Reducing Duplication & Ensuring Effectiveness Through Economic Development Reforms

The T&I Committee Republicans held a hearing on January 23, 2026, to examine the role and effectiveness of the Economic Development Administration (EDA) and various regional economic development commissions in distressed areas across the United States. The discussion focused on reducing duplication among federal economic development programs, ensuring accountability, and improving coordination between EDA, regional commissions, and other federal agencies such as USDA, HUD, and SBA. Witnesses from the Appalachian Regional Commission, Delta Regional Authority, Northern Border Regional Commission, Southeast Crescent Regional Commission, Southwest Border Regional Commission, and Denali Commission provided testimony on their respective programs, highlighting investments in infrastructure, workforce development, and economic diversification. The hearing also addressed the implementation of the Water Resources Development Act of 2024, which reauthorized EDA and regional commissions, emphasizing performance metrics, transparency, and strategic alignment of federal funds to maximize job creation and economic growth in distressed communities. Members of the committee inquired about coordination efforts, performance measurement, and challenges faced by these agencies, including staffing and funding constraints. The hearing concluded with a commitment to continued collaboration and oversight to ensure effective use of federal resources for economic development.