Why It Matters

Hearing: January 22, 2026,
Federal spending on regional economic development faces fresh scrutiny today as the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Economic Development’s
Chair Scott Perry pushes to cut duplication and waste. The GAO identified $725 billion in potential savings across federal programs through 2025.

Seven regional commissions—including the Appalachian Regional Commission and Delta Regional Authority—must defend their effectiveness. Local governments like Manatee County, Florida and Kern County, California depend on these programs and are actively lobbying Congress.

The tension: Fiscal hawks want streamlined spending while Ranking Member Greg Stanton warns efficiency cuts could harm economically distressed regions. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s troubled rollout complicates matters—federal courts blocked funding freezes after administration attempts to withhold billions.

Broader Context

Congressional scrutiny reflects competing priorities between fiscal discipline and regional investment. While the GAO identified approximately $725 billion in potential savings, infrastructure law implementation has become contentious.

A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to release billions after attempted funding freezes. States alleged the administration created "impossible" paperwork requirements for accessing $10 billion in funding.

This backdrop is critical: while Perry pushes efficiency, local governments aggressively lobby for federal investment. Meanwhile, Stanton has voiced concerns about executive orders withholding infrastructure funds and leaving states liable for billions in already-incurred costs.

The Agenda

Seven leaders of regional economic development bodies will testify, representing federal mechanisms channeling billions to economically distressed regions:

  • Jennifer Clyburn Reed, Southeast Crescent Regional Commission
  • Juan M. Sanchez, Southwest Border Regional Commission
  • Gayle Manchin, Appalachian Regional Commission
  • Corey Wiggins, Delta Regional Authority
  • Chris Saunders, Northern Border Regional Commission
  • Jocelyn Fenton, Denali Commission
  • Ben Page, United States Economic Development Administration

These regional commissions and EDA manage federal programs targeting specific geographic regions facing economic challenges. Each witness leads an organization deploying federal funds to foster growth in underserved areas.

Between The Lines

Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) has staked his leadership on cutting federal waste, publicly expressing frustration with spending inefficiencies. This "Smarter Spending, Stronger Results" hearing reflects his fiscal discipline priorities. Perry’s framing signals tough questioning on overlapping programs and administrative costs.

Ranking Member Greg Stanton (D-AZ) takes the opposite approach. He pressed DOT over executive orders threatening infrastructure funds. Stanton’s record shows deep commitment to federal investment, securing $500,000 for Phoenix-Tucson rail and expanding Chandler transit services.

The leadership split foreshadows fundamental disagreement: Perry will demand consolidation and overhead reduction; Stanton will defend federal investment’s necessity for distressed regions.

Competitive Landscape

Local governments are actively lobbying on economic development issues. Manatee County, Florida consistently lobbied across Q1, Q2, and Q3 2025 for infrastructure projects. Kern County, California pursued appropriations for economic development and transportation.

Additional participants include Kannapolis, North Carolina seeking FY26 appropriations; Lenoir County, North Carolina pursuing USDA guidance; and Galveston Park Board advocating for transportation and shoreline protection.

This sustained lobbying reflects nationwide reliance on federal economic development partnerships.

The Bottom Line

The hearing reflects broader congressional divide over spending priorities. While GAO identified potential federal savings, infrastructure law implementation remains contentious with courts blocking administration funding freezes.

The outcome could reshape how federal economic development dollars reach underserved regions, balancing fiscal discipline with demonstrated local needs as governments from Manatee County to Kern County actively lobby to protect program access.

Access the Legis1 platform for comprehensive political news, data, and insights.

Spot something wrong? Report an issue with this article