[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 197 (Thursday, November 19, 2020)]
[House]
[Pages H5982-H5983]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      ADDING COUNTIES TO THE SOUTHWEST BORDER REGIONAL COMMISSION

  (Mr. COX of California asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. COX of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce a 
bill that would add the counties in my Congressional District--Fresno, 
Kern, Kings, and Tulare--to the Southwest Border Regional Commission.
  Modeled after the Appalachian Regional Commission, the Southwest 
Border Regional Commission, or SBRC, was established to promote 
economic growth to help distressed regions that have historically been 
left behind attain socioeconomic parity with the rest of the Nation.
  The Central Valley is one such region plagued by economic 
disparities, yet it is not part of any Federal regional commission. 
This must change. That is why I am here.
  My district continues to be in deep need of economic development and 
Federal investment. Unemployment in the region is consistently higher, 
and education attainment consistently lower than any other region in 
California.
  The need for more Federal investment is critical now more than ever 
because of the COVID-19 pandemic and recession. Adding these counties 
and funding the SBRC will jump-start communities and small businesses, 
helping America ``Build Back Better'' while generating new economic 
opportunities for hardworking people who are waiting for their chance 
of achieving the America Dream.

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