Temporary Extension of Small Business Programs

Floor Speech

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Ms. VELÁZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentlewoman from New York?

There was no objection.

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

In every previous recession, small businesses have been central to our economic recovery. The Small Business Administration has an important role to play in giving businesses tools they need to succeed. Technical assistance programs operated by the SBA provide critical expertise in everything from writing a business plan, to finding new customers, to marketing a product.

While our Nation's financial landscape has improved, many small firms cannot find the financing they need. To bridge this gap, the agency's lending programs put over $15 billion into the economy, making them the single largest source of long-term capital. So that entrepreneurs can better tap into the Federal marketplace, there is also assistance to help businesses navigate our government's procurement process. Taken together, this portfolio of services can empower small businesses to create new jobs and accelerate our recovery.

Since the start of this Congress, the House has passed 16 bills to strengthen and modernize the SBA initiatives. However, before these programs are fully updated, they must be extended. This legislation ensures these programs keep operating.

I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''

I reserve the balance of my time.

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