[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 19]
[House]
[Pages 26642-26661]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      REGIONAL ECONOMIC AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2007

  Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 704, I call 
up the bill (H.R. 3246) to amend title 40, United States Code, to 
provide a comprehensive regional approach to economic and 
infrastructure development in the most severely economically distressed 
regions in the Nation, and ask for its immediate consideration in the 
House.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                               H.R. 3246

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Regional Economic and 
     Infrastructure Development Act of 2007''.

     SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.

       (a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
       (1) certain regions of the Nation, including Appalachia, 
     the Mississippi Delta Region, the Northern Great Plains 
     Region, the Southeast Crescent Region, the Southwest Border 
     Region, the Northern Border Region, and rural Alaska, have 
     suffered from chronic distress far above the national 
     average;
       (2) an economically distressed region can suffer 
     unemployment and poverty at a rate that is 150 percent of the 
     national average; and
       (3) regional commissions are unique Federal-State 
     partnerships that can provide targeted resources to alleviate 
     pervasive economic distress.
       (b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are--
       (1) to provide a comprehensive regional approach to 
     economic and infrastructure development in the most severely 
     economically distressed regions in the Nation; and
       (2) to ensure that the most severely economically 
     distressed regions in the Nation have the necessary tools to 
     develop the basic building blocks for economic development, 
     such as transportation and basic public infrastructure, job 
     skills training, and business development.

     SEC. 3. REGIONAL ECONOMIC AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT.

       (a) In General.--Title 40, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subtitle V as subtitle VI; and
       (2) by inserting after subtitle IV the following:

     ``Subtitle V--Regional Economic and Infrastructure Development

``Chapter                                                         Sec. 
``151. GENERAL PROVISIONS.....................................15101....

``153. REGIONAL COMMISSIONS...................................15301....

``155. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE...................................15501....

``157. ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS..............................15701....

                   ``CHAPTER 151--GENERAL PROVISIONS

``Sec.
``15101. Definitions.

     ``Sec. 15101. Definitions

       ``In this subtitle, the following definitions apply:
       ``(1) Commission.--The term `Commission' means a Commission 
     established under section 15301.
       ``(2) Local development district.--The term `local 
     development district' means an entity that--
       ``(A)(i) is an economic development district that is--
       ``(I) in existence on the date of enactment of this 
     chapter; and
       ``(II) located in the region; or
       ``(ii) if an entity described in clause (i) does not 
     exist--
       ``(I) is organized and operated in a manner that ensures 
     broad-based community participation and an effective 
     opportunity for local officials, community leaders, and the 
     public to contribute to the development and implementation of 
     programs in the region;
       ``(II) is governed by a policy board with at least a simple 
     majority of members consisting of--

       ``(aa) elected officials; or
       ``(bb) designees or employees of a general purpose unit of 
     local government that have been appointed to represent the 
     unit of local government; and

       ``(III) is certified by the Governor or appropriate State 
     officer as having a charter or authority that includes the 
     economic development of counties, portions of counties, or 
     other political subdivisions within the region; and
       ``(B) has not, as certified by the Federal Cochairperson--
       ``(i) inappropriately used Federal grant funds from any 
     Federal source; or
       ``(ii) appointed an officer who, during the period in which 
     another entity inappropriately used Federal grant funds from 
     any Federal source, was an officer of the other entity.
       ``(3) Federal grant program.--The term `Federal grant 
     program' means a Federal grant program to provide assistance 
     in carrying out economic and community development 
     activities.
       ``(4) Indian tribe.--The term `Indian tribe' has the 
     meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-
     Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b).
       ``(5) Nonprofit entity.--The term `nonprofit entity' means 
     any entity with tax-exempt or nonprofit status, as defined by 
     the Internal Revenue Service, that has been formed for the 
     purpose of economic development.
       ``(6) Region.--The term `region' means the area covered by 
     a Commission as described in subchapter II of chapter 157.

                  ``CHAPTER 153--REGIONAL COMMISSIONS

``Sec.
``15301. Establishment, membership, and employees.
``15302. Decisions.
``15303. Functions.
``15304. Administrative powers and expenses.
``15305. Meetings.
``15306. Personal financial interests.
``15307. Tribal representation on Northern Great Plains Regional 
              Commission.
``15308. Tribal participation.
``15309. Annual report.

     ``Sec. 15301. Establishment, membership, and employees

       ``(a) Establishment.--There are established the following 
     regional Commissions:
       ``(1) The Delta Regional Commission.
       ``(2) The Northern Great Plains Regional Commission.
       ``(3) The Southeast Crescent Regional Commission.
       ``(4) The Southwest Border Regional Commission.
       ``(5) The Northern Border Regional Commission.
       ``(b) Membership.--
       ``(1) Federal and state members.--Each Commission shall be 
     composed of the following members:
       ``(A) A Federal Cochairperson, to be appointed by the 
     President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
       ``(B) The Governor of each participating State in the 
     region of the Commission.
       ``(2) Alternate members.--
       ``(A) Alternate federal cochairperson.--The President shall 
     appoint an alternate Federal Cochairperson for each 
     Commission. The alternate Federal Cochairperson, when not 
     actively serving as an alternate for the Federal 
     Cochairperson, shall perform such functions and duties as are 
     delegated by the Federal Cochairperson.
       ``(B) State alternates.--The State member of a 
     participating State may have a single alternate, who shall be 
     appointed by the Governor of the State from among the members 
     of the Governor's cabinet or personal staff.
       ``(C) Voting.--An alternate member shall vote in the case 
     of the absence, death, disability, removal, or resignation of 
     the Federal or State member for which the alternate member is 
     an alternate.
       ``(3) Cochairpersons.--A Commission shall be headed by--
       ``(A) the Federal Cochairperson, who shall serve as a 
     liaison between the Federal Government and the Commission; 
     and
       ``(B) a State Cochairperson, who shall be a Governor of a 
     participating State in the region and shall be elected by the 
     State members for a term of not less than 1 year.
       ``(4) Consecutive terms.--A State member may not be elected 
     to serve as State Cochairperson for more than 2 consecutive 
     terms.
       ``(c) Compensation.--
       ``(1) Federal cochairpersons.--Each Federal Cochairperson 
     shall be compensated by the Federal Government at level III 
     of the Executive Schedule as set out in section 5314 of title 
     5.
       ``(2) Alternate federal cochairpersons.--Each Federal 
     Cochairperson's alternate shall be compensated by the Federal 
     Government at level V of the Executive Schedule as set out in 
     section 5316 of title 5.
       ``(3) State members and alternates.--Each State member and 
     alternate shall be compensated by the State that they 
     represent at the rate established by the laws of that State.
       ``(d) Executive Director and Staff.--
       ``(1) In general.--A Commission shall appoint and fix the 
     compensation of an executive director and such other 
     personnel as are necessary to enable the Commission to carry 
     out its duties. Compensation under this paragraph may not 
     exceed the maximum rate of basic pay established for the 
     Senior Executive Service under section 5382 of title 5, 
     including any applicable locality-based comparability payment 
     that may be authorized under section 5304(h)(2)(C) of that 
     title.
       ``(2) Executive director.--The executive director shall be 
     responsible for carrying out the administrative duties of the 
     Commission, directing the Commission staff, and such other 
     duties as the Commission may assign.
       ``(e) No Federal Employee Status.--No member, alternate, 
     officer, or employee of a Commission (other than the Federal 
     Cochairperson, the alternate Federal Cochairperson, staff of 
     the Federal Cochairperson, and any Federal employee detailed 
     to the Commission) shall be considered to be a Federal 
     employee for any purpose.

     ``Sec. 15302. Decisions

       ``(a) Requirements for Approval.--Except as provided in 
     section 15304(c)(3), decisions by the Commission shall 
     require the affirmative vote of the Federal Cochairperson and 
     a

[[Page 26643]]

     majority of the State members (exclusive of members 
     representing States delinquent under section 15304(c)(3)(C)).
       ``(b) Consultation.--In matters coming before the 
     Commission, the Federal Cochairperson shall, to the extent 
     practicable, consult with the Federal departments and 
     agencies having an interest in the subject matter.
       ``(c) Quorums.--A Commission shall determine what 
     constitutes a quorum for Commission meetings; except that--
       ``(1) any quorum shall include the Federal Cochairperson or 
     the alternate Federal Cochairperson; and
       ``(2) a State alternate member shall not be counted toward 
     the establishment of a quorum.
       ``(d) Projects and Grant Proposals.--The approval of 
     project and grant proposals shall be a responsibility of each 
     Commission and shall be carried out in accordance with 
     section 15503.

     ``Sec. 15303. Functions

       ``A Commission shall--
       ``(1) assess the needs and assets of its region based on 
     available research, demonstration projects, investigations, 
     assessments, and evaluations of the region prepared by 
     Federal, State, and local agencies, universities, local 
     development districts, and other nonprofit groups;
       ``(2) develop, on a continuing basis, comprehensive and 
     coordinated economic and infrastructure development 
     strategies to establish priorities and approve grants for the 
     economic development of its region, giving due consideration 
     to other Federal, State, and local planning and development 
     activities in the region;
       ``(3) not later than one year after the date of enactment 
     of this section, and after taking into account State plans 
     developed under section 15502, establish priorities in an 
     economic and infrastructure development plan for its region, 
     including 5-year regional outcome targets;
       ``(4)(A) enhance the capacity of, and provide support for, 
     local development districts in its region; or
       ``(B) if no local development district exists in an area in 
     a participating State in the region, foster the creation of a 
     local development district;
       ``(5) encourage private investment in industrial, 
     commercial, and other economic development projects in its 
     region;
       ``(6) cooperate with and assist State governments with the 
     preparation of economic and infrastructure development plans 
     and programs for participating States;
       ``(7) formulate and recommend to the Governors and 
     legislatures of States that participate in the Commission 
     forms of interstate cooperation and, where appropriate, 
     international cooperation; and
       ``(8) work with State and local agencies in developing 
     appropriate model legislation to enhance local and regional 
     economic development.

     ``Sec. 15304. Administrative powers and expenses

       ``(a) Powers.--In carrying out its duties under this 
     subtitle, a Commission may--
       ``(1) hold such hearings, sit and act at such times and 
     places, take such testimony, receive such evidence, and print 
     or otherwise reproduce and distribute a description of the 
     proceedings and reports on actions by the Commission as the 
     Commission considers appropriate;
       ``(2) authorize, through the Federal or State Cochairperson 
     or any other member of the Commission designated by the 
     Commission, the administration of oaths if the Commission 
     determines that testimony should be taken or evidence 
     received under oath;
       ``(3) request from any Federal, State, or local agency such 
     information as may be available to or procurable by the 
     agency that may be of use to the Commission in carrying out 
     the duties of the Commission;
       ``(4) adopt, amend, and repeal bylaws and rules governing 
     the conduct of business and the performance of duties by the 
     Commission;
       ``(5) request the head of any Federal agency, State agency, 
     or local government to detail to the Commission such 
     personnel as the Commission requires to carry out its duties, 
     each such detail to be without loss of seniority, pay, or 
     other employee status;
       ``(6) provide for coverage of Commission employees in a 
     suitable retirement and employee benefit system by making 
     arrangements or entering into contracts with any 
     participating State government or otherwise providing 
     retirement and other employee coverage;
       ``(7) accept, use, and dispose of gifts or donations or 
     services or real, personal, tangible, or intangible property;
       ``(8) enter into and perform such contracts, cooperative 
     agreements, or other transactions as are necessary to carry 
     out Commission duties, including any contracts or cooperative 
     agreements with a department, agency, or instrumentality of 
     the United States, a State (including a political 
     subdivision, agency, or instrumentality of the State), or a 
     person, firm, association, or corporation; and
       ``(9) maintain a government relations office in the 
     District of Columbia and establish and maintain a central 
     office at such location in its region as the Commission may 
     select.
       ``(b) Federal Agency Cooperation.--A Federal agency shall--
       ``(1) cooperate with a Commission; and
       ``(2) provide, to the extent practicable, on request of the 
     Federal Cochairperson, appropriate assistance in carrying out 
     this subtitle, in accordance with applicable Federal laws 
     (including regulations).
       ``(c) Administrative Expenses.--
       ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), the 
     administrative expenses of a Commission shall be paid--
       ``(A) by the Federal Government, in an amount equal to 50 
     percent of the administrative expenses of the Commission; and
       ``(B) by the States participating in the Commission, in an 
     amount equal to 50 percent of the administrative expenses.
       ``(2) Expenses of the federal cochairperson.--All expenses 
     of the Federal Cochairperson, including expenses of the 
     alternate and staff of the Federal Cochairperson, shall be 
     paid by the Federal Government.
       ``(3) State share.--
       ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the share 
     of administrative expenses of a Commission to be paid by each 
     State of the Commission shall be determined by a unanimous 
     vote of the State members of the Commission.
       ``(B) No federal participation.--The Federal Cochairperson 
     shall not participate or vote in any decision under 
     subparagraph (A).
       ``(C) Delinquent states.--During any period in which a 
     State is more than 1 year delinquent in payment of the 
     State's share of administrative expenses of the Commission 
     under this subsection--
       ``(i) no assistance under this subtitle shall be provided 
     to the State (including assistance to a political subdivision 
     or a resident of the State) for any project not approved as 
     of the date of the commencement of the delinquency; and
       ``(ii) no member of the Commission from the State shall 
     participate or vote in any action by the Commission.
       ``(4) Effect on assistance.--A State's share of 
     administrative expenses of a Commission under this subsection 
     shall not be taken into consideration when determining the 
     amount of assistance provided to the State under this 
     subtitle.

     ``Sec. 15305. Meetings

       ``(a) Initial Meeting.--Each Commission shall hold an 
     initial meeting not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this section.
       ``(b) Annual Meeting.--Each Commission shall conduct at 
     least 1 meeting each year with the Federal Cochairperson and 
     at least a majority of the State members present.
       ``(c) Additional Meetings.--Each Commission shall conduct 
     additional meetings at such times as it determines and may 
     conduct such meetings by electronic means.

     ``Sec. 15306. Personal financial interests

       ``(a) Conflicts of Interest.--
       ``(1) No role allowed.--Except as permitted by paragraph 
     (2), an individual who is a State member or alternate, or an 
     officer or employee of a Commission, shall not participate 
     personally and substantially as a member, alternate, officer, 
     or employee of the Commission, through decision, approval, 
     disapproval, recommendation, request for a ruling, or other 
     determination, contract, claim, controversy, or other matter 
     in which, to the individual's knowledge, any of the following 
     has a financial interest:
       ``(A) The individual.
       ``(B) The individual's spouse, minor child, or partner.
       ``(C) An organization (except a State or political 
     subdivision of a State) in which the individual is serving as 
     an officer, director, trustee, partner, or employee.
       ``(D) Any person or organization with whom the individual 
     is negotiating or has any arrangement concerning prospective 
     employment.
       ``(2) Exception.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply if the 
     individual, in advance of the proceeding, application, 
     request for a ruling or other determination, contract, claim 
     controversy, or other particular matter presenting a 
     potential conflict of interest--
       ``(A) advises the Commission of the nature and 
     circumstances of the matter presenting the conflict of 
     interest;
       ``(B) makes full disclosure of the financial interest; and
       ``(C) receives a written decision of the Commission that 
     the interest is not so substantial as to be considered likely 
     to affect the integrity of the services that the Commission 
     may expect from the individual.
       ``(3) Violation.--An individual violating this subsection 
     shall be fined under title 18, imprisoned for not more than 1 
     year, or both.
       ``(b) State Member or Alternate.--A State member or 
     alternate member may not receive any salary, or any 
     contribution to, or supplementation of, salary, for services 
     on a Commission from a source other than the State of the 
     member or alternate.
       ``(c) Detailed Employees.--
       ``(1) In general.--No person detailed to serve a Commission 
     shall receive any salary, or any contribution to, or 
     supplementation of, salary, for services provided to the 
     Commission from any source other than the State, local, or 
     intergovernmental department or agency from which the person 
     was detailed to the Commission.

[[Page 26644]]

       ``(2) Violation.--Any person that violates this subsection 
     shall be fined under title 18, imprisoned not more than 1 
     year, or both.
       ``(d) Federal Cochairman, Alternate to Federal Cochairman, 
     and Federal Officers and Employees.--The Federal Cochairman, 
     the alternate to the Federal Cochairman, and any Federal 
     officer or employee detailed to duty with the Commission are 
     not subject to this section but remain subject to sections 
     202 through 209 of title 18.
       ``(e) Rescission.--A Commission may declare void any 
     contract, loan, or grant of or by the Commission in relation 
     to which the Commission determines that there has been a 
     violation of any provision under subsection (a)(1), (b), or 
     (c), or any of the provisions of sections 202 through 209 of 
     title 18.

     ``Sec. 15307. Tribal representation on Northern Great Plains 
       Regional Commission

       ``(a) Tribal Cochairperson.--
       ``(1) Appointment.--In addition to the members specified in 
     section 15301(b)(1), the membership of the Northern Great 
     Plains Regional Commission shall include a Tribal 
     Cochairperson, to be appointed by the President, by and with 
     the advice and consent of the Senate. The Tribal 
     Cochairperson shall be a member of an Indian tribe in the 
     Commission's region.
       ``(2) Duties.--In addition to the Federal Cochairperson and 
     State Cochairperson, the Commission shall be headed by the 
     Tribal Cochairperson, who shall serve as a liaison between 
     the governments of Indian tribes in the region and the 
     Commission.
       ``(b) Alternate Tribal Cochairperson.--
       ``(1) Appointment.--The President shall appoint an 
     alternate to the Tribal Cochairperson.
       ``(2) Duties.--The alternate Tribal Cochairperson, when not 
     actively serving as an alternate for the Tribal 
     Cochairperson, shall perform such functions and duties as are 
     delegated by the Tribal Cochairperson.
       ``(3) Voting.--The alternate Tribal Cochairperson shall 
     vote in the case of the absence, death, disability, removal, 
     or resignation of the Tribal Cochairperson.
       ``(c) Compensation.--
       ``(1) Tribal cochairperson.--The Tribal Cochairperson shall 
     be compensated by the Federal Government at level III of the 
     Executive Schedule as set out in section 5314 of title 5.
       ``(2) Alternate tribal cochairperson.--The Tribal 
     Cochairperson's alternate shall be compensated by the Federal 
     Government at level V of the Executive Schedule as set out in 
     section 5316 of title 5.
       ``(d) Expenses of Tribal Cochairperson.--All expenses of 
     the Tribal Cochairperson, including expenses of the alternate 
     and staff of the Tribal Cochairperson, shall be paid by the 
     Federal Government.
       ``(e) Duties and Privileges.--Except as provided in 
     subsections (c) and (d), the Tribal Cochairperson shall have 
     the same duties and privileges as the State Cochairperson.

     ``Sec. 15308. Tribal participation

       ``Governments of Indian tribes in the region of the 
     Northern Great Plains Regional Commission or the Southwest 
     Border Regional Commission shall be allowed to participate in 
     matters before that Commission in the same manner and to the 
     same extent as State agencies and instrumentalities in the 
     region.

     ``Sec. 15309. Annual report

       ``(a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the last 
     day of each fiscal year, each Commission shall submit to the 
     President and Congress a report on the activities carried out 
     by the Commission under this subtitle in the fiscal year.
       ``(b) Contents.--The report shall include--
       ``(1) a description of the criteria used by the Commission 
     to designate counties under section 15702 and a list of the 
     counties designated in each category;
       ``(2) an evaluation of the progress of the Commission in 
     meeting the goals identified in the Commission's economic and 
     infrastructure development plan under section 15303 and State 
     economic and infrastructure development plans under section 
     15502;
       ``(3) any policy recommendations approved by the 
     Commission.

