[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 94 (Wednesday, June 3, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S2521]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO JULIE LEDDY

  Mr. REED. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the retirement of 
Julie Leddy after an incredible 29 years of dedicated service as the 
executive director of the Coventry Housing Authority in Rhode Island.
  Julie has been a tireless champion and a respected leader. At the 
Coventry Housing Authority, she operated nearly 200 public housing 
units for elderly and disabled Rhode Islanders, oversaw another 260 
Housing Choice Vouchers for other low-income individuals and families, 
and developed and attained an additional 121 affordable units in 
Coventry alone. Under Julie's leadership, the U.S. Department of 
Housing and Urban Development, HUD, designated the Coventry Housing 
Authority as a ``High Performer,'' a status reserved for Public Housing 
Authorities that meet stringent physical, financial, and service 
requirements. ``High Performer'' is exactly the best way to describe 
Julie.
  Julie didn't just master the nuts-and-bolts of public housing work; 
she implemented innovative ideas that expanded affordable housing 
opportunities in Rhode Island beyond standard programs. During Julie's 
tenure as executive director, Coventry Housing Authority became the 
first housing authority in Rhode Island to successfully implement the 
Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership Program, which helps first-time 
homebuyers use a Federal housing voucher to purchase a home. Julie also 
found creative ways to expand Rhode Island's affordable housing stock. 
She worked hard to connect two of Coventry's public housing 
developments to the municipal sewer system, which freed up land for 34 
units of new affordable housing, and she partnered with the Smithfield 
Housing Authority--a separate Rhode Island public housing authority--to 
remediate and replace an old brownfield site with a new 42-unit 
community. This development, Georgiaville Village Green, was one of the 
first affordable housing developments for families in Smithfield.
  Julie's passion for expanding housing opportunities extended beyond 
her role in Coventry. She served as co-president of the Public Housing 
Association of Rhode Island, PHARI, where she advised Rhode Island's 
State and local leaders on how best to protect and expand affordable 
housing. Indeed, I have long relied on Julie's deep well of housing 
expertise while crafting policy in the Senate. She was particularly 
instrumental to my efforts to expand the Family Self-Sufficiency, FSS, 
program, which helps HUD-assisted households increase savings and 
become more financially independent. Julie's insights helped shape my 
Family Self-Sufficiency Act, which became law in 2018 and expanded FSS 
opportunities to more Americans, as well as my Helping More Families 
Save Act, which has passed both the House and Senate this Congress.
  While Julie's retirement is well deserved, she will be missed. Julie, 
thank you for decades of hard work for Coventry and Rhode Island. You 
have left an enduring mark on our State. I wish you and your husband 
Kevin the very best as you begin your next chapter and enjoy more time 
with your daughters Paige, Alicia, and Elizabeth, as well as your 
grandchildren. Congratulations on a well-earned retirement.

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