the secretary of housing and urban development heads the department of housing and urban development. this department is the principal federal agency for programs relating to housing needs, fair housing opportunities, and improving and developing the united states' communities. sheldon whitehouse has promoted legislation on giving everyone a fair deal, moving the economy forward, strengthening social security and protecting seniors, and getting a quality education. all of the topics that sheldon promotes is for the betterment of our country and its people and that's what this department desires as well.