                  ``CHAPTER 155--FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

``Sec.
``15501. Economic and infrastructure development grants.
``15502. Comprehensive economic and infrastructure development plans.
``15503. Approval of applications for assistance.
``15504. Program development criteria.
``15505. Local development districts and organizations.
``15506. Supplements to Federal grant programs.

     ``Sec. 15501. Economic and infrastructure development grants

       ``(a) In General.--A Commission may make grants to States 
     and local governments, Indian tribes, and public and 
     nonprofit organizations for projects, approved in accordance 
     with section 15503--
       ``(1) to develop the transportation infrastructure of its 
     region;
       ``(2) to develop the basic public infrastructure of its 
     region;
       ``(3) to develop the telecommunications infrastructure of 
     its region;
       ``(4) to assist its region in obtaining job skills 
     training, skills development and employment-related 
     education, entrepreneurship, technology, and business 
     development;
       ``(5) to provide assistance to severely economically 
     distressed and underdeveloped areas of its region that lack 
     financial resources for improving basic health care and other 
     public services;
       ``(6) to promote resource conservation, tourism, 
     recreation, and preservation of open space in a manner 
     consistent with economic development goals;
       ``(7) to promote the development of renewable and 
     alternative energy sources; and
       ``(8) to otherwise achieve the purposes of this subtitle.
       ``(b) Allocation of Funds.--A Commission shall allocate at 
     least 40 percent of any grant amounts provided by the 
     Commission in a fiscal year for projects described in 
     paragraphs (1) through (3) of subsection (a).
       ``(c) Sources of Grants.--Grant amounts may be provided 
     entirely from appropriations to carry out this subtitle, in 
     combination with amounts available under other Federal grant 
     programs, or from any other source.
       ``(d) Maximum Commission Contributions.--
       ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), the 
     Commission may contribute not more than 50 percent of a 
     project or activity cost eligible for financial assistance 
     under this section from amounts appropriated to carry out 
     this subtitle.
       ``(2) Distressed counties.--The maximum Commission 
     contribution for a project or activity to be carried out in a 
     county for which a distressed county designation is in effect 
     under section 15702 may be increased to 80 percent.
       ``(3) Special rule for regional projects.--A Commission may 
     increase to 60 percent under paragraph (1) and 90 percent 
     under paragraph (2) the maximum Commission contribution for a 
     project or activity if--
       ``(A) the project or activity involves 3 or more counties 
     or more than one State; and
       ``(B) the Commission determines in accordance with section 
     15302(a) that the project or activity will bring significant 
     interstate or multicounty benefits to a region.
       ``(e) Maintenance of Effort.--Funds may be provided by a 
     Commission for a program or project in a State under this 
     section only if the Commission determines that the level of 
     Federal or State financial assistance provided under a law 
     other than this subtitle, for the same type of program or 
     project in the same area of the State within region, will not 
     be reduced as a result of funds made available by this 
     subtitle.
       ``(f) No Relocation Assistance.--Financial assistance 
     authorized by this section may not be used to assist a person 
     or entity in relocating from one area to another.

     ``Sec. 15502. Comprehensive economic and infrastructure 
       development plans

       ``(a) State Plans.--In accordance with policies established 
     by a Commission, each State member of the Commission shall 
     submit a comprehensive economic and infrastructure 
     development plan for the area of the region represented by 
     the State member.
       ``(b) Content of Plan.--A State economic and infrastructure 
     development plan shall reflect the goals, objectives, and 
     priorities identified in any applicable economic and 
     infrastructure development plan developed by a Commission 
     under section 15303.
       ``(c) Consultation With Interested Local Parties.--In 
     carrying out the development planning process (including the 
     selection of programs and projects for assistance), a State 
     shall--
       ``(1) consult with local development districts, local units 
     of government, and local colleges and universities; and
       ``(2) take into consideration the goals, objectives, 
     priorities, and recommendations of the entities described in 
     paragraph (1).
       ``(d) Public Participation.--
       ``(1) In general.--A Commission and applicable State and 
     local development districts shall encourage and assist, to 
     the maximum extent practicable, public participation in the 
     development, revision, and implementation of all plans and 
     programs under this subtitle.
       ``(2) Guidelines.--A Commission shall develop guidelines 
     for providing public participation, including public 
     hearings.

     ``Sec. 15503. Approval of applications for assistance

       ``(a) Evaluation by State Member.--An application to a 
     Commission for a grant or any other assistance for a project 
     under this subtitle shall be made through, and evaluated for 
     approval by, the State member of the Commission representing 
     the applicant.
       ``(b) Certification.--An application to a Commission for a 
     grant or other assistance for a project under this subtitle 
     shall be eligible for assistance only on certification by the 
     State member of the Commission representing the applicant 
     that the application for the project--
       ``(1) describes ways in which the project complies with any 
     applicable State economic and infrastructure development 
     plan;
       ``(2) meets applicable criteria under section 15504;
       ``(3) adequately ensures that the project will be properly 
     administered, operated, and maintained; and

[[Page 26645]]

       ``(4) otherwise meets the requirements for assistance under 
     this subtitle.
       ``(c) Votes for Decisions.--On certification by a State 
     member of a Commission of an application for a grant or other 
     assistance for a specific project under this section, an 
     affirmative vote of the Commission under section 15302 shall 
     be required for approval of the application.

     ``Sec. 15504. Program development criteria

       ``(a) In General.--In considering programs and projects to 
     be provided assistance by a Commission under this subtitle, 
     and in establishing a priority ranking of the requests for 
     assistance provided to the Commission, the Commission shall 
     follow procedures that ensure, to the maximum extent 
     practicable, consideration of--
       ``(1) the relationship of the project or class of projects 
     to overall regional development;
       ``(2) the per capita income and poverty and unemployment 
     and outmigration rates in an area;
       ``(3) the financial resources available to the applicants 
     for assistance seeking to carry out the project, with 
     emphasis on ensuring that projects are adequately financed to 
     maximize the probability of successful economic development;
       ``(4) the importance of the project or class of projects in 
     relation to the other projects or classes of projects that 
     may be in competition for the same funds;
       ``(5) the prospects that the project for which assistance 
     is sought will improve, on a continuing rather than a 
     temporary basis, the opportunities for employment, the 
     average level of income, or the economic development of the 
     area to be served by the project; and
       ``(6) the extent to which the project design provides for 
     detailed outcome measurements by which grant expenditures and 
     the results of the expenditures may be evaluated.

     ``Sec. 15505. Local development districts and organizations

       ``(a) Grants to Local Development Districts.--Subject to 
     the requirements of this section, a Commission may make 
     grants to a local development district to assist in the 
     payment of development planning and administrative expenses.
       ``(b) Conditions for Grants.--
       ``(1) Maximum amount.--The amount of a grant awarded under 
     this section may not exceed 80 percent of the administrative 
     and planning expenses of the local development district 
     receiving the grant.
       ``(2) Maximum period for state agencies.--In the case of a 
     State agency certified as a local development district, a 
     grant may not be awarded to the agency under this section for 
     more than 3 fiscal years.
       ``(3) Local share.--The contributions of a local 
     development district for administrative expenses may be in 
     cash or in kind, fairly evaluated, including space, 
     equipment, and services.
       ``(c) Duties of Local Development Districts.--A local 
     development district shall--
       ``(1) operate as a lead organization serving multicounty 
     areas in the region at the local level;
       ``(2) assist the Commission in carrying out outreach 
     activities for local governments, community development 
     groups, the business community, and the public;
       ``(3) serve as a liaison between State and local 
     governments, nonprofit organizations (including community-
     based groups and educational institutions), the business 
     community, and citizens; and
       ``(4) assist the individuals and entities described in 
     paragraph (3) in identifying, assessing, and facilitating 
     projects and programs to promote the economic development of 
     the region.

     ``Sec. 15506. Supplements to Federal grant programs

       ``(a) Finding.--Congress finds that certain States and 
     local communities of the region, including local development 
     districts, may be unable to take maximum advantage of Federal 
     grant programs for which the States and communities are 
     eligible because--
       ``(1) they lack the economic resources to provide the 
     required matching share; or
       ``(2) there are insufficient funds available under the 
     applicable Federal law with respect to a project to be 
     carried out in the region.
       ``(b) Federal Grant Program Funding.--A Commission, with 
     the approval of the Federal Cochairperson, may use amounts 
     made available to carry out this subtitle--
       ``(1) for any part of the basic Federal contribution to 
     projects or activities under the Federal grant programs 
     authorized by Federal laws; and
       ``(2) to increase the Federal contribution to projects and 
     activities under the programs above the fixed maximum part of 
     the cost of the projects or activities otherwise authorized 
     by the applicable law.
       ``(c) Certification Required.--For a program, project, or 
     activity for which any part of the basic Federal contribution 
     to the project or activity under a Federal grant program is 
     proposed to be made under subsection (b), the Federal 
     contribution shall not be made until the responsible Federal 
     official administering the Federal law authorizing the 
     Federal contribution certifies that the program, project, or 
     activity meets the applicable requirements of the Federal law 
     and could be approved for Federal contribution under that law 
     if amounts were available under the law for the program, 
     project, or activity.
       ``(d) Limitations in Other Laws Inapplicable.--Amounts 
     provided pursuant to this subtitle are available without 
     regard to any limitations on areas eligible for assistance or 
     authorizations for appropriation in any other law.
       ``(e) Federal Share.--The Federal share of the cost of a 
     project or activity receiving assistance under this section 
     shall not exceed 80 percent.
       ``(f) Maximum Commission Contribution.--Section 15501(d), 
     relating to limitations on Commission contributions, shall 
     apply to a program, project, or activity receiving assistance 
     under this section.

                ``CHAPTER 156--ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

                   ``subchapter i--general provisions

``Sec.
``15701. Consent of States.
``15702. Distressed counties and areas.
``15703. Counties eligible for assistance in more than one region.
``15704. Inspector General; Records.
``15705. Biannual meetings of representatives of all commissions.
``15706. Relationship to other laws.

                 ``subchapter ii--designation of regions

``15731. Delta Regional Commission.
``15732. Northern Great Plains Regional Commission.
``15733. Southeast Crescent Regional Commission.
``15734. Southwest Border Regional Commission.
``15735. Northern Border Regional Commission.

            ``subchapter iii--authorization of appropriations

``15751. Authorization of appropriations.

                   ``SUBCHAPTER I--GENERAL PROVISIONS

     ``Sec. 15701. Consent of States

       ``This subtitle does not require a State to engage in or 
     accept a program under this subtitle without its consent.

     ``Sec. 15702. Distressed counties and areas

       ``(a) Designations.--Not later than 90 days after the date 
     of enactment of this section, and annually thereafter, each 
     Commission shall make the following designations:
       ``(1) Distressed counties.--The Commission shall designate 
     as distressed counties those counties in its region that are 
     the most severely and persistently economically distressed 
     and underdeveloped and have high rates of poverty, 
     unemployment, or outmigration.
       ``(2) Transitional counties.--The Commission shall 
     designate as transitional counties those counties in its 
     region that are economically distressed and underdeveloped or 
     have recently suffered high rates of poverty, unemployment, 
     or outmigration.
       ``(3) Attainment counties.--The Commission shall designate 
     as attainment counties, those counties in its region that are 
     not designated as distressed or transitional counties under 
     this subsection.
       ``(4) Isolated areas of distress.--The Commission shall 
     designate as isolated areas of distress, areas located in 
     counties designated as attainment counties under paragraph 
     (3) that have high rates of poverty, unemployment, or 
     outmigration.
       ``(b) Allocation.--A Commission shall allocate at least 50 
     percent of the appropriations made available to the 
     Commission to carry out this subtitle for programs and 
     projects designed to serve the needs of distressed counties 
     and isolated areas of distress in the region.
       ``(c) Attainment Counties.--
       ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), 
     funds may not be provided under this subtitle for a project 
     located in a county designated as an attainment county under 
     subsection (a).
       ``(2) Exceptions.--
       ``(A) Administrative expenses of local development 
     districts.--The funding prohibition under paragraph (1) shall 
     not apply to grants to fund the administrative expenses of 
     local development districts under section 15505.
       ``(B) Multicounty and other projects.--A Commission may 
     waive the application of the funding prohibition under 
     paragraph (1) with respect to--
       ``(i) a multicounty project that includes participation by 
     an attainment county; and
       ``(ii) any other type of project, if a Commission 
     determines that the project could bring significant benefits 
     to areas of the region outside an attainment county.
       ``(3) Isolated areas of distress.--For a designation of an 
     isolated area of distress to be effective, the designation 
     shall be supported--
       ``(A) by the most recent Federal data available; or
       ``(B) if no recent Federal data are available, by the most 
     recent data available through the government of the State in 
     which the isolated area of distress is located.

     ``Sec. 15703. Counties eligible for assistance in more than 
       one region

       ``(a) Limitation.--A political subdivision of a State may 
     not receive assistance under this subtitle in a fiscal year 
     from more than one Commission.
       ``(b) Selection of Commission.--A political subdivision 
     included in the region of more

[[Page 26646]]

     than one Commission shall select the Commission with which it 
     will participate by notifying, in writing, the Federal 
     Cochairperson and the appropriate State member of that 
     Commission.
       ``(c) Changes in Selections.--The selection of a Commission 
     by a political subdivision shall apply in the fiscal year in 
     which the selection is made, and shall apply in each 
     subsequent fiscal year unless the political subdivision, at 
     least 90 days before the first day of the fiscal year, 
     notifies the Cochairpersons of another Commission in writing 
     that the political subdivision will participate in that 
     Commission and also transmits a copy of such notification to 
     the Cochairpersons of the Commission in which the political 
     subdivision is currently participating.
       ``(d) Inclusion of Appalachian Regional Commission.--In 
     this section, the term `Commission' includes the Appalachian 
     Regional Commission established under chapter 143.

     ``Sec. 15704. Inspector General; records

       ``(a) Appointment of Inspector General.--There shall be an 
     Inspector General for the Commissions appointed in accordance 
     with section 3(a) of the Inspector General Act of 1978 (5 
     U.S.C. App.). All of the Commissions shall be subject to a 
     single Inspector General.
       ``(b) Records of a Commission.--
       ``(1) In general.--A Commission shall maintain accurate and 
     complete records of all its transactions and activities.
       ``(2) Availability.--All records of a Commission shall be 
     available for audit and examination by the Inspector General 
     (including authorized representatives of the Inspector 
     General).
       ``(c) Records of Recipients of Commission Assistance.--
       ``(1) In general.--A recipient of funds from a Commission 
     under this subtitle shall maintain accurate and complete 
     records of transactions and activities financed with the 
     funds and report to the Commission on the transactions and 
     activities.
       ``(2) Availability.--All records required under paragraph 
     (1) shall be available for audit by the Commission and the 
     Inspector General (including authorized representatives of 
     the Commission and the Inspector General).
       ``(d) Annual Audit.--The Inspector General shall audit the 
     activities, transactions, and records of each Commission on 
     an annual basis.

     ``Sec. 15705. Biannual meetings of representatives of all 
       Commissions

       ``(a) In General.--Representatives of each Commission, the 
     Appalachian Regional Commission, and the Denali Commission 
     shall meet biannually to discuss issues confronting regions 
     suffering from chronic and contiguous distress and successful 
     strategies for promoting regional development.
       ``(b) Chair of Meetings.--The chair of each meeting shall 
     rotate among the Commissions, with the Appalachian Regional 
     Commission to host the first meeting.

     ``Sec. 15706. Relationship to other laws

       ``Projects receiving assistance under this subtitle shall 
     be treated in the manner provided in section 602 of the 
     Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 
     3212).

                ``SUBCHAPTER II--DESIGNATION OF REGIONS

     ``Sec. 15731. Delta Regional Commission

       ``The region of the Delta Regional Commission shall consist 
     of the following political subdivisions:
       ``(1) Alabama.--The counties of Barbour, Bullock, Butler, 
     Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Dallas, Escambia, Greene, Hale, 
     Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Monroe, Perry, Pickens, Russell, 
     Sumter, Washington, and Wilcox in the State of Alabama.
       ``(2) Arkansas.--The counties of Arkansas, Ashley, Baxter, 
     Bradley, Calhoun, Chicot, Clay, Cleveland, Craighead, 
     Crittenden, Cross, Dallas, Desha, Drew, Fulton, Grant, 
     Greene, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Jefferson, Lawrence, 
     Lee, Lincoln, Lonoke, Marion, Mississippi, Monroe, Ouachita, 
     Phillips, Poinsett, Prairie, Pulaski, Randolph, St. Francis, 
     Searcy, Sharp, Stone, Union, Van Buren, White, and Woodruff 
     in the State of Arkansas.
       ``(3) Illinois.--The counties of Alexander, Franklin, 
     Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Johnson, Massac, Perry, 
     Pope, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, Union, White, and Woodruff 
     in the State of Illinois.
       ``(4) Kentucky.--The counties of Ballard, Caldwell, 
     Calloway, Carlisle, Christian, Crittenden, Fulton, Graves, 
     Henderson, Hickman, Hopkins, Livingston, Lyon, Marshall, 
     McCracken, McLean, Muhlenberg, Todd, Trigg, Union, and 
     Webster in the State of Kentucky.
       ``(5) Louisiana.--The parishes of Acadia, Allen, Ascension, 
     Assumption, Avoyelles, Caldwell, Catahoula, Concordia, E. 
     Baton Rouge, E. Carroll, E. Feliciana, Evangeline, Franklin, 
     Grant, Iberia, Iberville, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafourche, La 
     Salle, Lincoln, Livingston, Madison, Morehouse, Natchitoches, 
     Orleans, Ouachita, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, Rapides, 
     Richland, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, 
     St. John the Baptist, St. Landry, St. Martin, Tangipahoa, 
     Tensas, Union, Washington, W. Baton Rouge, W. Carroll, W. 
     Feliciana, and Winn in the State of Louisiana.
       ``(6) Mississippi.--The counties of Adams, Amite, Attala, 
     Benton, Bolivar, Carroll, Claiborne, Coahoma, Copiah, 
     Covington, Desoto, Franklin, Grenada, Hinds, Holmes, 
     Humphreys, Issaquena, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, 
     Lawrence, Leflore, Lincoln, Madison, Marion, Marshall, 
     Montgomery, Panola, Pike, Quitman, Rankin, Sharkey, Simpson, 
     Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tippah, Tunica, Union, 
     Walthall, Warren, Washington, Wilkinson, Yalobusha, and Yazoo 
     in the State of Mississippi.
       ``(7) Missouri.--The counties Bollinger, Butler, Cape 
     Girardeau, Carter, Crawford, Dent, Douglas, Dunklin, Howell, 
     Iron, Madison, Mississippi, New Madrid, Oregon, Ozark, 
     Pemiscott, Perry, Phelps, Reynolds, Ripley, Ste. Genevieve, 
     St. Francois, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard, Texas, Washington, 
     Wayne, and Wright in the State of Missouri.
       ``(8) Tennessee.--The counties of Benton, Carroll, Chester, 
     Crockett, Decatur, Dyer, Fayette, Gibson, Hardeman, Hardin, 
     Haywood, Henderson, Henry, Lake, Lauderdale, McNairy, 
     Madison, Obion, Shelby, Tipton, and Weakley in the State of 
     Tennessee.

