[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 112 (Wednesday, July 31, 2013)]
[House]
[Page H5184]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN OPPOSITION TO CUTTING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDING

  (Mr. HIGGINS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the 50 
percent cut in the Community Development Block Grant program in the 
Transportation-Housing and Urban Development bill currently being 
considered. This cut is reckless and punitive to communities in need.
  This year, western New York communities are scheduled to receive a 
total of $22.2 million, which they plan to use to improve public 
infrastructure, policing facilities, and fund economic development 
initiatives. The bill before us cuts that funding in half to $11 
million next year.
  Cutting Community Development Block Grant funding is completely 
counterproductive and will cost the country in the long term. These 
cuts will erode community revitalization and job creation, only adding 
to the financial burden on our Federal budget in the long run.
  I urge the House to reject these cuts to our communities and defeat 
this shortsighted bill.

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