Nick Rahall: “I think the points the gentleman has made are very important. It shows the people of the Appalachian region are finally…”

“I think the points the gentleman has made are very important. It shows the people of the Appalachian region are finally taking their economic destinies in their own hands. This is all the more important a reason to keep this program going. The $142 million contained in H.R. 1905 for the ARC, represents a 50-percent reduction in funds compared with fiscal year 1995--which was set at $283 million. The ARC reauthorization bill, reported out of subcommittee, reflects a 35-percent cut in authorized funding levels--set at $182 million. I repeat--this funding is a 50-percent cut in funding for a vitally important program--the ARC. Many of my colleagues are arguing that they voted for the Kasich budget, and therefore will have to vote for the Klug amendment to kill the ARC. That is no longer a fact. The budget conference report does contain funding for the ARC--Mr. Kasich having agreed to its funding in conference with the Senate. Thirteen Governors--eight Republicans and five Democrats--representing the Appalachian region, have asked you to defeat the Klug amendment. Support 21 million Americans who live in Appalachia, in more than 400 distressed counties, who are just now entering the mainstream of America's economy--who are just now taking control of their economic destines and becoming contributing taxpayers.”