     ``Sec. 15732. Northern Great Plains Regional Commission

       ``The region of the Northern Great Plains Regional 
     Commission shall consist of all counties of the States of 
     Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

     ``Sec. 15733. Southeast Crescent Regional Commission

       ``The region of the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission 
     shall consist of all counties of the States of Virginia, 
     North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, 
     Mississippi, and Florida not already served by the 
     Appalachian Regional Commission or the Delta Regional 
     Commission.

     ``Sec. 15734. Southwest Border Regional Commission

       ``The region of the Southwest Border Regional Commission 
     shall consist of the following political subdivisions:
       ``(1) Arizona.--The counties of Cochise, Gila, Graham, 
     Greenlee, La Paz, Maricopa, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz, and Yuma 
     in the State of Arizona.
       ``(2) California.--The counties of Imperial, Los Angeles, 
     Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura in 
     the State of California.
       ``(3) New mexico.--The counties of Catron, Chaves, Dona 
     Ana, Eddy, Grant, Hidalgo, Lincoln, Luna, Otero, Sierra, and 
     Socorro in the State of New Mexico.
       ``(4) Texas.--The counties of Atascosa, Bandera, Bee, 
     Bexar, Brewster, Brooks, Cameron, Coke, Concho, Crane, 
     Crockett, Culberson, Dimmit, Duval, Ector, Edwards, El Paso, 
     Frio, Gillespie, Glasscock, Hidalgo, Hudspeth, Irion, Jeff 
     Davis, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, Karnes, Kendall, Kenedy, Kerr, 
     Kimble, Kinney, Kleberg, La Salle, Live Oak, Loving, Mason, 
     Maverick, McMullen, Medina, Menard, Midland, Nueces, Pecos, 
     Presidio, Reagan, Real, Reeves, San Patricio, Shleicher, 
     Sutton, Starr, Sterling, Terrell, Tom Green Upton, Uvalde, 
     Val Verde, Ward, Webb, Willacy, Wilson, Winkler, Zapata, and 
     Zavala in the State of Texas.

     ``Sec. 15735. Northern Border Regional Commission

       ``The region of the Northern Border Regional Commission 
     shall include the following counties:
       ``(1) Maine.--The counties of Androscoggin, Aroostook, 
     Franklin, Hancock, Kennebec, Knox, Oxford, Penobscot, 
     Piscataquis, Somerset, Waldo, and Washington in the State of 
     Maine.
       ``(2) New hampshire.--The counties of Carroll, Coos, 
     Grafton, and Sullivan in the State of New Hampshire.
       ``(3) New york.--The counties of Cayuga, Clinton, Essex, 
     Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, 
     Madison, Oneida, Oswego, Seneca, and St. Lawrence in the 
     State of New York.
       ``(4) Vermont.--The counties of Caledonia, Essex, Franklin, 
     Grand Isle, Lamoille, and Orleans in the State of Vermont.

           ``SUBCHAPTER III--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS

     ``Sec. 15751. Authorization of appropriations

       ``(a) In General.--There is authorized to be appropriated 
     to each Commission to carry out this subtitle--
       ``(1) $40,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
       ``(2) $45,000,000 for fiscal year 2009;
       ``(3) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2010;
       ``(4) $55,000,000 for fiscal year 2011; and
       ``(5) $60,000,000 for fiscal year 2012.
       ``(b) Administrative Expenses.--Not more than 10 percent of 
     the funds made available to a Commission in a fiscal year 
     under this section may be used for administrative 
     expenses.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of subtitles for 
     chapter 40, United States Code, is amended by striking the 
     item relating to subtitle V and inserting the following:

``V. REGIONAL ECONOMIC AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT.............15101
``VI. MISCELLANEOUS...........................................17101.''.

     SEC. 4. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.

       (a) Repeals.--Subtitles F and G of the Consolidated Farm 
     and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2009aa-2009bb-13) are 
     repealed.
       (b) Inspector General Act.--Section 11 of the Inspector 
     General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.) is amended--

[[Page 26647]]

       (1) in paragraph (1) by striking ``or the President of the 
     Export-Import Bank;'' and inserting ``the President of the 
     Export-Import Bank; or the Federal Cochairpersons of the 
     Commissions established under section 15301 of title 40, 
     United States Code;''; and
       (2) in paragraph (2) by striking ``or the Export-Import 
     Bank,'' and inserting ``the Export-Import Bank, or the 
     Commissions established under section 15301 of title 40, 
     United States Code,''.

     SEC. 5. TRANSFERS OF AUTHORITY AND SAVINGS PROVISIONS.

       (a) Transfers of Authority.--Subject to the requirements of 
     this Act (including the amendments made by this Act)--
       (1) all of the functions of the Delta Regional Authority 
     are transferred to the Delta Regional Commission; and
       (2) all of the functions of the Northern Great Plains 
     Regional Authority are transferred to the Northern Great 
     Plains Regional Commission.
       (b) Legal Documents.--All orders, determinations, rules, 
     regulations, grants, loans, contracts, and agreements--
       (1) that have been issued, made, granted, or allowed to 
     become effective by the Delta Regional Authority or the 
     Northern Great Plains Regional Authority in the performance 
     of any function that is transferred by this section, and
       (2) that are in effect on the effective date of such 
     transfer (or become effective after such date pursuant to 
     their terms as in effect on such effective date),

     shall continue in effect according to their terms until 
     modified, terminated, superseded, set aside, or revoked in 
     accordance with law by an authorized official, a court of 
     competent jurisdiction, or operation of law.
       (c) Transfer of Assets and Personnel.--
       (1) Delta regional commission.--There shall be transferred 
     to the Delta Regional Commission such assets, funds, 
     personnel, records, and other property of the Delta Regional 
     Authority relating to the functions of the Authority as the 
     Commission determines appropriate.
       (2) Northern great plains regional commission.--There shall 
     be transferred to the Northern Great Plains Regional 
     Commission such assets, funds, personnel, records, and other 
     property of the Northern Great Plains Regional Authority as 
     the Commission determines appropriate.

     SEC. 6. EFFECTIVE DATE.

       This Act, and the amendments made by this Act, shall take 
     effect on the first day of the first fiscal year beginning 
     after the date of enactment of this Act.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 704, the 
amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in the bill, modified 
by the amendment printed in House Report 110-361, is adopted and the 
bill, as amended, is considered read.
  The text of the bill, as amended, is as follows:

                               H.R. 3246

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Regional Economic and 
     Infrastructure Development Act of 2007''.

     SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.

       (a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
       (1) certain regions of the Nation, including Appalachia, 
     the Mississippi Delta Region, the Northern Great Plains 
     Region, the Southeast Crescent Region, the Southwest Border 
     Region, the Northern Border Region, and rural Alaska, have 
     suffered from chronic distress far above the national 
     average;
       (2) an economically distressed region can suffer 
     unemployment and poverty at a rate that is 150 percent of the 
     national average; and
       (3) regional commissions are unique Federal-State 
     partnerships that can provide targeted resources to alleviate 
     pervasive economic distress.
       (b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are--
       (1) to provide a comprehensive regional approach to 
     economic and infrastructure development in the most severely 
     economically distressed regions in the Nation; and
       (2) to ensure that the most severely economically 
     distressed regions in the Nation have the necessary tools to 
     develop the basic building blocks for economic development, 
     such as transportation and basic public infrastructure, job 
     skills training, and business development.

     SEC. 3. REGIONAL ECONOMIC AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT.

       (a) In General.--Title 40, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subtitle V as subtitle VI; and
       (2) by inserting after subtitle IV the following:

     ``Subtitle V--Regional Economic and Infrastructure Development

``Chapter                                                         Sec. 
``151. GENERAL PROVISIONS.....................................15101....

``153. REGIONAL COMMISSIONS...................................15301....

``155. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE...................................15501....

``157. ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS..............................15701....

                   ``CHAPTER 151--GENERAL PROVISIONS

``Sec.
``15101. Definitions.

     ``Sec. 15101. Definitions

       ``In this subtitle, the following definitions apply:
       ``(1) Commission.--The term `Commission' means a Commission 
     established under section 15301.
       ``(2) Local development district.--The term `local 
     development district' means an entity that--
       ``(A)(i) is an economic development district that is--
       ``(I) in existence on the date of enactment of this 
     chapter; and
       ``(II) located in the region; or
       ``(ii) if an entity described in clause (i) does not 
     exist--
       ``(I) is organized and operated in a manner that ensures 
     broad-based community participation and an effective 
     opportunity for local officials, community leaders, and the 
     public to contribute to the development and implementation of 
     programs in the region;
       ``(II) is governed by a policy board with at least a simple 
     majority of members consisting of--

       ``(aa) elected officials; or
       ``(bb) designees or employees of a general purpose unit of 
     local government that have been appointed to represent the 
     unit of local government; and

       ``(III) is certified by the Governor or appropriate State 
     officer as having a charter or authority that includes the 
     economic development of counties, portions of counties, or 
     other political subdivisions within the region; and
       ``(B) has not, as certified by the Federal Cochairperson--
       ``(i) inappropriately used Federal grant funds from any 
     Federal source; or
       ``(ii) appointed an officer who, during the period in which 
     another entity inappropriately used Federal grant funds from 
     any Federal source, was an officer of the other entity.
       ``(3) Federal grant program.--The term `Federal grant 
     program' means a Federal grant program to provide assistance 
     in carrying out economic and community development 
     activities.
       ``(4) Indian tribe.--The term `Indian tribe' has the 
     meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-
     Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b).
       ``(5) Nonprofit entity.--The term `nonprofit entity' means 
     any entity with tax-exempt or nonprofit status, as defined by 
     the Internal Revenue Service, that has been formed for the 
     purpose of economic development.
       ``(6) Region.--The term `region' means the area covered by 
     a Commission as described in subchapter II of chapter 157.

                  ``CHAPTER 153--REGIONAL COMMISSIONS

``Sec.
``15301. Establishment, membership, and employees.
``15302. Decisions.
``15303. Functions.
``15304. Administrative powers and expenses.
``15305. Meetings.
``15306. Personal financial interests.
``15307. Tribal representation on Northern Great Plains Regional 
              Commission.
``15308. Tribal participation.
``15309. Annual report.

     ``Sec. 15301. Establishment, membership, and employees

       ``(a) Establishment.--There are established the following 
     regional Commissions:
       ``(1) The Delta Regional Commission.
       ``(2) The Northern Great Plains Regional Commission.
       ``(3) The Southeast Crescent Regional Commission.
       ``(4) The Southwest Border Regional Commission.
       ``(5) The Northern Border Regional Commission.
       ``(b) Membership.--
       ``(1) Federal and state members.--Each Commission shall be 
     composed of the following members:
       ``(A) A Federal Cochairperson, to be appointed by the 
     President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
       ``(B) The Governor of each participating State in the 
     region of the Commission.
       ``(2) Alternate members.--
       ``(A) Alternate federal cochairperson.--The President shall 
     appoint an alternate Federal Cochairperson for each 
     Commission. The alternate Federal Cochairperson, when not 
     actively serving as an alternate for the Federal 
     Cochairperson, shall perform such functions and duties as are 
     delegated by the Federal Cochairperson.
       ``(B) State alternates.--The State member of a 
     participating State may have a single alternate, who shall be 
     appointed by the Governor of the State from among the members 
     of the Governor's cabinet or personal staff.
       ``(C) Voting.--An alternate member shall vote in the case 
     of the absence, death, disability, removal, or resignation of 
     the Federal or State member for which the alternate member is 
     an alternate.
       ``(3) Cochairpersons.--A Commission shall be headed by--
       ``(A) the Federal Cochairperson, who shall serve as a 
     liaison between the Federal Government and the Commission; 
     and
       ``(B) a State Cochairperson, who shall be a Governor of a 
     participating State in the region and shall be elected by the 
     State members for a term of not less than 1 year.
       ``(4) Consecutive terms.--A State member may not be elected 
     to serve as State Cochairperson for more than 2 consecutive 
     terms.
       ``(c) Compensation.--
       ``(1) Federal cochairpersons.--Each Federal Cochairperson 
     shall be compensated by the

[[Page 26648]]

     Federal Government at level III of the Executive Schedule as 
     set out in section 5314 of title 5.
       ``(2) Alternate federal cochairpersons.--Each Federal 
     Cochairperson's alternate shall be compensated by the Federal 
     Government at level V of the Executive Schedule as set out in 
     section 5316 of title 5.
       ``(3) State members and alternates.--Each State member and 
     alternate shall be compensated by the State that they 
     represent at the rate established by the laws of that State.
       ``(d) Executive Director and Staff.--
       ``(1) In general.--A Commission shall appoint and fix the 
     compensation of an executive director and such other 
     personnel as are necessary to enable the Commission to carry 
     out its duties. Compensation under this paragraph may not 
     exceed the maximum rate of basic pay established for the 
     Senior Executive Service under section 5382 of title 5, 
     including any applicable locality-based comparability payment 
     that may be authorized under section 5304(h)(2)(C) of that 
     title.
       ``(2) Executive director.--The executive director shall be 
     responsible for carrying out the administrative duties of the 
     Commission, directing the Commission staff, and such other 
     duties as the Commission may assign.
       ``(e) No Federal Employee Status.--No member, alternate, 
     officer, or employee of a Commission (other than the Federal 
     Cochairperson, the alternate Federal Cochairperson, staff of 
     the Federal Cochairperson, and any Federal employee detailed 
     to the Commission) shall be considered to be a Federal 
     employee for any purpose.

     ``Sec. 15302. Decisions

       ``(a) Requirements for Approval.--Except as provided in 
     section 15304(c)(3), decisions by the Commission shall 
     require the affirmative vote of the Federal Cochairperson and 
     a majority of the State members (exclusive of members 
     representing States delinquent under section 15304(c)(3)(C)).
       ``(b) Consultation.--In matters coming before the 
     Commission, the Federal Cochairperson shall, to the extent 
     practicable, consult with the Federal departments and 
     agencies having an interest in the subject matter.
       ``(c) Quorums.--A Commission shall determine what 
     constitutes a quorum for Commission meetings; except that--
       ``(1) any quorum shall include the Federal Cochairperson or 
     the alternate Federal Cochairperson; and
       ``(2) a State alternate member shall not be counted toward 
     the establishment of a quorum.
       ``(d) Projects and Grant Proposals.--The approval of 
     project and grant proposals shall be a responsibility of each 
     Commission and shall be carried out in accordance with 
     section 15503.

     ``Sec. 15303. Functions

       ``A Commission shall--
       ``(1) assess the needs and assets of its region based on 
     available research, demonstration projects, investigations, 
     assessments, and evaluations of the region prepared by 
     Federal, State, and local agencies, universities, local 
     development districts, and other nonprofit groups;
       ``(2) develop, on a continuing basis, comprehensive and 
     coordinated economic and infrastructure development 
     strategies to establish priorities and approve grants for the 
     economic development of its region, giving due consideration 
     to other Federal, State, and local planning and development 
     activities in the region;
       ``(3) not later than one year after the date of enactment 
     of this section, and after taking into account State plans 
     developed under section 15502, establish priorities in an 
     economic and infrastructure development plan for its region, 
     including 5-year regional outcome targets;
       ``(4)(A) enhance the capacity of, and provide support for, 
     local development districts in its region; or
       ``(B) if no local development district exists in an area in 
     a participating State in the region, foster the creation of a 
     local development district;
       ``(5) encourage private investment in industrial, 
     commercial, and other economic development projects in its 
     region;
       ``(6) cooperate with and assist State governments with the 
     preparation of economic and infrastructure development plans 
     and programs for participating States;
       ``(7) formulate and recommend to the Governors and 
     legislatures of States that participate in the Commission 
     forms of interstate cooperation and, where appropriate, 
     international cooperation; and
       ``(8) work with State and local agencies in developing 
     appropriate model legislation to enhance local and regional 
     economic development.

     ``Sec. 15304. Administrative powers and expenses

       ``(a) Powers.--In carrying out its duties under this 
     subtitle, a Commission may--
       ``(1) hold such hearings, sit and act at such times and 
     places, take such testimony, receive such evidence, and print 
     or otherwise reproduce and distribute a description of the 
     proceedings and reports on actions by the Commission as the 
     Commission considers appropriate;
       ``(2) authorize, through the Federal or State Cochairperson 
     or any other member of the Commission designated by the 
     Commission, the administration of oaths if the Commission 
     determines that testimony should be taken or evidence 
     received under oath;
       ``(3) request from any Federal, State, or local agency such 
     information as may be available to or procurable by the 
     agency that may be of use to the Commission in carrying out 
     the duties of the Commission;
       ``(4) adopt, amend, and repeal bylaws and rules governing 
     the conduct of business and the performance of duties by the 
     Commission;
       ``(5) request the head of any Federal agency, State agency, 
     or local government to detail to the Commission such 
     personnel as the Commission requires to carry out its duties, 
     each such detail to be without loss of seniority, pay, or 
     other employee status;
       ``(6) provide for coverage of Commission employees in a 
     suitable retirement and employee benefit system by making 
     arrangements or entering into contracts with any 
     participating State government or otherwise providing 
     retirement and other employee coverage;
       ``(7) accept, use, and dispose of gifts or donations or 
     services or real, personal, tangible, or intangible property;
       ``(8) enter into and perform such contracts, cooperative 
     agreements, or other transactions as are necessary to carry 
     out Commission duties, including any contracts or cooperative 
     agreements with a department, agency, or instrumentality of 
     the United States, a State (including a political 
     subdivision, agency, or instrumentality of the State), or a 
     person, firm, association, or corporation; and
       ``(9) maintain a government relations office in the 
     District of Columbia and establish and maintain a central 
     office at such location in its region as the Commission may 
     select.
       ``(b) Federal Agency Cooperation.--A Federal agency shall--
       ``(1) cooperate with a Commission; and
       ``(2) provide, to the extent practicable, on request of the 
     Federal Cochairperson, appropriate assistance in carrying out 
     this subtitle, in accordance with applicable Federal laws 
     (including regulations).
       ``(c) Administrative Expenses.--
       ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), the 
     administrative expenses of a Commission shall be paid--
       ``(A) by the Federal Government, in an amount equal to 50 
     percent of the administrative expenses of the Commission; and
       ``(B) by the States participating in the Commission, in an 
     amount equal to 50 percent of the administrative expenses.
       ``(2) Expenses of the federal cochairperson.--All expenses 
     of the Federal Cochairperson, including expenses of the 
     alternate and staff of the Federal Cochairperson, shall be 
     paid by the Federal Government.
       ``(3) State share.--
       ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the share 
     of administrative expenses of a Commission to be paid by each 
     State of the Commission shall be determined by a unanimous 
     vote of the State members of the Commission.
       ``(B) No federal participation.--The Federal Cochairperson 
     shall not participate or vote in any decision under 
     subparagraph (A).
       ``(C) Delinquent states.--During any period in which a 
     State is more than 1 year delinquent in payment of the 
     State's share of administrative expenses of the Commission 
     under this subsection--
       ``(i) no assistance under this subtitle shall be provided 
     to the State (including assistance to a political subdivision 
     or a resident of the State) for any project not approved as 
     of the date of the commencement of the delinquency; and
       ``(ii) no member of the Commission from the State shall 
     participate or vote in any action by the Commission.
       ``(4) Effect on assistance.--A State's share of 
     administrative expenses of a Commission under this subsection 
     shall not be taken into consideration when determining the 
     amount of assistance provided to the State under this 
     subtitle.

