Political Quotes

“Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman for yielding time. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong opposition to this amendment. The Appalachian Regional Commission has been an invaluable partner for Appalachia since its inception in 1965. ARC investments have propelled our region forward, especially after the decline of the coal industry. Thanks to the ARC, the regional poverty rate has been cut by more than half. Additionally, the number of high-poverty counties has been cut by more than 60 percent. In fact, in just the past year, the ARC has supported the creation or retention of over 50,000 jobs and served over 50,000 households with improved critical infrastructure. That is real, impactful economic development. Last year in Kentucky, the ARC supported 74 projects, supporting nearly 900 jobs. Mr. Chair, cutting off ARC funding back to the fiscal year '19 levels will slow progress in our region when we need it most. We can't turn our back on Appalachia, not now, not ever. I urge opposition to this amendment.”