ohio have received e.d.a. funds. so, too, have port authorities in toledo, in the west, in ashtabula, in the far northeast, and in cleveland and apa lay chavment if we're going to strength -7b our competitiveness, we will need to equip businesses world trade center tools they need to thrievment that's what e.d.a. is designed to do. e.d.a. is the front door for communities facing sudden and severe economic distress. when economic disaster hits, communities turn to the government and it's e.d.a. that does the job at low cost leveraging all kinds of private dollars is. it has helped develop the former g.m. plant in lorain and a -- the bill the senate is considering would strength -7b a proven job program. it would reduce regulatory burdens. it would encourage public-private partnerships that we've already seen make a difference in my state. the bill would better streamline e.d.a. cooperation with other federal, state, and local agencies to better assist communities with local economic development. i plan to offer two amendments to further strengthen e.d.a. one would assist former communities where a plant closure or a downsiz