     ``Sec. 15305. Meetings

       ``(a) Initial Meeting.--Each Commission shall hold an 
     initial meeting not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this section.
       ``(b) Annual Meeting.--Each Commission shall conduct at 
     least 1 meeting each year with the Federal Cochairperson and 
     at least a majority of the State members present.
       ``(c) Additional Meetings.--Each Commission shall conduct 
     additional meetings at such times as it determines and may 
     conduct such meetings by electronic means.

     ``Sec. 15306. Personal financial interests

       ``(a) Conflicts of Interest.--
       ``(1) No role allowed.--Except as permitted by paragraph 
     (2), an individual who is a State member or alternate, or an 
     officer or employee of a Commission, shall not participate 
     personally and substantially as a member, alternate, officer, 
     or employee of the Commission, through decision, approval, 
     disapproval, recommendation, request for a ruling, or other 
     determination, contract, claim, controversy, or other matter 
     in which, to the individual's knowledge, any of the following 
     has a financial interest:
       ``(A) The individual.
       ``(B) The individual's spouse, minor child, or partner.
       ``(C) An organization (except a State or political 
     subdivision of a State) in which the individual is serving as 
     an officer, director, trustee, partner, or employee.
       ``(D) Any person or organization with whom the individual 
     is negotiating or has any arrangement concerning prospective 
     employment.
       ``(2) Exception.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply if the 
     individual, in advance of the proceeding, application, 
     request for a ruling or other determination, contract, claim 
     controversy, or other particular matter presenting a 
     potential conflict of interest--
       ``(A) advises the Commission of the nature and 
     circumstances of the matter presenting the conflict of 
     interest;
       ``(B) makes full disclosure of the financial interest; and
       ``(C) receives a written decision of the Commission that 
     the interest is not so substantial as

[[Page 26649]]

     to be considered likely to affect the integrity of the 
     services that the Commission may expect from the individual.
       ``(3) Violation.--An individual violating this subsection 
     shall be fined under title 18, imprisoned for not more than 1 
     year, or both.
       ``(b) State Member or Alternate.--A State member or 
     alternate member may not receive any salary, or any 
     contribution to, or supplementation of, salary, for services 
     on a Commission from a source other than the State of the 
     member or alternate.
       ``(c) Detailed Employees.--
       ``(1) In general.--No person detailed to serve a Commission 
     shall receive any salary, or any contribution to, or 
     supplementation of, salary, for services provided to the 
     Commission from any source other than the State, local, or 
     intergovernmental department or agency from which the person 
     was detailed to the Commission.
       ``(2) Violation.--Any person that violates this subsection 
     shall be fined under title 18, imprisoned not more than 1 
     year, or both.
       ``(d) Federal Cochairman, Alternate to Federal Cochairman, 
     and Federal Officers and Employees.--The Federal Cochairman, 
     the alternate to the Federal Cochairman, and any Federal 
     officer or employee detailed to duty with the Commission are 
     not subject to this section but remain subject to sections 
     202 through 209 of title 18.
       ``(e) Rescission.--A Commission may declare void any 
     contract, loan, or grant of or by the Commission in relation 
     to which the Commission determines that there has been a 
     violation of any provision under subsection (a)(1), (b), or 
     (c), or any of the provisions of sections 202 through 209 of 
     title 18.

     ``Sec. 15307. Tribal representation on Northern Great Plains 
       Regional Commission

       ``(a) Tribal Cochairperson.--
       ``(1) Appointment.--In addition to the members specified in 
     section 15301(b)(1), the membership of the Northern Great 
     Plains Regional Commission shall include a Tribal 
     Cochairperson, to be appointed by the President, by and with 
     the advice and consent of the Senate. The Tribal 
     Cochairperson shall be a member of an Indian tribe in the 
     Commission's region.
       ``(2) Duties.--In addition to the Federal Cochairperson and 
     State Cochairperson, the Commission shall be headed by the 
     Tribal Cochairperson, who shall serve as a liaison between 
     the governments of Indian tribes in the region and the 
     Commission.
       ``(b) Alternate Tribal Cochairperson.--
       ``(1) Appointment.--The President shall appoint an 
     alternate to the Tribal Cochairperson.
       ``(2) Duties.--The alternate Tribal Cochairperson, when not 
     actively serving as an alternate for the Tribal 
     Cochairperson, shall perform such functions and duties as are 
     delegated by the Tribal Cochairperson.
       ``(3) Voting.--The alternate Tribal Cochairperson shall 
     vote in the case of the absence, death, disability, removal, 
     or resignation of the Tribal Cochairperson.
       ``(c) Compensation.--
       ``(1) Tribal cochairperson.--The Tribal Cochairperson shall 
     be compensated by the Federal Government at level III of the 
     Executive Schedule as set out in section 5314 of title 5.
       ``(2) Alternate tribal cochairperson.--The Tribal 
     Cochairperson's alternate shall be compensated by the Federal 
     Government at level V of the Executive Schedule as set out in 
     section 5316 of title 5.
       ``(d) Expenses of Tribal Cochairperson.--All expenses of 
     the Tribal Cochairperson, including expenses of the alternate 
     and staff of the Tribal Cochairperson, shall be paid by the 
     Federal Government.
       ``(e) Duties and Privileges.--Except as provided in 
     subsections (c) and (d), the Tribal Cochairperson shall have 
     the same duties and privileges as the State Cochairperson.

     ``Sec. 15308. Tribal participation

       ``Governments of Indian tribes in the region of the 
     Northern Great Plains Regional Commission or the Southwest 
     Border Regional Commission shall be allowed to participate in 
     matters before that Commission in the same manner and to the 
     same extent as State agencies and instrumentalities in the 
     region.

     ``Sec. 15309. Annual report

       ``(a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the last 
     day of each fiscal year, each Commission shall submit to the 
     President and Congress a report on the activities carried out 
     by the Commission under this subtitle in the fiscal year.
       ``(b) Contents.--The report shall include--
       ``(1) a description of the criteria used by the Commission 
     to designate counties under section 15702 and a list of the 
     counties designated in each category;
       ``(2) an evaluation of the progress of the Commission in 
     meeting the goals identified in the Commission's economic and 
     infrastructure development plan under section 15303 and State 
     economic and infrastructure development plans under section 
     15502; and
       ``(3) any policy recommendations approved by the 
     Commission.

                  ``CHAPTER 155--FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

``Sec.
``15501. Economic and infrastructure development grants.
``15502. Comprehensive economic and infrastructure development plans.
``15503. Approval of applications for assistance.
``15504. Program development criteria.
``15505. Local development districts and organizations.
``15506. Supplements to Federal grant programs.

     ``Sec. 15501. Economic and infrastructure development grants

       ``(a) In General.--A Commission may make grants to States 
     and local governments, Indian tribes, and public and 
     nonprofit organizations for projects, approved in accordance 
     with section 15503--
       ``(1) to develop the transportation infrastructure of its 
     region;
       ``(2) to develop the basic public infrastructure of its 
     region;
       ``(3) to develop the telecommunications infrastructure of 
     its region;
       ``(4) to assist its region in obtaining job skills 
     training, skills development and employment-related 
     education, entrepreneurship, technology, and business 
     development;
       ``(5) to provide assistance to severely economically 
     distressed and underdeveloped areas of its region that lack 
     financial resources for improving basic health care and other 
     public services;
       ``(6) to promote resource conservation, tourism, 
     recreation, and preservation of open space in a manner 
     consistent with economic development goals;
       ``(7) to promote the development of renewable and 
     alternative energy sources; and
       ``(8) to otherwise achieve the purposes of this subtitle.
       ``(b) Allocation of Funds.--A Commission shall allocate at 
     least 40 percent of any grant amounts provided by the 
     Commission in a fiscal year for projects described in 
     paragraphs (1) through (3) of subsection (a).
       ``(c) Sources of Grants.--Grant amounts may be provided 
     entirely from appropriations to carry out this subtitle, in 
     combination with amounts available under other Federal grant 
     programs, or from any other source.
       ``(d) Maximum Commission Contributions.--
       ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), the 
     Commission may contribute not more than 50 percent of a 
     project or activity cost eligible for financial assistance 
     under this section from amounts appropriated to carry out 
     this subtitle.
       ``(2) Distressed counties.--The maximum Commission 
     contribution for a project or activity to be carried out in a 
     county for which a distressed county designation is in effect 
     under section 15702 may be increased to 80 percent.
       ``(3) Special rule for regional projects.--A Commission may 
     increase to 60 percent under paragraph (1) and 90 percent 
     under paragraph (2) the maximum Commission contribution for a 
     project or activity if--
       ``(A) the project or activity involves 3 or more counties 
     or more than one State; and
       ``(B) the Commission determines in accordance with section 
     15302(a) that the project or activity will bring significant 
     interstate or multicounty benefits to a region.
       ``(e) Maintenance of Effort.--Funds may be provided by a 
     Commission for a program or project in a State under this 
     section only if the Commission determines that the level of 
     Federal or State financial assistance provided under a law 
     other than this subtitle, for the same type of program or 
     project in the same area of the State within region, will not 
     be reduced as a result of funds made available by this 
     subtitle.
       ``(f) No Relocation Assistance.--Financial assistance 
     authorized by this section may not be used to assist a person 
     or entity in relocating from one area to another.

     ``Sec. 15502. Comprehensive economic and infrastructure 
       development plans

       ``(a) State Plans.--In accordance with policies established 
     by a Commission, each State member of the Commission shall 
     submit a comprehensive economic and infrastructure 
     development plan for the area of the region represented by 
     the State member.
       ``(b) Content of Plan.--A State economic and infrastructure 
     development plan shall reflect the goals, objectives, and 
     priorities identified in any applicable economic and 
     infrastructure development plan developed by a Commission 
     under section 15303.
       ``(c) Consultation With Interested Local Parties.--In 
     carrying out the development planning process (including the 
     selection of programs and projects for assistance), a State 
     shall--
       ``(1) consult with local development districts, local units 
     of government, and local colleges and universities; and
       ``(2) take into consideration the goals, objectives, 
     priorities, and recommendations of the entities described in 
     paragraph (1).
       ``(d) Public Participation.--
       ``(1) In general.--A Commission and applicable State and 
     local development districts shall encourage and assist, to 
     the maximum extent practicable, public participation in the 
     development, revision, and implementation of all plans and 
     programs under this subtitle.
       ``(2) Guidelines.--A Commission shall develop guidelines 
     for providing public participation, including public 
     hearings.

     ``Sec. 15503. Approval of applications for assistance

       ``(a) Evaluation by State Member.--An application to a 
     Commission for a grant or any other assistance for a project 
     under this subtitle shall be made through, and evaluated for 
     approval by, the State member of the Commission representing 
     the applicant.
       ``(b) Certification.--An application to a Commission for a 
     grant or other assistance for a project under this subtitle 
     shall be eligible for assistance only on certification by the 
     State member of the Commission representing the applicant 
     that the application for the project--
       ``(1) describes ways in which the project complies with any 
     applicable State economic and infrastructure development 
     plan;

[[Page 26650]]

       ``(2) meets applicable criteria under section 15504;
       ``(3) adequately ensures that the project will be properly 
     administered, operated, and maintained; and
       ``(4) otherwise meets the requirements for assistance under 
     this subtitle.
       ``(c) Votes for Decisions.--On certification by a State 
     member of a Commission of an application for a grant or other 
     assistance for a specific project under this section, an 
     affirmative vote of the Commission under section 15302 shall 
     be required for approval of the application.

     ``Sec. 15504. Program development criteria

       ``(a) In General.--In considering programs and projects to 
     be provided assistance by a Commission under this subtitle, 
     and in establishing a priority ranking of the requests for 
     assistance provided to the Commission, the Commission shall 
     follow procedures that ensure, to the maximum extent 
     practicable, consideration of--
       ``(1) the relationship of the project or class of projects 
     to overall regional development;
       ``(2) the per capita income and poverty and unemployment 
     and outmigration rates in an area;
       ``(3) the financial resources available to the applicants 
     for assistance seeking to carry out the project, with 
     emphasis on ensuring that projects are adequately financed to 
     maximize the probability of successful economic development;
       ``(4) the importance of the project or class of projects in 
     relation to the other projects or classes of projects that 
     may be in competition for the same funds;
       ``(5) the prospects that the project for which assistance 
     is sought will improve, on a continuing rather than a 
     temporary basis, the opportunities for employment, the 
     average level of income, or the economic development of the 
     area to be served by the project; and
       ``(6) the extent to which the project design provides for 
     detailed outcome measurements by which grant expenditures and 
     the results of the expenditures may be evaluated.

     ``Sec. 15505. Local development districts and organizations

       ``(a) Grants to Local Development Districts.--Subject to 
     the requirements of this section, a Commission may make 
     grants to a local development district to assist in the 
     payment of development planning and administrative expenses.
       ``(b) Conditions for Grants.--
       ``(1) Maximum amount.--The amount of a grant awarded under 
     this section may not exceed 80 percent of the administrative 
     and planning expenses of the local development district 
     receiving the grant.
       ``(2) Maximum period for state agencies.--In the case of a 
     State agency certified as a local development district, a 
     grant may not be awarded to the agency under this section for 
     more than 3 fiscal years.
       ``(3) Local share.--The contributions of a local 
     development district for administrative expenses may be in 
     cash or in kind, fairly evaluated, including space, 
     equipment, and services.
       ``(c) Duties of Local Development Districts.--A local 
     development district shall--
       ``(1) operate as a lead organization serving multicounty 
     areas in the region at the local level;
       ``(2) assist the Commission in carrying out outreach 
     activities for local governments, community development 
     groups, the business community, and the public;
       ``(3) serve as a liaison between State and local 
     governments, nonprofit organizations (including community-
     based groups and educational institutions), the business 
     community, and citizens; and
       ``(4) assist the individuals and entities described in 
     paragraph (3) in identifying, assessing, and facilitating 
     projects and programs to promote the economic development of 
     the region.

     ``Sec. 15506. Supplements to Federal grant programs

       ``(a) Finding.--Congress finds that certain States and 
     local communities of the region, including local development 
     districts, may be unable to take maximum advantage of Federal 
     grant programs for which the States and communities are 
     eligible because--
       ``(1) they lack the economic resources to provide the 
     required matching share; or
       ``(2) there are insufficient funds available under the 
     applicable Federal law with respect to a project to be 
     carried out in the region.
       ``(b) Federal Grant Program Funding.--A Commission, with 
     the approval of the Federal Cochairperson, may use amounts 
     made available to carry out this subtitle--
       ``(1) for any part of the basic Federal contribution to 
     projects or activities under the Federal grant programs 
     authorized by Federal laws; and
       ``(2) to increase the Federal contribution to projects and 
     activities under the programs above the fixed maximum part of 
     the cost of the projects or activities otherwise authorized 
     by the applicable law.
       ``(c) Certification Required.--For a program, project, or 
     activity for which any part of the basic Federal contribution 
     to the project or activity under a Federal grant program is 
     proposed to be made under subsection (b), the Federal 
     contribution shall not be made until the responsible Federal 
     official administering the Federal law authorizing the 
     Federal contribution certifies that the program, project, or 
     activity meets the applicable requirements of the Federal law 
     and could be approved for Federal contribution under that law 
     if amounts were available under the law for the program, 
     project, or activity.
       ``(d) Limitations in Other Laws Inapplicable.--Amounts 
     provided pursuant to this subtitle are available without 
     regard to any limitations on areas eligible for assistance or 
     authorizations for appropriation in any other law.
       ``(e) Federal Share.--The Federal share of the cost of a 
     project or activity receiving assistance under this section 
     shall not exceed 80 percent.
       ``(f) Maximum Commission Contribution.--Section 15501(d), 
     relating to limitations on Commission contributions, shall 
     apply to a program, project, or activity receiving assistance 
     under this section.

                ``CHAPTER 157--ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

                   ``subchapter i--general provisions

``Sec.
``15701. Consent of States.
``15702. Distressed counties and areas.
``15703. Counties eligible for assistance in more than one region.
``15704. Inspector General; records.
``15705. Biannual meetings of representatives of all Commissions.
``15706. Relationship to other laws.

                 ``subchapter ii--designation of regions

``15731. Delta Regional Commission.
``15732. Northern Great Plains Regional Commission.
``15733. Southeast Crescent Regional Commission.
``15734. Southwest Border Regional Commission.
``15735. Northern Border Regional Commission.

            ``subchapter iii--authorization of appropriations

``15751. Authorization of appropriations.

                   ``SUBCHAPTER I--GENERAL PROVISIONS

     ``Sec. 15701. Consent of States

       ``This subtitle does not require a State to engage in or 
     accept a program under this subtitle without its consent.

     ``Sec. 15702. Distressed counties and areas

       ``(a) Designations.--Not later than 90 days after the date 
     of enactment of this section, and annually thereafter, each 
     Commission shall make the following designations:
       ``(1) Distressed counties.--The Commission shall designate 
     as distressed counties those counties in its region that are 
     the most severely and persistently economically distressed 
     and underdeveloped and have high rates of poverty, 
     unemployment, or outmigration.
       ``(2) Transitional counties.--The Commission shall 
     designate as transitional counties those counties in its 
     region that are economically distressed and underdeveloped or 
     have recently suffered high rates of poverty, unemployment, 
     or outmigration.
       ``(3) Attainment counties.--The Commission shall designate 
     as attainment counties, those counties in its region that are 
     not designated as distressed or transitional counties under 
     this subsection.
       ``(4) Isolated areas of distress.--The Commission shall 
     designate as isolated areas of distress, areas located in 
     counties designated as attainment counties under paragraph 
     (3) that have high rates of poverty, unemployment, or 
     outmigration.
       ``(b) Allocation.--A Commission shall allocate at least 50 
     percent of the appropriations made available to the 
     Commission to carry out this subtitle for programs and 
     projects designed to serve the needs of distressed counties 
     and isolated areas of distress in the region.
       ``(c) Attainment Counties.--
       ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), 
     funds may not be provided under this subtitle for a project 
     located in a county designated as an attainment county under 
     subsection (a).
       ``(2) Exceptions.--
       ``(A) Administrative expenses of local development 
     districts.--The funding prohibition under paragraph (1) shall 
     not apply to grants to fund the administrative expenses of 
     local development districts under section 15505.
       ``(B) Multicounty and other projects.--A Commission may 
     waive the application of the funding prohibition under 
     paragraph (1) with respect to--
       ``(i) a multicounty project that includes participation by 
     an attainment county; and
       ``(ii) any other type of project, if a Commission 
     determines that the project could bring significant benefits 
     to areas of the region outside an attainment county.
       ``(3) Isolated areas of distress.--For a designation of an 
     isolated area of distress to be effective, the designation 
     shall be supported--
       ``(A) by the most recent Federal data available; or
       ``(B) if no recent Federal data are available, by the most 
     recent data available through the government of the State in 
     which the isolated area of distress is located.

     ``Sec. 15703. Counties eligible for assistance in more than 
       one region

       ``(a) Limitation.--A political subdivision of a State may 
     not receive assistance under this subtitle in a fiscal year 
     from more than one Commission.
       ``(b) Selection of Commission.--A political subdivision 
     included in the region of more than one Commission shall 
     select the Commission with which it will participate by 
     notifying, in writing, the Federal Cochairperson and the 
     appropriate State member of that Commission.
       ``(c) Changes in Selections.--The selection of a Commission 
     by a political subdivision shall

[[Page 26651]]

     apply in the fiscal year in which the selection is made, and 
     shall apply in each subsequent fiscal year unless the 
     political subdivision, at least 90 days before the first day 
     of the fiscal year, notifies the Cochairpersons of another 
     Commission in writing that the political subdivision will 
     participate in that Commission and also transmits a copy of 
     such notification to the Cochairpersons of the Commission in 
     which the political subdivision is currently participating.
       ``(d) Inclusion of Appalachian Regional Commission.--In 
     this section, the term `Commission' includes the Appalachian 
     Regional Commission established under chapter 143.

