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**WASHINGTON D.C.** – In a firm stance against growing political pressure, the American Sustainable Business Network (ASBN) issued a forceful defense of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) today, publicly opposing any legislative efforts to abolish or weaken the critical federal agency.
Citing the EDA's unique and irreplaceable role, the business coalition argued that no existing, planned, or proposed alternative could replicate the agency's key programs designed to spur job creation and stimulate growth in distressed communities.
"In a climate of economic uncertainty, dismantling the EDA would be an act of profound shortsightedness. As a voice for the business community, we are committed to protecting what is in the best interest of American enterprise, and the EDA is a vital partner for businesses dedicated to building a prosperous economy," said a statement from ASBN President, Jeffrey Hollender.
The ASBN emphasized that the EDA stands alone within the federal government as the only agency with an exclusive mission focused squarely on economic development. Unlike other agencies with broader mandates, the EDA's sole purpose is to target resources to the areas that need them most, from struggling urban centers to rural communities left behind by economic shifts.
"The EDA is not a relic; it is a responsive and evolving partner," the statement continued, highlighting the agency's long history of adapting to meet the contemporary needs of communities across the nation. "It has consistently evolved throughout its history to meet the current needs of urban and rural communities all across the country."
The push to defend the EDA comes amid heightened debate in Congress over federal spending and the role of government in economic matters. Critics of the agency have labeled it as redundant and have called for its elimination to cut costs.
However, the ASBN warns that such a move would create a vacuum that no other entity is positioned to fill, jeopardizing countless projects that rely on EDA grants for infrastructure, workforce development, and support for small businesses. The network insists that for American industry to remain competitive, a dedicated federal partner focused on foundational economic development is not just beneficial, but essential. The debate is set to intensify as lawmakers consider the future of the 58-year-old agency.
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