[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 24 (Monday, February 6, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H698]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     FOSTERING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

  (Ms. KAPTUR asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to recognize the young 
people from North Carolina who have joined us and to introduce the 
Restoring Communities Left Behind Act.
  During my years as a city planner before coming to Congress, I 
witnessed firsthand that fostering economic development in our 
communities requires strong local leadership. The involvement of 
neighborhood champions who know their neighborhoods block by block is 
essential.
  This legislation would direct $5 billion toward programs for 
homeowner rehabilitation assistance, weatherization, improved 
accessibility for seniors and people with disabilities, refinancing, 
and property tax relief.
  It will help restore quality housing, including in the rural 
communities and the cities that I represent, such as Toledo, Sandusky, 
and Defiance. These locations have suffered from decades of job losses, 
outsourcing, recessions, and chronic underinvestment.
  Congress must serve as the partner to our on-the-ground 
organizations. Local leaders know what resources are needed and where 
and how best to deploy them to revive their neighborhoods. That is why 
the Restoring Communities Left Behind Act promotes local control and 
capacity building for economic development.
  These investments will repair homes, stimulate economic growth, and 
revitalize communities at a time when our Nation needs affordable 
housing.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support the Restoring 
Communities Left Behind Act.

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