     ``Sec. 15704. Inspector General; records

       ``(a) Appointment of Inspector General.--There shall be an 
     Inspector General for the Commissions appointed in accordance 
     with section 3(a) of the Inspector General Act of 1978 (5 
     U.S.C. App.). All of the Commissions shall be subject to a 
     single Inspector General.
       ``(b) Records of a Commission.--
       ``(1) In general.--A Commission shall maintain accurate and 
     complete records of all its transactions and activities.
       ``(2) Availability.--All records of a Commission shall be 
     available for audit and examination by the Inspector General 
     (including authorized representatives of the Inspector 
     General).
       ``(c) Records of Recipients of Commission Assistance.--
       ``(1) In general.--A recipient of funds from a Commission 
     under this subtitle shall maintain accurate and complete 
     records of transactions and activities financed with the 
     funds and report to the Commission on the transactions and 
     activities.
       ``(2) Availability.--All records required under paragraph 
     (1) shall be available for audit by the Commission and the 
     Inspector General (including authorized representatives of 
     the Commission and the Inspector General).
       ``(d) Annual Audit.--The Inspector General shall audit the 
     activities, transactions, and records of each Commission on 
     an annual basis.

     ``Sec. 15705. Biannual meetings of representatives of all 
       Commissions

       ``(a) In General.--Representatives of each Commission, the 
     Appalachian Regional Commission, and the Denali Commission 
     shall meet biannually to discuss issues confronting regions 
     suffering from chronic and contiguous distress and successful 
     strategies for promoting regional development.
       ``(b) Chair of Meetings.--The chair of each meeting shall 
     rotate among the Commissions, with the Appalachian Regional 
     Commission to host the first meeting.

     ``Sec. 15706. Relationship to other laws

       ``Projects receiving assistance under this subtitle shall 
     be treated in the manner provided in section 602 of the 
     Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 
     3212).

                ``SUBCHAPTER II--DESIGNATION OF REGIONS

     ``Sec. 15731. Delta Regional Commission

       ``The region of the Delta Regional Commission shall consist 
     of the following political subdivisions:
       ``(1) Alabama.--The counties of Barbour, Bullock, Butler, 
     Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Dallas, Escambia, Greene, Hale, 
     Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Monroe, Perry, Pickens, Russell, 
     Sumter, Washington, and Wilcox in the State of Alabama.
       ``(2) Arkansas.--The counties of Arkansas, Ashley, Baxter, 
     Bradley, Calhoun, Chicot, Clay, Cleveland, Craighead, 
     Crittenden, Cross, Dallas, Desha, Drew, Fulton, Grant, 
     Greene, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Jefferson, Lawrence, 
     Lee, Lincoln, Lonoke, Marion, Mississippi, Monroe, Ouachita, 
     Phillips, Poinsett, Prairie, Pulaski, Randolph, St. Francis, 
     Searcy, Sharp, Stone, Union, Van Buren, White, and Woodruff 
     in the State of Arkansas.
       ``(3) Illinois.--The counties of Alexander, Franklin, 
     Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Johnson, Massac, Perry, 
     Pope, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, Union, White, and Williamson 
     in the State of Illinois.
       ``(4) Kentucky.--The counties of Ballard, Caldwell, 
     Calloway, Carlisle, Christian, Crittenden, Fulton, Graves, 
     Henderson, Hickman, Hopkins, Livingston, Lyon, Marshall, 
     McCracken, McLean, Muhlenberg, Todd, Trigg, Union, and 
     Webster in the State of Kentucky.
       ``(5) Louisiana.--The parishes of Acadia, Allen, Ascension, 
     Assumption, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Bienville, Caldwell, 
     Cameron, Catahoula, Claiborne, Concordia, E. Baton Rouge, 
     DeSoto, E. Carroll, E. Feliciana, Evangeline, Franklin, 
     Grant, Iberia, Iberville, Jackson, Jefferson, Jefferson 
     Davis, Lafourche, LaSalle, Lincoln, Livingston, Madison, 
     Morehouse, Natchitoches, Orleans, Ouachita, Plaquemines, 
     Pointe Coupee, Rapides, Red River, Richland, St. Bernard, St. 
     Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. 
     Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, Tangipahoa, Tensas, Union, 
     Vermilion, Washington, Webster, W. Baton Rouge, W. Carroll, 
     W. Feliciana, and Winn in the State of Louisiana.
       ``(6) Mississippi.--The counties of Adams, Amite, Attala, 
     Benton, Bolivar, Carroll, Claiborne, Coahoma, Copiah, 
     Covington, DeSoto, Franklin, Grenada, Hinds, Holmes, 
     Humphreys, Issaquena, Jasper, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, 
     Lafayette, Lawrence, Leflore, Lincoln, Madison, Marion, 
     Marshall, Montgomery, Panola, Pike, Quitman, Rankin, Sharkey, 
     Simpson, Smith, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tippah, 
     Tunica, Union, Walthall, Warren, Washington, Wilkinson, 
     Yalobusha, and Yazoo in the State of Mississippi.
       ``(7) Missouri.--The counties Bollinger, Butler, Cape 
     Girardeau, Carter, Crawford, Dent, Douglas, Dunklin, Howell, 
     Iron, Madison, Mississippi, New Madrid, Oregon, Ozark, 
     Pemiscott, Perry, Phelps, Reynolds, Ripley, Ste. Genevieve, 
     St. Francois, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard, Texas, Washington, 
     Wayne, and Wright in the State of Missouri.
       ``(8) Tennessee.--The counties of Benton, Carroll, Chester, 
     Crockett, Decatur, Dyer, Fayette, Gibson, Hardeman, Hardin, 
     Haywood, Henderson, Henry, Lake, Lauderdale, McNairy, 
     Madison, Obion, Shelby, Tipton, and Weakley in the State of 
     Tennessee.

     ``Sec. 15732. Northern Great Plains Regional Commission

       ``The region of the Northern Great Plains Regional 
     Commission shall consist of the following:
       ``(1) All counties of the States of Iowa, Minnesota, 
     Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
       ``(2) The counties of Andrew, Atchison, Buchanan, Caldwell, 
     Carroll, Chariton, Clay, Clinton, Cooper, Daviess, DeKalb, 
     Gentry, Grundy, Harrison, Holt, Howard, Jackson, Linn, 
     Livingston, Mercer, Nodaway, Platte, Putnam, Schuyler, 
     Sullivan, and Worth in the State of Missouri.

     ``Sec. 15733. Southeast Crescent Regional Commission

       ``The region of the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission 
     shall consist of all counties of the States of Virginia, 
     North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, 
     Mississippi, and Florida not already served by the 
     Appalachian Regional Commission or the Delta Regional 
     Commission.

     ``Sec. 15734. Southwest Border Regional Commission

       ``The region of the Southwest Border Regional Commission 
     shall consist of the following political subdivisions:
       ``(1) Arizona.--The counties of Cochise, Gila, Graham, 
     Greenlee, La Paz, Maricopa, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz, and Yuma 
     in the State of Arizona.
       ``(2) California.--The counties of Imperial, Los Angeles, 
     Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura in 
     the State of California.
       ``(3) New mexico.--The counties of Catron, Chaves, Dona 
     Ana, Eddy, Grant, Hidalgo, Lincoln, Luna, Otero, Sierra, and 
     Socorro in the State of New Mexico.
       ``(4) Texas.--The counties of Atascosa, Bandera, Bee, 
     Bexar, Brewster, Brooks, Cameron, Coke, Concho, Crane, 
     Crockett, Culberson, Dimmit, Duval, Ector, Edwards, El Paso, 
     Frio, Gillespie, Glasscock, Hidalgo, Hudspeth, Irion, Jeff 
     Davis, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, Karnes, Kendall, Kenedy, Kerr, 
     Kimble, Kinney, Kleberg, La Salle, Live Oak, Loving, Mason, 
     Maverick, McMullen, Medina, Menard, Midland, Nueces, Pecos, 
     Presidio, Reagan, Real, Reeves, San Patricio, Shleicher, 
     Sutton, Starr, Sterling, Terrell, Tom Green Upton, Uvalde, 
     Val Verde, Ward, Webb, Willacy, Wilson, Winkler, Zapata, and 
     Zavala in the State of Texas.

     ``Sec. 15735. Northern Border Regional Commission

       ``The region of the Northern Border Regional Commission 
     shall include the following counties:
       ``(1) Maine.--The counties of Androscoggin, Aroostook, 
     Franklin, Hancock, Kennebec, Knox, Oxford, Penobscot, 
     Piscataquis, Somerset, Waldo, and Washington in the State of 
     Maine.
       ``(2) New hampshire.--The counties of Carroll, Coos, 
     Grafton, and Sullivan in the State of New Hampshire.
       ``(3) New york.--The counties of Cayuga, Clinton, Essex, 
     Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, 
     Madison, Oneida, Oswego, Seneca, and St. Lawrence in the 
     State of New York.
       ``(4) Vermont.--The counties of Caledonia, Essex, Franklin, 
     Grand Isle, Lamoille, and Orleans in the State of Vermont.

           ``SUBCHAPTER III--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS

     ``Sec. 15751. Authorization of appropriations

       ``(a) In General.--There is authorized to be appropriated 
     to each Commission to carry out this subtitle--
       ``(1) $40,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
       ``(2) $45,000,000 for fiscal year 2009;
       ``(3) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2010;
       ``(4) $55,000,000 for fiscal year 2011; and
       ``(5) $60,000,000 for fiscal year 2012.
       ``(b) Administrative Expenses.--Not more than 10 percent of 
     the funds made available to a Commission in a fiscal year 
     under this section may be used for administrative 
     expenses.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of subtitles for 
     chapter 40, United States Code, is amended by striking the 
     item relating to subtitle V and inserting the following:

``V. REGIONAL ECONOMIC AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT........15101 ....

``VI. MISCELLANEOUS........................................17101''.....

     SEC. 4. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.

       (a) Repeals.--Subtitles F and G of the Consolidated Farm 
     and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2009aa-2009bb-13) are 
     repealed.
       (b) Inspector General Act.--Section 11 of the Inspector 
     General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1) by striking ``or the President of the 
     Export-Import Bank;'' and inserting ``the President of the 
     Export-Import Bank; or the Federal Cochairpersons of the 
     Commissions established under section 15301 of title 40, 
     United States Code;''; and
       (2) in paragraph (2) by striking ``or the Export-Import 
     Bank,'' and inserting ``the Export-Import Bank, or the 
     Commissions established

[[Page 26652]]

     under section 15301 of title 40, United States Code,''.

     SEC. 5. TRANSFERS OF AUTHORITY AND SAVINGS PROVISIONS.

       (a) Transfers of Authority.--Subject to the requirements of 
     this Act (including the amendments made by this Act)--
       (1) all of the functions of the Delta Regional Authority 
     are transferred to the Delta Regional Commission; and
       (2) all of the functions of the Northern Great Plains 
     Regional Authority are transferred to the Northern Great 
     Plains Regional Commission.
       (b) Legal Documents.--All orders, determinations, rules, 
     regulations, grants, loans, contracts, and agreements--
       (1) that have been issued, made, granted, or allowed to 
     become effective by the Delta Regional Authority or the 
     Northern Great Plains Regional Authority in the performance 
     of any function that is transferred by this section, and
       (2) that are in effect on the effective date of such 
     transfer (or become effective after such date pursuant to 
     their terms as in effect on such effective date),

     shall continue in effect according to their terms until 
     modified, terminated, superseded, set aside, or revoked in 
     accordance with law by an authorized official, a court of 
     competent jurisdiction, or operation of law.
       (c) Transfer of Assets and Personnel.--
       (1) Delta regional commission.--There shall be transferred 
     to the Delta Regional Commission such assets, funds, 
     personnel, records, and other property of the Delta Regional 
     Authority relating to the functions of the Authority as the 
     Commission determines appropriate.
       (2) Northern great plains regional commission.--There shall 
     be transferred to the Northern Great Plains Regional 
     Commission such assets, funds, personnel, records, and other 
     property of the Northern Great Plains Regional Authority as 
     the Commission determines appropriate.

     SEC. 6. EFFECTIVE DATE.

       This Act, and the amendments made by this Act, shall take 
     effect on the first day of the first fiscal year beginning 
     after the date of enactment of this Act.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar) 
and the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Graves) each will control 30 
minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Minnesota.
  Mr. OBERSTAR. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
  The Regional Economic and Infrastructure Development Act of 2007 
reauthorizes two existing commissions and establishes three new 
commissions. The two existing commissions, one, the Delta Regional 
Commission, was created through the appropriation process, and the 
Northern Great Plains Regional Commission was established some time 
ago, but we establish three new regional economic development 
commissions: The Southeast Crescent Regional Commission, the Southwest 
Border Regional Commission, and the Northern Border Regional 
Commission.
  The purpose of the regional commission approach to economic 
development is a recognition that economic difficulties don't stop at 
political dividing lines, county lines, State lines, that they 
transcend our political boundaries, that the economic development 
problems are grouped by region. By economy, if you will.
  Some years ago, we had the Upper Great Lakes Regional Commission 
linking the upper peninsula of Michigan, the upper counties of 
Wisconsin and the northern tier of Minnesota. They had in common 
forestry, wood, wood fiber industries, fisheries, travel/tourism and 
Great Lakes ports connected to the international economy through the 
St. Lawrence Seaway. Projects conceived by the Upper Great Lakes 
Commission were to be linked to the commonality of regional economic 
difficulties the three States experienced. The same with Appalachia 
coal; the attendant difficulties of the coal sector of our economy 
stretched across State boundaries and linked the entire Appalachian 
region with their forestry difficulties as well and also with their 
need for surface transportation development. That is the principle that 
is extended to the three new commissions, the Southeast Crescent, the 
Southwest Border and the Northern Border Commission.
  The Delta Regional Commission is one that has unique problems, 
exacerbated and at the same time underscored by the tragedy of 
Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma. All of the counties, or I should 
say most of the counties, and parishes in Louisiana, in that region 
suffered common economic problems. Creating an economic development 
structure on a regional basis will join the resources and the forces of 
these States, the counties and the parishes, to bring forth new ideas 
that will benefit not just one community, not just one parish, but a 
commonality of parishes, a commonality of counties and a commonality of 
the States.
  In this legislation, we establish a structure, a common framework for 
administration and management modeled after the Appalachian Regional 
Commission but also modeled after the difficulties we experienced in 
previous regional economic development commissions in the sixties and 
seventies and early eighties. We need standard procedures. We need a 
voting structure. We need standard procedures for staffing, standards 
that establish conditions under which conflicts of interest can be 
evaluated and avoided. Commonality establishment of local economic 
development districts, a consistent method for distributing economic 
development funds, a uniform set of procedures that will apply to all 
of the commission, and, finally, with commonality then we can have 
uniform evaluation standards of the results of these commissions. And 
it will be the purpose of our Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure to hold intensive oversight hearings as these 
commissions get under way with their work, they are funded, and we will 
want to hold them accountable, we will want to see their record of 
success, and I am quite confident, given the grassroots-up nature of 
establishment of planning and mission of these commissions, that there 
will be great success stories.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I would yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, the Regional Economic and Infrastructure Development Act 
of 2007 reauthorizes two economic development commissions, the Delta 
Regional Commission and the Northern Great Plains Regional Commission. 
The bill also creates three new commissions, the Southeast Crescent 
Regional Commission, the Southwest Border Regional Commission and the 
Northern Border Regional Commission.
  First, I want to thank Chairman Oberstar and Subcommittee Chairwoman 
Norton for working with me to add several counties in northwest 
Missouri to the Northern Great Plains Regional Commission and for 
working with other members of the committee to add their counties to 
the bill as well. I appreciate it very much.
  The Northern Great Plains Regional Commission borders my district in 
the north and the west. The counties added by this bill are contiguous 
to the counties in the commission. Additionally, these northwest 
Missouri counties are experiencing problems similar to the counties in 
the commission already, yet they have higher levels of economic 
distress.
  The Northern Great Plains Regional Commission will set the stage for 
economic growth by creating an effective Federal-State partnership for 
attracting new businesses, creating new jobs and developing the 
infrastructure in northwest Missouri. The commission will encourage 
local economic development by making use of local resources for the 
benefit of the community. The commission is designed to successfully 
leverage other public and private funds, providing northwest Missouri 
with a very valuable economic development tool.
  Economic development plays a very vital role in maintaining our rural 
way of life by keeping folks in those communities and keeping that 
culture alive. A major component to economic development is the build-
out of broadband services throughout many regions in the country.

