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Expanding And Improving Assistance Provided By Small Business Development Centers

Floor Speech

Date: June 18, 2007
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Indigenous Peoples


EXPANDING AND IMPROVING ASSISTANCE PROVIDED BY SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTERS -- (House of Representatives - June 18, 2007)

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Ms. VELÁZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, small businesses are responsible for creating three out of every four new jobs and account for almost half of all sales in this country. There is no question the impact they have on economic growth and the development and revitalization of countless neighbors.

Currently, the Native American population is one of the most impoverished. Their unemployment rate is nearly double that of the general population, with almost half of all residents living on a reservation unemployed.

Providing opportunities for business growth within the Native American sector will create jobs, generate revenue and ultimately benefit local economies across the country. The Native American Small Business Development Act of 2007, introduced by Representative Udall, works to increase prospects for Native Americans through small business ownership.

While many in the Native American population are struggling, there is strong interest to engage in entrepreneurship. For these communities to have a growing small business sector, resources must be available locally and be culturally sensitive.

This legislation has enjoyed bipartisan support in the past and has passed the House in previous Congresses. It is designed to provide culturally tailored assistance for entrepreneurial development in some of the most disadvantaged areas of this country.

Not only will this bill help combat poverty and unemployment, but it will bring new services and opportunities to Native American communities. It is my hope that in the 110th Congress, H.R. 2284 can finally become law and expand the right to business ownership. I urge support of this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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Ms. VELÁZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, in closing, with unemployment rampant on Native American reservations, legislation that not only fights poverty but fosters the development of job creation is critical. I strongly urge my colleagues to vote for H.R. 2284.

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Ms. VELÁZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and encourage adoption of the resolution.

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