Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2011

Floor Speech

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Mr. HIGGINS. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong opposition to the Flake amendment. The best way to reduce deficits is to create jobs.

The Darwin Martin House in Buffalo is one of Frank Lloyd Wright's singular architectural masterpieces and is currently undergoing an ambitious project to restore it from a period of neglect to its original grandeur.

The reason for its inclusion in the bill before us today is because restoration of the Martin House is important to the economic future of Buffalo and western New York. The Martin House currently attracts tourists from all over the world. This investment will help create 200 jobs and $18 million in annual economic activity for a million-dollar investment.

Urban areas like Buffalo are leveraging our vast historical and architectural resources to create a new economy in cultural tourism. This project will play an important role in enhancing the economy and life quality of western New York.

Mr. Chairman, I strongly oppose this amendment, and I urge my colleagues
on both sides of the aisle to support western New York and join me in opposition.

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