                              {time}  1230

  No matter where you live, broadband can bring a world of 
opportunities and possibilities to your doorstep. It is imperative to 
our rural way of life that we push broadband out to every corner of the 
country. Where you live should not limit your opportunities for 
education, commerce, and medical care.
  Many citizens in rural America's small communities do not have 
broadband access at a reasonable cost. It should be available to 
everyone no matter where they live at a reasonable

[[Page 26653]]

rate. Through this legislation and other efforts that my colleagues and 
I have taken on, grants will be available to further establish an 
infrastructure that can support this important tool to rural economic 
development.
  Additionally, I must commend two members of the Committee on 
Transportation and Infrastructure, Mr. Hayes and Mr. Boustany, who have 
been tireless advocates for their districts. I would like to recognize 
Mr. Hayes for his dedication to stimulating economic development and 
job promotion in the State of North Carolina and leading efforts to 
create the Southeast Crescent Authority.
  Additionally, he has championed efforts to recruit new industry and 
create new jobs while sharpening the competitive proficiency of 
existing industries in the Eighth Congressional District of North 
Carolina.
  Mr. Boustany has also worked tirelessly to promote development and 
create opportunities for communities in his district and has been a 
leader on the issue for the entire State of Louisiana.
  Again, thank you, Chairman Oberstar and Chairwoman Norton for working 
with Members and working with me to bring this legislation to the 
floor.
  Mr. Speaker, I know we have a few speakers out there, so I will cut 
mine short.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to 
the very distinguished Chair of our Subcommittee on Economic 
Development and other subject matters, the gentlewoman from the 
District of Columbia who presided over the hearings and whose steady 
hands shaped this legislation. I am greatly appreciative of her 
splendid work.
  Ms. NORTON. I thank the chairman for yielding.
  I understand the gentleman from Maine, who is a major sponsor of this 
bill, has a hearing. In deference to him, I will wait until after he 
finishes and yield my time at this time to him, if it is all right with 
the chairman.
  Mr. OBERSTAR. I will then yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Maine.
  Mr. MICHAUD. I thank the gentlewoman and the gentleman for yielding.
  The Regional Economic and Infrastructure Development Act of 2007 
represents a vision for economic development in our Nation that will 
help Americans in the most distressed regions of our country.
  In the northern border region, we are seeing clearly persistent 
patterns of economic distress. If you look at the 36 counties that lie 
on the border or right next to the border between Maine and New York, 
you will find poverty above the national average, medium household 
income that is more than $6,500 below the national average, persistent 
unemployment through layoffs in traditional manufacturing industries, 
and most striking of all, a meager gain of only 0.6 percent in 
population between 1990 and 2000, compared to the 13 percent growth 
nationally over the same period.
  In short, Mr. Speaker, our mills are closing, our young people are 
leaving, and too many of our workers are looking for work. Clearly, 
this region has a common set of challenges and a compelling need for 
investment in new growth.
  Two days after I was elected to Congress, the very mill that I worked 
at for over 28 years went bankrupt, and my hometown and region were 
devastated. The story of my town and the mill that I worked at has been 
repeated across our region. That is why we need to support our regional 
industries and build new job opportunities, and that is why we need the 
investment, leadership and focus in our regional economic development 
bill.
  The Northern Border Commission would help the region invest in 
transportation, health care, agriculture, broadband, and alternative 
energy. It can be a partner with businesses to maintain our industry 
and build a new industry cluster. It can help us create jobs in the 
long term.
  We have all the ingredients we need to face our challenges head-on 
and make our region an economic engine. This new commission will help 
us make the fundamental changes for our future.
  I want to once again thank the chairman and chairwoman for all their 
hard work on this bill. This bill is a new way to look at economic 
development in our Nation.
  So with that, hopefully our colleagues will pass this bill.
  Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I now yield to the gentleman from Louisiana 
(Mr. Boustany). He has worked tirelessly for his district. And since, 
not so much Hurricane Katrina, but Hurricane Rita, which devastated his 
district, he has been working very hard to bring some economic 
development to his district.
  I yield such time as he may consume for his remarks.
  Mr. BOUSTANY. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague and friend, Mr. 
Graves, for yielding time to me.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bill. H.R. 3246 reauthorizes 
the Delta Regional Authority, which works to improve the life for 
residents in some of the most economically distressed areas in our 
country. Those parishes and counties served by the DRA have per capita 
incomes at or far below the national average, and poverty in the region 
runs nearly 55 percent higher than the national rate.
  Since being created, DRA has worked to improve the economy in the 
delta and allowed these residents to achieve parity with the rest of 
the country. The key to DRA's success is its ability to foster 
partnerships throughout the region and to collaborate with local 
development districts and other Federal and State agencies to ensure 
maximum benefit from the dollars invested.
  In fact, in an article published last year, the Economist noted: ``It 
is creating, or helping to retain, 36,000 jobs, mostly in 
manufacturing, which will generate $1 billion in salaries. It has also 
helped 23,000 families get running water and sewage.''
  In the aftermath, Mr. Speaker, of Hurricanes Rita and Katrina, the 
DRA took a leadership role in working to address many of the recovery 
issues facing our State of Louisiana.
  I want to thank Chairman Oberstar, my good friend, and the leadership 
of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, the staff, 
subcommittee Chairman Graves, my good friend, for working with me to 
ensure that several of the parishes in my district that were hit 
hardest by Hurricane Rita are included in the DRA.
  Data provided by the Department of Commerce shows that these parishes 
are now among the most economically distressed in our country, and 
recovery has been slow. I want to emphasize, though, that the people of 
southwest Louisiana are resilient, and we will rebuild and, in fact, we 
are rebuilding. This legislation will provide them with just yet 
another tool to facilitate growth and return to economic prosperity in 
the region.
  I urge my colleagues to support this bill. Again, I thank Chairman 
Oberstar, the Democratic staff, Chairman Graves, Chairman Mica and our 
staff. I want to thank also my legislative director, Terry Fisk, for 
working with me on this very important piece of legislation.
  Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, I also want to express my great 
appreciation to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Graves) and admiration 
for the time that he devoted personally and committed to the hearings, 
both in the past Congress and in this Congress, and for his 
consolidation of the interests of the various Members on the Republican 
side. We really developed a very strong bipartisan initiative as a 
result of the gentleman's diligent efforts.
  And to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Boustany), who also worked 
within the Louisiana and Mississippi delegations, did extraordinary 
yeoman's work bringing disparate issues, interests and personalities 
together which have resulted in this successful initiative we have 
today.
  I now yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from the 
District of Columbia.
  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I echo the comments of our chairman, 
especially as regards our ranking member,

[[Page 26654]]

Mr. Graves, who worked closely with me on this bill to ensure its 
profoundly bipartisan nature as counties, regardless of part of the 
country, regardless of who represents them, were selected based on very 
objective and competitive criteria. I appreciate the bipartisan support 
that he helped round up and the bipartisan support of so many Members 
of Congress.
  I'm going to ask that my full statement be in the Record, and say 
only a few words, first about the chairman. It needs to be mentioned 
where this all started. It started with the extraordinary chairman of 
the full committee decades ago, when he created the notion of a bill to 
address the most impoverished sections of the country, beginning with, 
of course, the classic one that everyone knows, Appalachia. All we're 
doing here is expanding on Mr. Oberstar's work.
  I must say, so much that has happened in our committee is emblematic 
of his career. It will be hard to say what his signature bill is; but 
knowing him, I think he would probably want this bill to rise up among 
them because of who benefits, those who have least benefited from the 
most prosperous economy the world has ever known.
  This bill is back here by popular demand, and I use that in the 
technical sense of the word. The subcommittee was besieged by Members 
saying, We want commissions, How come we don't have a commission, and 
then coming forward with statistics to show that, under the definition 
of persistent poverty, they now qualified. It wasn't easy to get a 
commission or to get in this bill, with one of the counties included in 
this bill. We held hearings, and we used very objective criteria that 
you had to fit in order for us, after the hearings, after full study to 
say, yes, that county, among many in the United States that are 
suffering today, should have the special attention of a regional 
commission.
  And we think, Mr. Speaker, that as the global economy has expanded 
throughout our country because of all the pressures, the natural 
pressures that come from that and from international trade, many came 
forward and wanted to be included as part of these commissions. But we 
held to the criteria set when the Oberstar bill was first passed: there 
had to be systemic poverty. And the region or the county, in order to 
be included, had to be clearly underdeveloped relative to what was 
possible. And so you had only two commissions, and then you have three 
added now.
  When it comes to poverty, there is always controversy about what 
works. And this time we really know what works because this bill is 
patterned on the very successful, indeed the acclaimed, Appalachian 
Regional Commission. And the bill itself simply wants to make sure that 
administrative procedures and methods for distributing the economic 
development funds are uniform. When you consider that most of the funds 
that will flow to these regions far and away are private funds, one has 
to really look at this bill as a small public investment for enormous 
returns in private attraction and investment.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to say just a word to extricate ourselves from 
the stereotypes about certain regions, like the northern border region 
which stretches from Maine to New York. We're talking about a region 
that some might consider in light of large cities in the region; but if 
you look as the commission methodology looks at counties in the region, 
you will understand why the northern border qualifies: few basic 
industries, overdependence in today's economy on agriculture, and 12.5 
percent of the population living in poverty.
  Or take the southeastern region of the United States, the Sunbelt, 
which everyone associates with economic growth, and well you might. But 
these are also the States which have historically most lagged behind 
the national economy.
  And so we have regions in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, 
Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida. And the reason we have 
them, of course, is that on top of industrial and technological 
underdevelopment, this is the region in the United States that has 
natural disasters at a rate of two or three times the rest of the 
country.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, I want to say that, of all of the aspects of 
this bill, I think that which has been embraced most by our committee 
is the record of private investment in the region once we designate a 
commission and once it begins to operate.

                              {time}  1245

  It really does tell us much about the ``blessing of the Federal 
Government'' and the methodology used by this commission. It tells us 
much about the reputation of what these commissions have done.
  I have been in Congress 16 years. I have seldom sat in hearings where 
people came forward not with criticisms but with glowing examples of 
how a specific approach to poverty in our country works. I therefore 
strongly recommend the bill. I commend all of those, of whom there are 
dozens, who had a hand in its design.
  Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3246 amends title 40, United States Code, to 
provide a comprehensive regional approach to economic and 
infrastructure development in the most severly economically distressed 
regions in the Nation.
  H.R. 3246 the Regional Economic and Infrastructure Development Act of 
2007, authorizes two existing comissions and three new regional 
economic development commissions under a common framework of 
administration and management, and further provides a framework for 
good decision making and planning. These Commissions are designed to 
address problems of systemic poverty and underdevelopment in their 
respective regions. The five commissions are: the Delta Regional 
Commission, the Northern Great Plains Regional Commission, the 
Southeast Crescent Regional Commission, the Southwest Border Regional 
Commission, and the Northern Border Regional Commission.
  This bill models the administrative and management procedures for 
these five Comissions after the highly successful Appalachian Regional 
Commission. The bill provides for a voting structure, provisions 
regarding staffing, conflicts of interest, local development districts, 
and other matters designed to produce a standard administrative 
framework. By providing a uniform set of procedures, this bill provides 
a consistent method for distributing economic development funds 
throughout the regions most in need of such assistance and ensures a 
comprehensive regional approach to economic and infrastructure 
development in the most severely distressed regions in the country.
  The Northern Border Regional Commission, the Southeast Crescent 
Regional Commission, and the Southwest Border Regional Commission have 
been proposed in legislation introduced in this and previous Congresses 
and are designed to address problems of systemic poverty and 
underdevelopment in those regions. Additional, the Delta Regional 
Commission and the Northern Great Plains Commission would be 
reauthorized through this legislation.
  H.R. 3246 authorizes funds for each commission to provide vital 
assistance for the development of our Nation's most chronically poor 
and distressed regions.
  I would like to say of few words about the uniqueness of each of the 
new commissions being authorized by this bill. The Southwest border 
region includes all counties within 150 miles of the U.S.-Mexico 
border. This region contains 11 counties in New Mexico, 65 counties in 
Texas, 10 counties in Arizona, and 7 counties in California for a 
combined population of approximately 29 million. According to research 
compiled by the Interagency Task Force on the Economic Development of 
the Southwest Border: 20 percent of the residents in this region of the 
nation live below the poverty level, unemployment rates often reach as 
high as five times the national unemployment rate, and a lack of 
adequate access to capital has created economic disparities and made it 
difficult for businesses to start up in the region.
  The Northern border region stretching from Maine to New York, while 
abundant in natural resources and rich in potential, lags behind much 
of the Nation in its economic growth, and its people have not shared 
properly in the Nation's prosperity. The region's historic reliance on 
a few basic industries and agriculture has failed to provide a diverse 
enough economic base for vigorous, self-sustaining growth. In the belt 
of counties along the Northern border from Maine through New York, 12.5 
percent of the population lives in poverty, median household income is 
more than

[[Page 26655]]

$6,500 below the national average, unemployment through layoffs in 
traditional manufacturing industries is persistent, and the population 
only grew by 0.6 percent between 1990 and 2000, while the U.S. 
population rose by 13.2 percent, showing significant out migration and 
loss of young people.
  The southeastern portion of the United States, encompassing the 
states of Virgina, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, 
Mississippi, and Florida, is an area which has seen poverty rates well 
above the national average coupled with record unemployment. The region 
has also experienced natural disasters at a rate of two to three times 
greater than any other region of the U.S. The SouthEast Crescent 
Authority (SECA) authorizes a local-state-federal partnership to lift 
citizens in this geographic area out of poverty and create jobs. With 
the federal allocation of funding, SECA seeks to funnel monies to 
programs which address one or more of the following criteria for 
community betterment: (1) infrastructure, (2) education and job 
training, (3) health care, (4) entrepreneurship, and (5) leadership 
development. Those communities with the greatest need will be targeted, 
and grants will be made according to the degree of distress.
  This bill has broad bi-partisan support, and the Committee has held a 
series of hearings regarding the need for these economic development 
commissions.
  I support the bill and urge the passage of H.R. 3246.
  Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished 
gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. McIntyre), a strong advocate for 
this legislation.
  Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Regional 
Economic and Infrastructure Development Act which provides a 
comprehensive regional approach to economic and infrastructure 
development in the most severely economically distressed part of our 
Nation.
  This bill includes legislation that I have introduced in every 
Congress since the 107th Congress that will establish the Southeast 
Crescent Authority for Economic Development. This authority would cover 
the southeastern portion of the United States, including the States of 
Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi 
and Florida, which have all seen poverty rates well above the national 
average coupled with record unemployment.
  I would like to thank Chairman Oberstar and the ranking member, Mr. 
Mica, as well as the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on 
Economic Development Chairwoman Eleanor Holmes Norton and the ranking 
member, Mr. Graves, Mr. Michaud and Mr. Hayes and my other colleagues 
who together have worked with us in trying to help the most 
economically disadvantaged areas of our country. It is their 
compassion, cooperation and commitment that has brought us here today. 
I applaud all those who have worked together to help our areas of the 
country that have suffered so much. The southeastern U.S. has suffered 
a double whammy, the highest levels of poverty coupled with the highest 
levels of unemployment over the last several years.
  As a Member that represents a district from one of the southern 
States that has experienced stagnation in job growth, I have seen 
firsthand the restructuring of the South's economy. Jobs in textile and 
furniture-making have decreased substantially. Although a more high-
tech and globally competitive economy has created new opportunities for 
employment in the South, it also has meant that we have lost many jobs 
held by employees who have few prospects for shifting to other jobs 
with comparable pay. In addition, the seven States of the Southeast 
Crescent Authority region also have experienced natural disasters at a 
rate of two to three times greater than any other region in the United 
States, and this vulnerability to natural disasters further exacerbates 
the ability to recover from economic distress.
  Modeled primarily after the successful Appalachian Regional 
Commission, the Southeast Crescent Authority would enjoin a local, 
State and Federal partnership to lift our citizens out of poverty and 
give them job opportunity.
  The Southeast Crescent Authority would help communities by doing 
several things: improving infrastructure, giving the opportunity for 
education and job training, better health care, business 
entrepreneurship and leadership development. What is great about this 
opportunity, Mr. Speaker, is that those areas in the greatest need will 
be targeted. Those with the greatest need of economic distress will be 
helped.
  It is time indeed to change the pattern of poverty and unemployment 
in the southeastern United States, the only major region of the country 
that has never had this type of Federal focus on economic development. 
We are excited that we are now able to help the least of these, our 
brothers and sisters, who have suffered enough and suffered so much. 
Now we can help bolster a better opportunity for economic progress and 
possibility. May God bless our efforts to help those who have suffered 
so much and now can see a life-changing difference in economic 
opportunity.
  Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire how much time is remaining.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Minnesota has 10\1/2\ 
minutes. The gentleman from Missouri has 24 minutes.
  Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished 
gentleman from Vermont (Mr. Welch) and I yield myself 15 seconds to 
explain that, through a clerical error, unfortunately, I regret and I 
apologize to the gentleman, his name was not included in the cosponsors 
of the reintroduced bill or bill reported from the Rules Committee. I 
just want it known that the gentleman has, from the outset, been a 
vigorous supporter of this legislation. His name should have been 
listed as a cosponsor.
  Mr. WELCH of Vermont. I thank the gentleman from Minnesota for his 
leadership. I thank the Chair of the subcommittee, Ms. Holmes Norton, 
and I thank Mr. Graves for his good work.
  Mr. Speaker, this commission is going to be very helpful to Vermont. 
We have in the northern tier of Vermont six counties, Caledonia, Grand 
Isle, Lamoille, Franklin, Orleans and Essex. It is among the most 
beautiful parts of Vermont. It has among the most industrious people in 
Vermont. But it has the highest unemployment rate and the lowest wages, 
about $10,000 below the national median. We want economic development 
in our northern counties. This legislation is going to give that 
impetus that is going to allow our regional economic commissions that 
have been providing excellent leadership but on threadbare resources 
the opportunity to use local decisionmaking, local ingenuity and local 
people committed to a prosperous economy in that region to get a leg 
up.
  What is tremendous about this legislation, modeled after its 
predecessors, is that it is a bottom-up approach. So if we have a 
proposal from folks in Caledonia County that broadband penetration is 
going to be what they need, or if we have folks in Franklin County who 
are going to do an agriculture-to-energy-related project, or something 
with dairy and that is what they need, they are going to have the 
opportunity for that to become a reality.
  This is a situation where we actually have bottom-up leadership 
integrated into this legislation where the Federal Government here in 
Washington is going to be a partner, not an impediment, to the goals, 
the aspirations, and the accomplishments of people back home. This bill 
is really about hope for the future. It is about confidence that local 
people in those counties in Vermont can make the best decision for 
themselves, and it is about Congress finally working as a partner with 
our local communities and local leadership.
  Mr. OBERSTAR. I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from 
New Hampshire (Mr. Hodes), who has, Mr. Speaker, been a tireless 
advocate. He has worn me out, frankly, advocating for this commission.
  Mr. HODES. I thank the gentleman for yielding.
  First, I thank the distinguished chairman, Mr. Oberstar, and the 
distinguished subcommittee chairwoman, Ms. Eleanor Holmes Norton, as 
well as Mr. Graves for their work on this important bill.

[[Page 26656]]

  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues on both sides of the 
aisle to support this bill which includes the Northern Border Regional 
Development Commission. Parts of my home State of New Hampshire, 
Grafton, Sullivan and Carroll Counties, and especially in Coos County, 
the beautiful region known as the North Country, have taken an economic 
beating and are struggling to recover. A staggering number of jobs have 
been lost. We have seen manufacturing plants close, pulp plants 
disappear, and our young people leave to places that offer more 
opportunity.
  New Hampshire's North Country has suffered repeated economic body 
blows. For people who live there, it is getting harder and harder to 
get by. As I travel throughout my State, I speak to hardworking folks 
who have the drive to improve their neighborhood but who feel their 
communities have been ignored by the Federal Government for years. The 
commissions created in this bill would be charged with investing 
Federal resources for economic development and job creation in the most 
distressed counties in New Hampshire and the ice belt region. I use the 
word ``invest'' purposely. New Hampshire is a very frugal State. We 
believe in small, effective Government. But we also know that a wise, 
effective Federal Government honors local control and invests wisely to 
promote opportunity and prosperity.
  This commission employs a bottom-up grassroots approach that ensures 
that actions reflect both local needs and regional economic development 
goals. It also ensures that States have a deciding voice in what 
investment is made within their borders. The bill says that if you are 
willing to work hard and play by the rules, we are here to help you get 
ahead. That is why this bill enjoys such bipartisan support. It is an 
important step for many communities in New Hampshire.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge its passage.
  Mr. OBERSTAR. I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from 
Texas (Mr. Hinojosa).
  Mr. HINOJOSA. Thank you, Chairman Oberstar, for yielding time.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3246, the Regional 
Economic and Development Act of 2007.
  The U.S.-Mexico border region's economic challenges are deeply 
entrenched and have been overlooked by national policymakers for far 
too long. Throughout my district, low incomes and high unemployment 
have translated into a stagnant and depressed local marketplace. Many 
colonias along the border lack adequate water supplies and paved roads 
while a shortage of investment and development has limited the economic 
opportunities of residents throughout that region.
  In addition to current challenges, the border region's population is 
expanding very rapidly and straining our local infrastructure. 
Historically, Congress has confronted regional economic challenges by 
creating multi-State development commissions designed to coordinate 
local resources and encourage cooperation between Federal, State and 
local governments.
  The Southwest Regional Border Commission included within this bill 
would represent a significant commitment by Congress to developing the 
economy of the Southwest. Because the challenges of this region cannot 
be isolated in any one city, county or State, the commission will work 
to stimulate the entirety of the area's economy by recognizing the 
connections between local economies and by coordinating the efforts of 
local officials.
  By facilitating the provision of grants to States, local governments, 
universities, small businesses, and nonprofit entities, the commission 
will plant the seeds of future economic growth throughout the region.
  By expanding the transportation, public health facilities, wastewater 
treatment plants and telecommunications networks, these grants will 
provide the border region with the infrastructure it needs to meet its 
current needs while preparing for the strain of an expanding 
population.
  Mr. Speaker, at a time when the mounting pressures of the global 
economy and income disparities are causing great economic distress in 
the border region, the Southwest Regional Border Authority has never 
been more needed. I urge my colleagues to support this critical 
legislation, H.R. 3246.
  Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, does the gentleman from Missouri have any 
further speakers besides himself?
  Mr. GRAVES. I don't. Just my own final words before the chairman 
closes.
  Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Texas (Mr. Cuellar).

