Small Business Administration Extension

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise today in support of the chairwoman's request to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 3614, as amended. The bill extends until October 31, 2009, the authorization of all programs authorized by the Small Business Act, the Small Business Investment Act, and any program operated by the Small Business Administration for which Congress has already appropriated funds.

While the goal is to pass comprehensive legislation reauthorizing the SBA for a longer period, this short-term extension ensures that these programs will remain available to small businesses across the country.

Without enactment of this extension, a number of essential programs that the SBA operates would cease to function. Given the importance that small businesses play and will continue to play in the revitalization of the American economy, we cannot allow the SBA authorizations to run out.

Enactment of this legislation will enable the House and Senate to continue to work in a diligent manner to address necessary changes to SBA programs. I urge all of my colleagues to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 3614.

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

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