Wayne Gilchrest: “I would like to ask the body this question: Are there any areas in their districts that are depressed? Is there any…”

“I would like to ask the body this question: Are there any areas in their districts that are depressed? Is there any section of their district that they would consider in poverty; in need of jobs? If the answer is ``yes,'' then I would like them to find an answer to the following question: What is the Federal Government's role in economic development? I want to give my colleagues three ideas about the Federal Government's role in economic development and include in that a vastly reformed Economic Development Administration where there is no pork. No. 1, the Federal Government's role is to create an environment conducive for economic productivity in the private sector. We would agree with that. No. 2, the Federal Government should enhance the competitive nature of the market economy. Nobody would deny that. And No. 3, our role in that mix is to act as a team player with the community, with superintendents of schools, for example, to create a job base. EDA ensures a market economy. Vote against the amendment.”