Hearing
Building Prosperity: EDA’s Role in Economic Development and Recovery2253 Rayburn House Office BuildingThis is a hearing of the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.Official Transcript Witness List: Panel I The Honorable John Fleming, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, U.S. Department of Commerce | Written Testimony Panel II Mr. Kevin Byrd, Executive Director, New River Valley Regional Commission; on behalf of the National Association of Development Organizations | Written Testimony The Honorable John Messner, Vice-Chairperson, District 1 Commissioner, Gunnison County, Colorado Board of Commissioners; on behalf of the National Association of Counties | Written Testimony Mr. Mark Muro, Policy Director and Senior Fellow, Brookings Institution | Written Testimony Mr. Rodrick T. Miller, Chief Executive Officer, Invest Puerto Rico; on behalf of the International Economic Development Council | Written Testimony Opening remarks, as prepared, of Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management Ranking Member Mark Meadows (R-NC): Today is our first Subcommittee hearing this Congress. I look forward to working with the Chairwoman on critical issues within our subcommittee and continuing the tradition of this subcommittee’s ability to work in a bipartisan fashion. I also want to thank my good friend and former colleague Dr. Fleming and the other witnesses here with us today. Dr. Fleming was sworn in as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development just last month. I look forward to working with him as we examine the role of the EDA and federal economic development programs. Today, there are dozens of economic development programs scattered across the federal government. It is important as we examine EDA’s role to also evaluate any overlaps and ensure there is coordination, accountability, and transparency. Ensuring that federal funds are strategically targeted and effectively used is critical not just for the federal taxpayer but for the distressed communities for which these programs were created. As we conduct oversight and consider potential legislation, we should look at what reforms may be needed to improve and streamline these programs. And, we should identify the best metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of these programs. EDA also has a role in disaster recovery. EDA serves as the Coordinating Agency on behalf of the Department of Commerce for FEMA’s Economic Recovery Support Function. In that function, EDA not only has the responsibility to manage its own activities and funds, but to ensure coordination with other departments and agencies with related programs. Last year, EDA received $600 million in supplemental funding to help in the economic recovery from the 2017 disasters. While there is often focus – and rightfully so – on ensuring disaster survivors can rebuild their homes and communities – a critical part of recovery is bringing back jobs and businesses. Effective management of these funds and coordination across agencies is critical to helping communities recover from disasters. I look forward to hearing from our witnesses today on these and other issues. |