US regions given status, recognition, clout etc.

Inspired by the HSR in USA thread. WI the four US region (North East, South, Mid West, West) recognised by the US Census Bureau had some sort of official political function?

I'm thinking that some sort legislative requirement existed for high level elected members from these regions to meet, perhaps Federal Senators and State Governers or some other combination. I thought also that the member states of this region contribute a small amount of money to create a regional fund matched by the federal govt, to pay for regional projects. I'm also thinking that such functions are formed by 'low politics', regulations and legislative ammendments etc rather than 'high' politics of constitutional change and colourful rhetoric.

Could such an arrangement have positive benefits for the US? In terms of HSR I think the issues transcend individual states but too regional for the federal govt.
 
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