Political Quotes

“Mr. President, the Economic Development Revitalization Act is an important bill. Is it the most important bill we have ever done? The answer is, of course not. But it is an important piece of legislation. It is a very important bill. What are the central points of this legislation? For almost 50 years, the Economic Development Administration has helped create jobs and growth in economically hard-hit communities across the Nation. Reauthorization of this important legislation will help ensure that the agency is able to help continue creating jobs and investing in distressed communities. Since 2005, EDA has invested about $1.2 billion, and these grants have created more than 300,000 jobs--precisely, 314,000 jobs. For every dollar that is invested in EDA, we get $7 worth of private investment. That is why the jobs are created. This legislation makes it better. This is a bipartisan bill. Senators Boxer and Inhofe and their committee have worked to get this to the Senate floor. It increases flexibility for grantees, lowers the threshold requirements for grantees to receive an increased Federal share, and makes more investments available for planning assistance. We are trying to move through this legislation. Senator Snowe offered an amendment. She has not uttered a single word about that amendment, which was offered yesterday. This is the same piece of legislation that held up our Small Business Innovation Act. We have had other Senators who have come and offered amendments.…”