HUD is the Cabinet department responsible for national housing and urban policy. It runs programs that expand access to affordable rental and homeownership opportunities (including FHA mortgage insurance and public housing), enforces fair-housing laws against discrimination, and funds community and economic development in cities and towns nationwide.
Created by Congress under the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act (Pub. L. 89-174, 79 Stat. 667 (codified at 42 U.S.C. ch. 44, sec. 3531 et seq.)), it acts within the authority that statute grants. Its actions are subject to judicial review and to congressional oversight and funding.
