Former GOP presidential candidate Ben Carson is one step closer to being named head of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The Associated Press confirmed this morning that the Senate Committee has cleared Carson for the post, which means his nomination now awaits approval from the full Senate. As HUD secretary, Carson would be responsible for overseeing federal public housing programs and creating policy to address homelessness and housing discrimination, though the retired neurosurgeon has never worked in housing, finance or any related field. 

During his three-hour confirmation hearing two weeks ago, Carson advocated a “holistic” approach to running HUD, saying it "can be so much more than just putting roofs over heads of the poor." Having been raised in poverty and on government assistance, Carson is of the mindset that welfare fosters dependency — even telling the New York Times that he would bring “tough love” to America's poverty-stricken communities.

CORRECTION, JAN. 24, 5:01 P.M. ET: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that Ben Carson was named HUD secretary. Carson’s nomination awaits approval from the entire Senate. The story has been updated.