Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 2442, the Economic Development Reauthorization Act of 1994. As has already been noted, this bill represents the work of the Committee on Banking, Finance and Urban Affairs, and the Committee on Public Works and Transportation. The language before the Members today is a consensus document. Like all consensus agreements, their are individual aspects that, in isolation, we might have done differently. Nevertheless, I believe this bill represents an important step forward in revitalizing the Economic Development Administration and steers in the direction of enhancing the way it assists communities facing serious economic distress across this country. During the consideration of this legislation in the Banking Committee, we received considerable testimony that the EDA must improve its strategic economic development planning to ensure that so-called best practices are factored into economic development programs and activities. It was also suggested that the EDA should play an increased role in coordinating information on the economic and community development activities of all Federal agencies to ensure that duplication is avoided and that the EDA is able to identify the greatest needs. I am pleased to note that the bill before us specifically addresses both of these significant issues. It creates within the EDA an Office of Strategic Economic Development Planning and Policy.”