By Eugene T. Lowe
May 26, 2003

On May 15, Commerce Secretary Don Evans submitted legislation to Congress that would reauthorize the Economic Development Administration (EDA). Authorization for the agency will expire on September 30, 2003. The bill has not yet been formally introduced in either house, but that is expected to happen soon.

The bill revolves around three areas of reform: coordination, flexibility and performance. Several federal agencies are involved with economic development and the bill would help make EDA aware of such efforts throughout the government. And with rapidly changing economic conditions in the nation, the legislation would give EDA the flexibility to adequately respond. Job growth is a key aspect of the bill, and it would give EDA the authority to reward performance based on this top priority.

Secretary Evans said of the legislation: "President Bush is committed to improving the Nation's economy and creating conditions where job growth can flourish. While the President's Job and Economic Growth Plan is the single most important economic development tool Congress can pass this year, EDA reauthorization will be an important complement to the President's package. The reauthorization improves the current law to allow EDA to be a more productive, responsive, and job creating agency."

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will consider the bill when it is formally introduced. The House has already started hearings on EDA reauthorization. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, David A. Sampson, who is expected to testify before the House in the next few weeks, commented on the bill: "President Bush has often stated that the role of government is to create conditions in which jobs are created, in which people can find work. EDA's reauthorization proposal fully implements this policy and we are excited about the President's continued strong support for EDA. I look forward to working with Congress for a speedy passage of this important legislation."