Nick Rahall: “Today the House plans to take up the reauthorization of the Appalachian Regional Commission. Every one of the southern…”

“Today the House plans to take up the reauthorization of the Appalachian Regional Commission. Every one of the southern West Virginia counties I represent is encompassed by the Appalachian Regional Commission and ARC support is critical to our communities' livelihood and well-being. It is ARC's ability to serve its mission by adapting its actions to fit the times that makes ARC such an invaluable resource to Appalachia and the Nation. From the Appalachian Development Highway System to e-commerce and broadband initiatives, ARC continues to serve its mission by advocating and partnering with the people of Appalachia to create opportunities for self-sustaining economic development and improved quality of life. For these reasons, among others, I will support the legislation before us today to reauthorize ARC. However, I do so with reservations. For most of the past 41 years of ARC existence, its program has been free of congressional earmarks. Congress has appropriated funds to ARC and ARC, through a formula based largely on need, has apportioned Federal money to the States. In fiscal year 2006 and fiscal year 2007, we have seen significant earmarking of the ARC account.”