Enhancing Small Business Research and Innovation Act of 2009

ENHANCING SMALL BUSINESS RESEARCH AND INNOVATION ACT OF 2009 -- (House of Representatives - July 08, 2009)

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Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Chairman, the Small Business Innovative Research Program and the Small Business Technology Transfer Program have helped countless small businesses find funding opportunities in the science and technology sectors. That's why I am proud to rise in support of H.R. 2965, the Enhancing Small Business Research and Innovation Act of 2009, and the manager's amendment offered by Chairwoman Velázquez. I am also pleased that the chairwoman's amendments include improvements include an amendment that I submitted to make sure that the SBIR program is accessible to businesses located in the areas that have been most hard hit by the economic downturn.

The State of California suffers from unemployment exceeding the national rate, and the San Joaquin Valley, a portion of which I am honored to represent, has been particularly hard hit.

The language I wrote ensures that organizations receiving funding to help small businesses access SBIR opportunities are able to direct their efforts towards companies located in the areas with the highest unemployment.

I have worked closely on this issue with my colleagues, Mr. Cardoza and Mr. Childers, and I would also like to thank them for their hard work and support.

I am fortunate to travel home to California nearly every single weekend. I have met with innovative small business owners whose product promised to change our country for the better. The manager's amendment will help small businesses in the San Joaquin Valley and elsewhere enjoy the full benefits of the SBIR Program. I am proud to support its passage.

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