                              {time}  1300

  Mr. CUELLAR. I want to thank the distinguished Member from Minnesota 
for yielding. Again, I applaud the committee's tremendous work and the 
work of Chairman Oberstar for the leadership and vision that he has 
provided, along with Chairman Reyes.
  This bill creates the Southwest Border Region Commission and will 
positively impact the State of Texas. Eleven out of the 12 counties 
that I represent will be impacted in a positive way. These counties are 
struggling with common infrastructure needs that inhibit the 
community's ability to increase economic development. Some of these 
communities on the U.S.-Mexico border can be identified as colonias. As 
you know, colonias are found in Texas, New Mexico Arizona, and 
California, all States that will benefit from the establishment of the 
Southwest Border Regional Commission.
  These colonias many times do not have paved roads, hospitals, or even 
utilities. Many colonias do not have sewage systems, forcing residents 
to rely on often inadequate wastewater disposal methods, such as small 
and outdated septic tanks. These conditions often result in sewage 
pooling on the ground. Even if these colonias do have adequate sewage 
systems, the border area lacks sufficient facilities to treat 
wastewater in this area.
  Mr. Speaker, again, this Southwest Border Commission will provide the 
resources to help colonias and other underdeveloped regions to 
adequately address needs to be solved. By the establishment of this 
commission, this will address the basic needs that are needed in these 
areas. This is why I am asking the Members to support this bill.
  Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, we have heard now from folks talking about Louisiana, 
Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, myself from Missouri; and I think folks 
can see that we have a lot of areas in the United States that are very 
economically distressed, and for various reasons. Every one of those 
regions, and, traditionally the Appalachia region, are distressed for 
different reasons. This bill allows these commissions to leverage 
public and private dollars. It is a great partnership.
  Mr. Speaker, again, I want to thank the chairman for allowing me to 
add counties in northwest Missouri. It is very important to the folks 
there. I know he has been working on various aspects of these 
commissions for a long, long time. I appreciate his expertise and his 
willingness to be very open in this process and work with us.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
  Mr. Speaker, again, I express my great appreciation to Mr. Mica, the 
ranking member of the full committee, and especially to Mr. Graves, who 
devoted so much time to the hearings, to the diligent effort within the 
committee of shaping and crafting this bill.
  In the matter of adding counties that were not in the original 
commissions' proposals, we adhered to a very strict principle, that is, 
the additions had to conform with unemployment rate significantly above 
national average, per capita income rates that were significantly below 
national average rates, and out-migrations. In all cases, the counties 
recommended by the gentleman from Missouri, the parishes by the 
gentleman from Louisiana, and the gentleman from Mississippi all 
conformed when we got updated census information.
  Mr. Speaker, I think we have here a splendid structure, one in which 
we can achieve accountability, one in which there already is success. 
In a report the

[[Page 26657]]

committee received just this morning from the Delta Regional Commission 
on cumulative projects over the last year, the leveraging ratio is 16 
to 1. That is for every $1 the commission invested in projects within 
the region, $16 additional in private sector and non-Federal funds have 
been invested. That is an extraordinary success ratio, and we want to 
ensure that that success will continue and will be extended to all of 
the commissions.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time and ask for a 
resounding affirmative vote for this legislation.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Serrano). All time for debate has 
expired.
  Pursuant to House Resolution 704, the previous question is ordered on 
the bill, as amended.
  The question is on the engrossment and third reading of the bill.
  The bill was ordered to be engrossed and read a third time, and was 
read the third time.


            Motion to Recommit Offered by Mr. Jordan of Ohio

  Mr. JORDAN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I offer a motion to recommit.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is the gentleman opposed to the bill?
  Mr. JORDAN of Ohio. I am in its current form.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Clerk will report the motion to 
recommit.
  The Clerk read as follows:

       Mr. Jordan of Ohio moves to recommit the bill H.R. 3246 to 
     the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure with 
     instructions to report the same back to the House promptly 
     with the following amendment:
       At the end of the bill, add the following:

     SEC. 7. LIMITATION ON THE USE OF FUNDS.

        None of the funds authorized by this Act, including the 
     amendments made by this Act, may be used--
       (1) to lobby or retain a lobbyist for the purpose of 
     influencing a Federal, State, or local governmental entity or 
     officer; or
       (2) to pay for expenses related to the membership of any 
     individual or entity in an organization or association.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Ohio is recognized for 5 minutes in support of his motion.
  Mr. JORDAN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the work of the 
chairman of the committee and the ranking member. The motion to 
recommit that we have in front of us is an insurance policy. It will 
guarantee that no funds in the bill go to lobbyists or lobbying 
activities. This motion, in other words, is a step towards breaking 
that link between legislation and lobbyists.
  Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3246, as we have heard from the language here on 
the floor today, is intended to aid the economic and infrastructure 
development in economically distressed regions of the country. Taxpayer 
dollars should be used for that purpose, and that purpose only.
  The motion does two things: first, it prevents any of the funds 
authorized by this bill from being used to lobby or retain a lobbyist 
for the purposes of influencing a Federal, State or local government 
entity or officer. Second, the motion prohibits funds to pay for 
expenses related to the membership of an individual or entity in an 
organization or association.
  Mr. Speaker, the majority promised in its opening-day rules package, 
section 202 of H. Res. 6, to end the K Street Project. This motion to 
recommit is policy that all Members should support. In fact, when this 
same language was offered to H.R. 569, the Water Quality Investment 
Act, it was approved by a 425-0 vote. That same act came out of this 
same committee, and the full House in unanimous fashion supported this 
same language.
  Again, Mr. Speaker, this motion to recommit is an opportunity to 
improve the bill by adding explicit language to make sure that taxpayer 
dollars are used for their intended purpose.
  Mr. Speaker, I would yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the motion to 
recommit.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Minnesota is recognized 
for 5 minutes.
  Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, it is well known, has been debated many 
times in this body, that a motion to recommit that uses the term 
``promptly'' is simply a motion to kill the bill by sending it back to 
committee, where it will take weeks to then return it to the House 
floor. Why an initiative to try to kill this legislation would be 
offered is puzzling to me, since there was no opposition to the 
legislation in subcommittee, full committee.
  Mr. Speaker, two weeks ago when the bill was debated on the 
suspension calendar, no one rose in opposition to the bill. There was 
no opposition raised to the legislation this afternoon. So the motion 
to recommit on the merits of the term ``promptly'' is clearly an effort 
to send it back to committee, kill the bill.
  But I point out, since the gentleman offering the motion referred to 
initiatives by the Democratic majority to have accountability, on page 
17 of the bill, section 15-306, Personal Financial Interests, conflicts 
of interest, we address the issue of personal conflict of interest, of 
integrity of personnel employed by the commission in either the Federal 
co-chairman's office or the State co-chairman's office, and establish 
very clear obligations for reporting and excluding of such activity. 
Furthermore, under general Federal legislation, lobbying by a Federal 
Government agency of the Congress is not permitted.
  So this is a non sequitur motion. It does not accomplish anything 
except the purpose of sending the bill back to committee and, in 
effect, killing it by delay. Again, I repeat, there was no opposition 
registered. When the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
considered this bill in subcommittee, in full committee markup, when it 
came to the floor under suspension of the rules, nor was there any 
opposition today, why there would be a motion of this nature to kill 
the bill is beyond me.
  Furthermore, there are restraints, very explicit language on personal 
financial interest, conflict of interest not allowed; and, in general, 
Federal law, Federal agencies are prohibited from retaining a lobbyist, 
to pay expenses for lobbying.
  Mr. Speaker, this is a transparent effort to try to kill the bill 
rather than deal with it on its merits. So I oppose the motion to 
recommit with instructions.
  Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3246, 
the Regional Economic and Infrastructure Development Act of 2007. As a 
cosponsor of this legislation, I was disappointed when the full House 
failed to adopt a motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 3246 on 
September 17. That said, I am pleased that the House is reconsidering 
the bill today.
  As I have previously stated, H.R. 3246 is important to my 
constituents in Northern and Central New York because it would create 
the Northern Border Regional Commission to help further economic 
development. There is no question this assistance is needed. 
Specifically, in 2000, each of the counties I represent--Clinton, 
Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, 
Oswego, and St. Lawrence--had a median household income that was below 
the national median of $41,994. Moreover, 7 of these counties had 
poverty rates in excess of the national rate of 12.4 percent, and 3, 
Franklin, Oswego and St. Lawrence counties, had poverty rates in excess 
of 14 percent. Similarly, from 2004 to 2006, 8 of these counties had 
unemployment rates in excess of the national average.
  I greatly appreciate the efforts of the Gentleman from Maine, Mr. 
Michaud, to move this measure one step closer to enactment. Since the 
108th Congress, we have been working to enact legislation to create a 
Northern Border Regional Commission, and I look forward to working with 
him further to do so.
  Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3246, the 
Regional Economic and Infrastructure Development Act of 2007.
  This bill acknowledges a critical component of our country's success, 
and creates the Southwest Border Regional Commission for border 
counties in Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas.
  First, I thank the committee for the inclusion of this region in the 
bill. I am proud to represent this region, home to one of the most 
vibrant communities. Where the United States and Mexico meet, it is a 
symbiotic community. For cities in my district, there is often a 
division.

[[Page 26658]]

  Many times on this house floor, the debate of the border is divisive 
and based on demagoguery. There is no room for those issues in today's 
debate. This commission is about investing in U.S. citizens that live 
in a unique community, a community that is the gateway to our country.
  For as much as this Congress debates and exploits immigration and 
constantly works to militarize our border, we could spare some time to 
discuss needed investment in the region.
  The residents of the southwest border are burdened with concerns that 
include low income, low education levels, the lowest number of health 
professionals, some of the highest rates of diabetes, tuberculosis, 
AIDS and other health crises, a lack of economic development, and the 
list goes on.
  The southwest border communities are at the periphery of the United 
States and Mexico's national economic and political concerns. The U.S. 
Government has historically forgotten this community in terms of 
economic development, education and social programs.
  The Southwest Border Regional Commission takes a great step to 
correct this misguided omission. It is our responsibility to assist our 
border communities and our border residents.
  I urge my colleagues to support this bill and reject any attempts to 
further exploit the citizens who are at the gateway of this country and 
who sacrifice so much already to the demands of our border security.
  Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I'm proud to be a cosponsor of this bill to 
provide a comprehensive, regional approach to economic and 
infrastructure development in areas that need it the most, including 
South Texas.
  The Southwest Regional Border Authority helps areas along the U.S.-
Mexican border, which have: a 20 percent poverty rate, unemployment 
rates much higher than the national rate, and a lack of capital to spur 
business growth.
  This bill offers a significant investment for federal-state 
partnerships to help economically distressed and underdeveloped areas 
that have experienced high levels of unemployment, poverty, or 
population loss.
  The bill provides an unprecedented amount of money to develop 
transportation and infrastructure, provide job skills training and 
support business development.
  I am personally offended--as are my constituents in South Texas--that 
the only infrastructure Congress has approved along the border is a 
wall . . . a wall that won't work and that is entirely about political 
expediency, not border security.
  Developing the South Texas infrastructure helps ensure that this 
region can support the trade that churns through the U.S. economy.
  South Texas faces a host of challenges in terms of economic 
development and infrastructure to support trade all along the Southwest 
border--and the only way to tackle it is all together, not piecemeal.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in passing this bill that is important 
to both the border region--and the Nation.
  Mr. TERRY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to this 
legislation and urge my colleagues to oppose it.
  I am a strong supporter of economic development in rural America. 
That is why I have been pressing for reform of the Universal Service 
Fund to bring the benefits of broadband telecommunications to the rural 
areas of the country. I also strongly support the programs of the U.S. 
Department of Agriculture and our State Department of Agriculture that 
promote economic growth in Nebraska.
  But, Mr. Speaker, I cannot support this bill. The State of Nebraska 
already participates in the existing Northern Great Plains Commission 
and the North Central BioEconomic Consortium. I am told by Nebraska's 
Deputy Director of Agriculture that there are even more of these 
organizations in the Midwest dedicated to the same goals. H.R. 3246 
would just add one more entity to this existing number of economic 
development groups now in place.
  Even more troubling is the $1.25 billion price tag authorized by the 
bill and the creation of permanent regional commissions that will 
require millions of dollars in tax dollars for administrative expenses. 
We need to cut federal spending, not increase it.
  Finally, the legislation also includes a provision requiring 
prevailing wages under the Davis-Bacon Act. For all of these reasons, I 
urge a ``no'' vote on this bill.
  Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 
3246, the Regional Economic and Infrastructure Development Act of 2007.
  This bill provides the opportunity for many communities along the 
border to receive the assistance and resources they have long needed in 
order for them to develop their infrastructure and economic prospects.
  Mr. Speaker, I represent an expansive district spanning from El Paso 
County in far west Texas, to Dimmitt County about 550 miles south and 
to South San Antonio about 150 miles west. This district encompasses 
the longest stretch of U.S.-Mexico border of any district in the United 
States.
  These communities along the border lack some of the most basic 
infrastructure including sewers, roads and health care. These mostly 
rural communities along the border are often too poor to take advantage 
of government grants and loan programs. These cities, towns and 
counties don't have the revenue to provide local matching funds to 
qualify for federal grants and programs or have the tax base to build 
million-dollar waste water plants on their own.
  A regional economic development commission on the southwest border, I 
believe will put the hundreds of small, rural border communities on the 
fast track to becoming self-sustaining and developing economically.
  Mr. Speaker, a Southwest Border Regional Commission would essentially 
bring the federal government to the border. This bill will not raise 
taxes, will not create duplicative programs and certainly not provide 
any services to illegal or undocumented immigrants; this bill instead 
provides opportunity for our communities that are most in need.
  I strongly urge my colleagues to pass this bipartisan bill.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support 
of H.R. 3246, the Regional Economic and Infrastructure Development Act 
of 2007. I would like to thank my colleague, Representative Oberstar, 
for introducing this important legislation, as well as for his 
leadership on this important issue.
  Mr. Speaker, this legislation creates a comprehensive regional 
approach to economic and infrastructure development in some of the most 
severely economically distressed regions of our nation, authorizing 
$1.25 billion through Fiscal Year 2012 for two existing commissions and 
3 new regional economic development commissions. It authorizes these 5 
regional economic development commissions under a common framework of 
administration, providing a rubric for economic development planning.
  All five regional commissions will employ the model of the highly 
successful Appalachian Regional Commission, crafted in the 1960s to 
address persistent poverty in the Appalachian region. The Appalachian 
Regional Commission, through the several hundred projects it funds 
annually, has created thousands of new jobs, as well as improving local 
water and sewer systems, increasing school readiness, expanding access 
to health care, assisting local communities with strategic planning, 
and providing help and resources for new businesses. Crucially, this 
model combines targeting communities with greatest need with a unified 
framework of management and decision-making.
  Two of the five regional commissions authorized by today's 
legislation, the Delta Regional Commission and the Northern Great 
Plains Regional Commission, are existing entities that will be 
reauthorized by this legislation. The first of these, the Delta 
Regional Commission, was proposed by President Clinton in 1998, and is 
designed to strengthen the economic development of the chronically 
impoverished lower Mississippi River area. Included in this region are 
counties in Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, 
Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee.
  In addition to systemic poverty and underdevelopment, this region is 
particularly in need of support after the devastation of Hurricanes 
Katrina and Rita. Hurricane Katrina resulted in more than 1,800 deaths, 
nearly 500,000 homes in Louisiana and Mississippi being destroyed or 
made uninhabitable, and about 1.5 million people being at least 
temporarily displaced from their homes. From housing to health care to 
education, the region remains in a state of crisis. Though this 
Congress has directed more than $6.4 billion in assistance to the 
victims of this disaster, we still have a great deal of work to do to 
rebuild these devastated communities.
  Other regions will also greatly benefit from this legislation. The 
Northern Great Plains Regional Commission encompasses all counties in 
Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota, as well as 
certain counties in Missouri. The Southeast Crescent Regional 
Commission consists of all counties in Virginia, North Carolina, South 
Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Florida that are not served 
by the Appalachian Regional Commission or Delta Regional Commission. 
The Southwest Border Regional Commission covers certain counties in 
Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas. The Northern Border

[[Page 26659]]

