Providing For Expenses Of Certain Committees Of House Of Representatives In 111th Congress

Statement

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Ms. VELÁZQUEZ. I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution.

Today, the House is considering a resolution that many consider to be routine business with little effect outside of this Chamber. However, I believe this resolution will provide Congress with the resources we need to do the people's work.

As we get to work, our main concerns need to be creating jobs and turning the economy around. An important component of this will be meeting the needs of small businesses so they can stay afloat, grow, and contribute to economic recovery.

In good times, as well as bad, small businesses are the backbone of our economy. They create 60 to 80 percent of all new jobs. During economic downturns, like the one we are in now, they are even more important. Small firms generate the innovative ideas and new services that spur job growth. For example, following the recession of the mid-1990s, small firms created 3.8 million new jobs. During economic downswings, many Americans venture out and start their own small businesses. For instance, in the 1990s, 25 percent of laid-off managers over the age of 40 went on to start their own firms.

This kind of determination is the hallmark of the American entrepreneurial spirit. It has led us out of previous recessions, and it will lead us out of this one as well. However, for that to happen, we need to make the needs of our small businesses a priority.

The resolution that we are voting on today will provide Congress the resources to undertake important work on behalf of small businesses. One of our first steps needs to be unfreezing the credit market so small firms can access the capital they need to expand, grow, and create jobs. We must also ensure small businesses receive investments that allow them to remain technological pioneers. Startup entrepreneurs often produce the new ideas that spark job growth and can even launch a whole new industry.

Small firms will also play a key role in rebuilding our Nation's infrastructure. The Economic Recovery Act that was enacted earlier this year will mean an explosion of new public work projects. Small businesses are well positioned to do this work, but only if we ensure that they can compete for their fair share of these new contracts.

Finally, a host of kitchen table issues very directly affect small business owners. As our Nation takes up matters like tax policy, health care, and energy, the needs of entrepreneurs must be part of the discussion.

Mr. Speaker, since this economic downturn started, our committee has heard from a flood of small businesses calling for assistance to help them weather the current storm. This resolution will mean that we will have the ability to help as many entrepreneurs as possible. I am confident that, given the right tools, these same entrepreneurs will once again lead our Nation's recovery, creating opportunity in the face of adversity.

For that reason, I urge a ``yes'' vote.

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