[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 23 (Friday, February 4, 2022)]
[House]
[Page H966]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        INVESTING IN COMMUNITIES

  (Mr. KILMER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. KILMER. Madam Speaker, the America COMPETES Act is about creating 
jobs and spurring innovation all across our country. It is about 
recognizing that America can't compete if it leaves communities behind 
and that we need to get all of our best players on the field if we are 
going to win economically.
  Today's bill includes a pilot version of my RECOMPETE Act, which 
would provide some flexible, long-term support to empower communities 
that have struggled so that they can grow jobs and strengthen their 
economies. For some communities, that may mean investments in workforce 
development; for others, broadband; for some, support for 
entrepreneurs.
  I grew up on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State, and now I am 
proud to represent it. We have amazing assets and outstanding people, 
but there is a real concern in some communities that their town's main 
export may be young people, as prospects for the future often seem 
brighter someplace else.
  But with today's vote, we are saying that we don't believe in leaving 
communities behind. We are saying that people should have economic 
opportunity regardless of what ZIP Code they live in, and we are saying 
that we can't wait.

                          ____________________