March 7, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 41 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Page S1721]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                       Nomination of John Fleming

  Mrs. CAPITO. Madam President, I rise today in support of Dr. John 
Fleming's nomination to be the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for 
Economic Development, otherwise known as the Administrator of the 
Economic Development Administration, or EDA.
  I view this as an opportunity not only to speak about the 
qualifications of a former colleague of mine--we served in the House 
together--but also to highlight the EDA's work in my home State of West 
Virginia.
  The EDA did not always play an active role in West Virginia, which is 
really odd when you consider that we have no shortage of economic 
development and infrastructure needs and challenges in our State. Yet, 
at my insistence and through the collaboration of my staff, we have 
turned a corner. Today, we are beginning to see real investments that 
will make a lasting difference in West Virginia.
  To highlight the insignificant amount West Virginia received before I 
became a Senator, in the 2 years prior to my swearing in--2013 and 
2014--the State received a total of $200,000 from EDA outside of normal 
planning grants. These were mostly for technical assistance.
  When I came to the Senate and realized this, I made it a top priority 
of mine to ensure that West Virginia secured more Federal dollars to 
develop our economy and create new opportunities. I made it clear to 
EDA at the time that the status quo was absolutely unacceptable.
  I am glad to say we are now achieving results, as evidenced by the 
close to $30 million that EDA has invested in West Virginia since 2015. 
By bringing everyone to the table and working with State and local 
economic development officials, we were able to foster a renewed focus 
on West Virginia needs to the benefit of these local projects.
  In addition to EDA's bringing on a State representative, which was 
crucial--a State representative to focus just on our State, to directly 
interface with our communities--we are ensuring dollars will go toward 
projects that will contribute to the future of West Virginia.
  At a time when my State and other parts of the country are seeking to 
reorient their economies toward industries of the future--like 
technology and advanced manufacturing--these are the kinds of projects 
that the Federal Government should be prioritizing.
  Let me give you a few examples. Just last month, I joined local 
officials in Greenbrier County to announce $1.5 million in EDA funding 
to bring potable water to 50 homes and a new business that will employ 
over 200 people. Keep in mind, these are projects that are 
collaborative projects. It is not just solely Federal dollars that go 
into it. There are city, county, and private dollars as well.
  In November of last year, EDA announced that it would invest $1 
million in the city of Bluefield for the Exit 1 project, a 15-acre 
development that will serve as a catalyst for business growth and 
create almost 250 jobs. And 1 year ago in March, the EDA invested close 
to $5 million in just 1 day to make infrastructure improvements at 
three separate sites across the State. This funding will promote job 
growth and retention of jobs in these three counties through added 
efficiencies in essential infrastructure.
  One of these projects I will talk about is in northern West Virginia, 
where I am originally from, and it will be to rehabilitate the Wheeling 
Corrugating steel plant complex in Brooke County, all the way near the 
top of the northern panhandle. This project will, at a minimum, create 
95 new jobs, retain 45 jobs, and attract private capital beyond an 
initial investment of more than $1 million. This isn't funding for a 
conference of stakeholders or another study just to sit on a shelf and 
collect dust. These are real dollars going toward real projects. Our 
local leaders know what they need, and many of the local economic 
development officials tell me they have been ``studied to death.''
  I am happy to say that through our efforts, local and State officials 
are getting the help they have been asking for. Dr. Fleming and I spoke 
at length about these efforts when he visited my office and during his 
nomination hearing before the EPW Committee. He assured me of his 
commitment to follow Congress's intent to continue the programs under 
EDA, as evidenced by the increased in funding EDA received through the 
appropriations process.
  As a successful businessman and former Member of Congress from 
Louisiana--and as he has made clear in his conversations with me and 
through his testimony--I trust that Dr. Fleming understands the needs 
of communities like those in West Virginia. I look forward to working 
with him after he is confirmed, and I invite him, as I have before, to 
come to my home State to see the great work that is being done with the 
investments that the EDA has chosen to make in West Virginia.

  When the Federal Government serves as a willing partner for all parts 
of the country, regardless of whether they are urban or rural, we can 
promote economic growth and opportunities for all Americans. As chair 
of the EPW Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee and as a 
member of the Appropriations and Commerce Committees, I will continue 
to advocate for programs that contribute not just to a brighter future 
for my State of West Virginia but also for the entire country.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Washington.
  Mrs. MURRAY. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent to speak as in 
morning business.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.