[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 194 (Tuesday, November 18, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H4712]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CELEBRATING REVEREND TROY DeCOHEN'S 25TH YEAR OF PASTORAL LEADERSHIP

  (Mr. Latimer of New York was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the celebration of 
the Reverend Troy DeCohen, senior pastor of the Mount Vernon Heights 
Congregational Church, in this year completing his 25th year of 
pastoral leadership.
  Reverend DeCohen has a distinguished clerical career. He was called 
to the ministry in 1988, was active in churches in New Jersey and New 
York, and is now approaching his fourth decade.
  He holds master's degrees from Fordham University and Mercy 
University, and he has shown a skill and achievement in dealing with 
real-world congregational problems: substance abuse issues, conflict 
resolution, homelessness, HIV and AIDS, and mental illness.
  Complementing his pastoral service, he serves as director of housing 
operations for the Westchester County Department of Social Services. He 
has been recognized with awards by Governors, county executives, State 
and Federal legislators, and organizations across the spectrum.
  Along with his wife, Reverend Viviana DeCohen, he has led his home 
congregation in worship, Bible study, and community outreach to those 
in need in the Mount Vernon and surrounding communities. He serves as 
president and chair of the United Black Clergy of Westchester County.
  He is living Matthew 25's spiritual direction every day to show faith 
in the Lord by doing good for his people, including for the least of 
his brothers.
  I congratulate Reverend DeCohen.


           Raising Concern for HUD Continuum of Care Program

  Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great concern over recent 
changes to the Department of Housing and Urban Development's Continuum 
of Care Program.
  This program is one of the largest sources of resources, including 
900 units of housing in my district, that is involved with funding to 
combat homelessness, especially for seniors, domestic violence victims, 
and people with disabilities. There are nearly 700 units of permanent 
housing involved in this program.
  In 2024, Congress approved a 2-year funding cycle to promote greater 
program stability. However, last week, HUD announced a new funding 
competition with substantial changes that could delay funding awards 
for months. The announcement also slashes how much funding may be used 
for permanent housing.
  Such drastic changes could result in a significant reduction in 
services, forcing local partners to cease operations and reexpose 
hundreds of my constituents to homelessness.
  As this majority continues to pursue drastic cuts to affordable food 
and healthcare, it is critical that we protect access to housing.
  I urge the administration to immediately reconsider this decision and 
prevent a new wave of homelessness across the counties of Westchester, 
the Bronx, and elsewhere.

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