On the recordOctober 25, 2023
Mr. Chairman, I thank my distinguished friend from Pennsylvania (Mr. Perry) for filing the amendment. My great State of Tennessee, which I represent the Third District of Tennessee, our State and other States greatly benefit from the Appalachian Regional Commission. This amendment would eliminate the Appalachian Regional Commission which provides funding for hundreds of cost-shared projects, partnering with private industry to bring needed jobs to this depressed region. The energy and water bill maintains funding for the ARC at the fiscal year 2023 level of $200 million. These communities, and many of which I represent, cannot afford to lose millions of dollars in private investment this Commission leverages. Mr. Chair, I respectfully urge a ``no'' vote on this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.
