of 66-34, garnering the support of every single senator caucusing with the Democratic Party and 16 senators belonging to the Republican caucus. She was sworn in by Vice President Kamala Harris hours after her confirmation. 

Question Two

True or False.  As a part of the Consolidations Appropriations Act of 2021, the 4% floor for the Low Income Tax Credit program for private activity bonds (PABs) is now a fixed 4% percent credit rate.

Answer:  True.  Establishing the 4% floor is a key piece of legislation for the LIHTC program that will result in an increase of affordable housing units.  

Question Three

Who is the Secretary of Agriculture?

A.  Sonny Perdue
B.  Thomas Vilsack
C.  Ed Schafer 
D.  Ann Veneman

Answer:  B, Thomas Vilsack.  Thomas Vilsack was confirmed as the 32^nd United States Secretary of Agriculture.  Fun fact:  He previously served as the 30^th Secretary of Agriculture in the Obama administration.  The U.S. Department of Agriculture governs the Rural Development Program. It is committed to helping improve the economy and quality of life in rural America.