Regional Commission includes specified counties in Maine, New 
Hampshire, New York, and Vermont.
  For each of these commissions, this legislation establishes 
membership, voting structure, and staffing, as well as outlining 
conditions for financial assistance, authorizing grants to local 
development districts, and establishing an Inspector General for the 
commissions. It also includes additional provisions designed to produce 
a standard administrative framework. By providing a uniform set of 
procedures, this bill creates a consistent method for distributing 
economic development funds throughout the regions most in need of such 
assistance and ensures a comprehensive regional approach to economic 
and infrastructure development in the most severely distressed regions 
in the country.
  H.R. 3246 authorizes the appropriation of $1.25 billion from 2008-
2012 to establish these development commissions. It also directs the 
five regional commissions to award grants to state and local 
governments, Indian tribes, and nonprofit organizations to promote 
economic and infrastructure development. At least 40 percent of the 
authorized funds will be directed to grants to develop transportation, 
telecommunications, and other basic public infrastructure. Remaining 
funds will be used for other economic development activities, such as 
providing job training, improving public services, and promoting 
conservation, tourism, and development of renewable and alternative 
energy projects.
  Mr. Speaker, the Appalachian Regional Commission has had great 
success bringing about economic revitalization and improving the lives 
of many residents of the region. I believe that this legislation can 
make significant strides toward bringing similar development to five 
more regions of our nation. These commissions will stimulate struggling 
economies, and they will help strengthen communities by providing 
education and job training and supporting local entrepreneurship and 
leadership.
  In addition, Mr. Speaker, I look forward to working with my 
colleagues, in the future, to work to extend coordinated economic 
development projects to some of our nation's urban areas. Many inner 
city areas of our country suffer from a level of economic distress 
similar to that felt by residents of the regions addressed by this 
bill, and I believe that we can do a great deal to assist the economic 
development of these urban areas as well.
  Mr. Speaker, this is extremely important legislation that will go a 
long way toward improving the quality of life for significant numbers 
of Americans. It will create prospects for the future and strengthen 
communities. I believe this is extremely important legislation for our 
nation, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting it.
  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3246, 
the Regional Economic and Infrastructure Development Act of 2007, which 
will help spur economic development in my district of El Paso, Texas. I 
would like to thank Chairman Oberstar for his vision regarding the need 
and importance of regional authorities for development in areas of the 
country with huge economic need. For the past three Congresses, I have 
introduced my bill, the Southwest Regional Border Authority Act, in an 
attempt to bring some relief to the U.S.-Mexico border and my district 
of El Paso, Texas. This year, under the leadership of Chairman 
Oberstar, my bill has been included into his overall legislation. I 
would also like to thank many of my colleagues who represent districts 
along the U.S.-Mexico border for their support in the creation of the 
Southwest Regional Border Authority.
  The Chairman's bill would authorize $1.25 billion over the period of 
FY 2008 through FY 2012 for five regional commissions one of which will 
be created in the U.S.-Mexico border region. The Authorities would be 
Federal-State partnerships for providing assistance to economically 
distressed and underdeveloped areas that have experienced high levels 
of unemployment, poverty, or out-migration. Three of the commissions 
would be new and would assist areas in the Southeastern United States 
and areas along the Mexican and Canadian borders; 2 of the commissions 
would replace existing authorities in the Delta and Northern Great 
Plains regions. The bill would establish uniform administrative 
structures and responsibilities for the commissions, and authorize the 
commissions to provide financial assistance for projects and programs 
in their respective regions to develop transportation and 
infrastructure, provide job skills training and support business 
development.
  The Southwest border region, as defined in the bill, includes all 
counties within 150 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border. This region 
contains 11 counties in New Mexico, 65 counties in Texas, 10 counties 
in Arizona, and 7 counties in California, with a combined population of 
approximately 29 million.
  According to research compiled by the Interagency Task Force on the 
Economic Development of the Southwest Border, 20 percent of the 
residents in my region live below the poverty level, unemployment rates 
often reach as high as five times the national average, and a lack of 
adequate access to capital has created economic disparities making it 
difficult for businesses to start up in the region. Border communities 
have long endured a depressed economy and low-paying jobs. Our economic 
challenges partly stem from our position as a border community.
  Economic development in border communities is difficult to stimulate 
without assistance from the Government, private sector, and community 
organizations. H.R. 3246 would help foster planning to encourage 
infrastructure improvements, technology deployment, education and 
workforce training, and community development through entrepreneurship.
  Modeled in part after the Appalachian Regional Commission, the 
Southwest Border Regional Authority and other Authorities would follow 
four guiding principles:
  First, the Authorities would fund proposals designed at the local 
level followed by approval at the state level in order to meet regional 
economic development goals;
  Second, projects leading to the creation of a diversified regional 
economy would be prioritized. Currently, states and counties often are 
forced to compete against each other for limited funding;
  Third, the Authorities would be independent agencies. This would 
prevent them from having to attempt to satisfy another Federal agency's 
mission requirements when determining which projects to fund; and
  Finally, the Authorities would be comprised of one Senate-confirmed 
Federal representative and the governors of the States of jurisdiction.
  For too long, many areas of our country including the southwest 
border region have been ignored, overlooked, and underfunded. We need 
to recognize the challenges facing these under-served areas and help 
them make the most of their many assets. I believe the authorities 
created in the Regional Economic and Infrastructure Development Act of 
2007 would go a long way toward achieving the goal of economic 
prosperity in some of the poorest regions of our county.
  Again, I would like to thank Chairman Oberstar for his leadership on 
this issue and look forward to the implementation of this important 
legislation. I ask my colleagues to support this important measure.
  Mr. OBERSTAR. I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the previous question is 
ordered on the motion to recommit.
  There was no objection.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion to recommit.
  The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that 
the ayes appeared to have it.
  Mr. JORDAN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 9 of rule XX, the Chair 
will reduce to 5 minutes the minimum time for any electronic vote on 
the question of passage.
  The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--yeas 201, 
nays 218, not voting 13, as follows:

                             [Roll No. 945]

                               YEAS--201

     Aderholt
     Akin
     Alexander
     Altmire
     Bachmann
     Bachus
     Baker
     Barrow
     Bartlett (MD)
     Barton (TX)
     Biggert
     Bilbray
     Bilirakis
     Bishop (UT)
     Blackburn
     Blunt
     Boehner
     Bonner
     Bono
     Boozman
     Brady (TX)
     Broun (GA)
     Brown (SC)
     Brown-Waite, Ginny
     Buchanan
     Burgess
     Burton (IN)
     Buyer
     Calvert
     Camp (MI)
     Campbell (CA)
     Cannon
     Cantor
     Capito
     Carter
     Castle
     Chabot
     Coble
     Cole (OK)
     Conaway
     Crenshaw
     Culberson
     Davis (KY)
     Davis, David
     Davis, Tom
     Deal (GA)
     Dent
     Diaz-Balart, L.
     Diaz-Balart, M.
     Doolittle
     Drake
     Dreier
     Duncan
     Ehlers
     Emerson
     English (PA)
     Everett
     Fallin
     Feeney
     Ferguson
     Flake
     Forbes
     Fortenberry
     Fossella
     Foxx
     Franks (AZ)
     Frelinghuysen
     Gallegly
     Garrett (NJ)
     Gerlach
     Giffords
     Gilchrest
     Gillibrand
     Gingrey
     Gohmert
     Goode
     Goodlatte
     Granger
     Hall (TX)
     Hastert
     Hastings (WA)
     Hayes
     Heller
     Hensarling
     Herger
     Hill
     Hobson
     Hoekstra
     Hulshof
     Hunter
     Inglis (SC)
     Issa
     Johnson, Sam
     Jones (NC)
     Jordan
     Keller
     King (IA)
     King (NY)
     Kingston
     Kirk
     Kline (MN)

[[Page 26660]]


     Knollenberg
     Kuhl (NY)
     LaHood
     Lamborn
     Lampson
     Latham
     Lewis (CA)
     Lewis (KY)
     Linder
     LoBiondo
     Lucas
     Lungren, Daniel E.
     Mack
     Mahoney (FL)
     Manzullo
     Marchant
     Marshall
     McCarthy (CA)
     McCaul (TX)
     McCotter
     McCrery
     McHenry
     McHugh
     McKeon
     McMorris Rodgers
     McNerney
     Mica
     Miller (FL)
     Miller (MI)
     Miller, Gary
     Mitchell
     Moran (KS)
     Murphy, Tim
     Musgrave
     Myrick
     Neugebauer
     Nunes
     Paul
     Pearce
     Pence
     Peterson (PA)
     Petri
     Pitts
     Platts
     Poe
     Porter
     Price (GA)
     Putnam
     Radanovich
     Ramstad
     Regula
     Rehberg
     Reichert
     Renzi
     Reynolds
     Rogers (AL)
     Rogers (KY)
     Rogers (MI)
     Rohrabacher
     Ros-Lehtinen
     Roskam
     Royce
     Ryan (WI)
     Sali
     Saxton
     Schmidt
     Sensenbrenner
     Sessions
     Shadegg
     Shays
     Shimkus
     Shuster
     Simpson
     Smith (NE)
     Smith (NJ)
     Smith (TX)
     Souder
     Space
     Stearns
     Tancredo
     Terry
     Thornberry
     Tiahrt
     Tiberi
     Turner
     Upton
     Walberg
     Walden (OR)
     Walsh (NY)
     Wamp
     Weldon (FL)
     Weller
     Westmoreland
     Whitfield
     Wicker
     Wilson (NM)
     Wilson (SC)
     Wolf
     Young (AK)
     Young (FL)

                               NAYS--218

     Abercrombie
     Ackerman
     Allen
     Andrews
     Arcuri
     Baca
     Baird
     Baldwin
     Bean
     Becerra
     Berkley
     Berman
     Berry
     Bishop (GA)
     Bishop (NY)
     Blumenauer
     Boren
     Boswell
     Boucher
     Boustany
     Boyd (FL)
     Boyda (KS)
     Brady (PA)
     Braley (IA)
     Brown, Corrine
     Butterfield
     Capps
     Capuano
     Cardoza
     Carnahan
     Carney
     Castor
     Chandler
     Clarke
     Clay
     Cleaver
     Clyburn
     Cohen
     Conyers
     Cooper
     Costa
     Costello
     Courtney
     Cramer
     Crowley
     Cuellar
     Cummings
     Davis (AL)
     Davis (CA)
     Davis (IL)
     Davis, Lincoln
     DeFazio
     DeGette
     DeLauro
     Dicks
     Doggett
     Donnelly
     Doyle
     Edwards
     Ellison
     Ellsworth
     Emanuel
     Engel
     Eshoo
     Etheridge
     Farr
     Fattah
     Filner
     Frank (MA)
     Gonzalez
     Gordon
     Graves
     Green, Al
     Green, Gene
     Grijalva
     Gutierrez
     Hall (NY)
     Hare
     Harman
     Hastings (FL)
     Herseth Sandlin
     Higgins
     Hinchey
     Hinojosa
     Hirono
     Hodes
     Holden
     Holt
     Honda
     Hooley
     Hoyer
     Inslee
     Israel
     Jackson (IL)
     Jackson-Lee (TX)
     Jefferson
     Johnson (GA)
     Johnson (IL)
     Johnson, E. B.
     Jones (OH)
     Kagen
     Kanjorski
     Kaptur
     Kennedy
     Kildee
     Kilpatrick
     Kind
     Klein (FL)
     Kucinich
     Langevin
     Lantos
     Larsen (WA)
     Larson (CT)
     LaTourette
     Levin
     Lewis (GA)
     Lipinski
     Loebsack
     Lofgren, Zoe
     Lowey
     Lynch
     Maloney (NY)
     Markey
     Matheson
     Matsui
     McCarthy (NY)
     McCollum (MN)
     McDermott
     McGovern
     McIntyre
     McNulty
     Meek (FL)
     Meeks (NY)
     Melancon
     Michaud
     Miller (NC)
     Miller, George
     Mollohan
     Moore (KS)
     Moore (WI)
     Moran (VA)
     Murphy (CT)
     Murphy, Patrick
     Murtha
     Nadler
     Napolitano
     Neal (MA)
     Oberstar
     Obey
     Olver
     Ortiz
     Pallone
     Pascrell
     Pastor
     Payne
     Peterson (MN)
     Pomeroy
     Price (NC)
     Rahall
     Rangel
     Reyes
     Richardson
     Rodriguez
     Ross
     Rothman
     Roybal-Allard
     Ruppersberger
     Rush
     Ryan (OH)
     Salazar
     Sanchez, Linda T.
     Sanchez, Loretta
     Sarbanes
     Schakowsky
     Schiff
     Schwartz
     Scott (GA)
     Scott (VA)
     Serrano
     Sestak
     Shea-Porter
     Sherman
     Shuler
     Sires
     Skelton
     Slaughter
     Smith (WA)
     Snyder
     Solis
     Spratt
     Stark
     Stupak
     Sutton
     Tanner
     Tauscher
     Taylor
     Thompson (CA)
     Thompson (MS)
     Tierney
     Towns
     Udall (CO)
     Udall (NM)
     Van Hollen
     Velazquez
     Walz (MN)
     Wasserman Schultz
     Waters
     Watson
     Watt
     Waxman
     Weiner
     Welch (VT)
     Wexler
     Wilson (OH)
     Woolsey
     Wu
     Wynn
     Yarmuth

                             NOT VOTING--13

     Barrett (SC)
     Carson
     Cubin
     Davis, Jo Ann
     Delahunt
     Dingell
     Jindal
     Lee
     Perlmutter
     Pickering
     Pryce (OH)
     Sullivan
     Visclosky

                              {time}  1337

  Mr. KAGEN, Mr. COOPER, Mrs. BOYDA of Kansas, Ms. WOOLSEY and Mr. MEEK 
of Florida changed their vote from ``yea'' to ``nay.''
  Messrs. PAUL, HASTERT, FORBES, MAHONEY of Florida and Mrs. DRAKE 
changed their vote from ``nay'' to ``yea.''
  So the motion to recommit was rejected.
  The result of the vote was announced as above recorded.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the passage of the bill.
  The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that 
the ayes appeared to have it.
  Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. This will be a 5-minute vote.
  The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--yeas 264, 
nays 154, not voting 14, as follows:

                             [Roll No. 946]

                               YEAS--264

     Abercrombie
     Ackerman
     Aderholt
     Alexander
     Allen
     Altmire
     Andrews
     Arcuri
     Baca
     Bachus
     Baird
     Baker
     Baldwin
     Barrow
     Bean
     Becerra
     Berkley
     Berman
     Berry
     Bishop (GA)
     Bishop (NY)
     Blackburn
     Blumenauer
     Boozman
     Boren
     Boswell
     Boucher
     Boustany
     Boyd (FL)
     Boyda (KS)
     Brady (PA)
     Braley (IA)
     Brown, Corrine
     Buchanan
     Butterfield
     Capito
     Capps
     Capuano
     Cardoza
     Carnahan
     Carney
     Castor
     Chandler
     Clarke
     Clay
     Cleaver
     Clyburn
     Coble
     Cohen
     Conyers
     Cooper
     Costa
     Costello
     Courtney
     Cramer
     Crowley
     Cuellar
     Cummings
     Davis (AL)
     Davis (CA)
     Davis (IL)
     Davis, Lincoln
     DeFazio
     DeGette
     DeLauro
     Dent
     Dicks
     Doggett
     Donnelly
     Doyle
     Drake
     Edwards
     Ellison
     Ellsworth
     Emanuel
     Emerson
     Engel
     English (PA)
     Eshoo
     Etheridge
     Farr
     Fattah
     Ferguson
     Filner
     Fortenberry
     Frank (MA)
     Gerlach
     Giffords
     Gilchrest
     Gillibrand
     Gonzalez
     Gordon
     Graves
     Green, Al
     Green, Gene
     Grijalva
     Gutierrez
     Hall (NY)
     Hare
     Harman
     Hastings (FL)
     Hayes
     Herseth Sandlin
     Higgins
     Hill
     Hinchey
     Hinojosa
     Hirono
     Hodes
     Holden
     Holt
     Honda
     Hooley
     Hoyer
     Inslee
     Israel
     Jackson (IL)
     Jackson-Lee (TX)
     Jefferson
     Johnson (GA)
     Johnson (IL)
     Johnson, E. B.
     Jones (NC)
     Jones (OH)
     Kagen
     Kanjorski
     Kaptur
     Kennedy
     Kildee
     Kilpatrick
     Kind
     Klein (FL)
     Kucinich
     Kuhl (NY)
     Lampson
     Langevin
     Lantos
     Larsen (WA)
     Larson (CT)
     LaTourette
     Levin
     Lewis (GA)
     Lipinski
     Loebsack
     Lofgren, Zoe
     Lowey
     Lynch
     Mahoney (FL)
     Maloney (NY)
     Markey
     Marshall
     Matheson
     Matsui
     McCarthy (NY)
     McCollum (MN)
     McCrery
     McDermott
     McGovern
     McHugh
     McIntyre
     McNerney
     McNulty
     Meek (FL)
     Meeks (NY)
     Melancon
     Michaud
     Miller (NC)
     Miller, George
     Mitchell
     Mollohan
     Moore (KS)
     Moore (WI)
     Moran (VA)
     Murphy (CT)
     Murphy, Patrick
     Murphy, Tim
     Murtha
     Myrick
     Nadler
     Napolitano
     Neal (MA)
     Oberstar
     Obey
     Olver
     Ortiz
     Pallone
     Pascrell
     Pastor
     Payne
     Peterson (MN)
     Peterson (PA)
     Pomeroy
     Price (NC)
     Rahall
     Rangel
     Rehberg
     Renzi
     Reyes
     Reynolds
     Richardson
     Rodriguez
     Rogers (AL)
     Ross
     Rothman
     Roybal-Allard
     Ruppersberger
     Rush
     Ryan (OH)
     Salazar
     Sanchez, Linda T.
     Sanchez, Loretta
     Sarbanes
     Schakowsky
     Schiff
     Schwartz
     Scott (GA)
     Scott (VA)
     Serrano
     Sestak
     Shea-Porter
     Sherman
     Shimkus
     Shuler
     Sires
     Skelton
     Slaughter
     Smith (NJ)
     Smith (TX)
     Smith (WA)
     Snyder
     Solis
     Space
     Spratt
     Stark
     Stupak
     Sutton
     Tanner
     Tauscher
     Taylor
     Thompson (CA)
     Thompson (MS)
     Tierney
     Towns
     Udall (CO)
     Udall (NM)
     Van Hollen
     Velazquez
     Walsh (NY)
     Walz (MN)
     Wasserman Schultz
     Waters
     Watson
     Watt
     Waxman
     Weiner
     Welch (VT)
     Weller
     Wexler
     Wilson (OH)
     Woolsey
     Wu
     Wynn
     Yarmuth
     Young (AK)

                               NAYS--154

     Akin
     Bachmann
     Bartlett (MD)
     Barton (TX)
     Biggert
     Bilbray
     Bilirakis
     Bishop (UT)
     Blunt
     Boehner
     Bonner
     Bono
     Brady (TX)
     Broun (GA)
     Brown (SC)
     Brown-Waite, Ginny
     Burgess
     Burton (IN)
     Buyer
     Calvert
     Camp (MI)
     Campbell (CA)
     Cannon
     Cantor
     Carter
     Castle
     Chabot
     Cole (OK)
     Conaway
     Crenshaw
     Culberson
     Davis (KY)
     Davis, David
     Davis, Tom
     Deal (GA)
     Diaz-Balart, L.
     Diaz-Balart, M.
     Doolittle
     Dreier
     Duncan
     Ehlers
     Everett
     Fallin
     Flake
     Forbes
     Fossella
     Foxx
     Franks (AZ)
     Frelinghuysen
     Gallegly
     Garrett (NJ)
     Gingrey
     Gohmert
     Goode
     Goodlatte
     Granger
     Hall (TX)
     Hastert
     Hastings (WA)
     Heller
     Hensarling
     Herger
     Hobson
     Hoekstra
     Hulshof
     Hunter
     Inglis (SC)
     Issa
     Johnson, Sam
     Jordan
     Keller
     King (IA)
     King (NY)
     Kingston
     Kirk
     Kline (MN)
     Knollenberg
     LaHood
     Lamborn
     Latham
     Lewis (CA)
     Lewis (KY)
     Linder
     LoBiondo
     Lucas
     Lungren, Daniel E.
     Mack
     Manzullo
     Marchant
     McCarthy (CA)
     McCaul (TX)
     McCotter
     McHenry
     McKeon
     McMorris Rodgers
     Mica
     Miller (FL)
     Miller (MI)
     Miller, Gary
     Moran (KS)
     Musgrave
     Neugebauer
     Nunes
     Paul
     Pearce
     Pence
     Petri
     Pitts
     Platts
     Poe
     Porter
     Price (GA)
     Putnam
     Radanovich
     Ramstad
     Regula
     Reichert

[[Page 26661]]


     Rogers (KY)
     Rogers (MI)
     Rohrabacher
     Ros-Lehtinen
     Roskam
     Royce
     Ryan (WI)
     Sali
     Saxton
     Schmidt
     Sensenbrenner
     Sessions
     Shadegg
     Shays
     Shuster
     Simpson
     Smith (NE)
     Souder
     Stearns
     Tancredo
     Terry
     Thornberry
     Tiahrt
     Tiberi
     Turner
     Upton
     Walberg
     Walden (OR)
     Wamp
     Weldon (FL)
     Westmoreland
     Whitfield
     Wicker
     Wilson (NM)
     Wilson (SC)
     Wolf
     Young (FL)

                             NOT VOTING--14

     Barrett (SC)
     Carson
     Cubin
     Davis, Jo Ann
     Delahunt
     Dingell
     Feeney
     Jindal
     Lee
     Perlmutter
     Pickering
     Pryce (OH)
     Sullivan
     Visclosky


                Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (during the vote). Members are advised there 
are 2 minutes remaining in this vote.

                              {time}  1346

  Mrs. DRAKE changed her vote from ``nay'' to ``yea.''
  So the bill was passed.
  The result of the vote was announced as above recorded.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________