Temporary Extension Of Small Business Programs

Floor Speech

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Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 3839) to provide for an additional temporary extension of programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, and for other purposes.

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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.

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

Mr. Speaker, the role of small businesses in moving the economy forward has never been more important. Making up over 99 percent of all U.S. firms, they are critical to innovation, wealth creation, and, most importantly, employment gains.

As the economy continues to show signs of resurgence, we need to make certain that entrepreneurs have the right tools to make the most out of the recovery. The legislation before us extends the authorization of the several important Small Business Administration programs which are key to supporting entrepreneurs across the country. Through the agency's initiatives, entrepreneurs are able to get a loan, secure a federal contact, and receive expert technical assistance.

The SBA is unique in that many of its programs work through resource partners. These partners, including training centers and community banks, are essential to the delivery of the agency's services to the small business community.

Through this public-private network, entrepreneurs are able to gain access to resources nationwide with the knowledge that the SBA stands behind these tools and services. This combination is a powerful one for small businesses, and it is the reason we need to extend the agency.

In the House, we have passed 14 bills since the beginning of the 111th Congress. However, because we have not completed work with the Senate on these matters, we must extend the SBA's programs. This legislation will make certain that the SBA keeps operating. We cannot afford any of these services to lapse just as our recovery is getting off the ground.

I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes,'' and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CASSIDY. I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the chairwoman's request to suspend the rules and pass S. 3839. The legislation provides a 4-month extension of all of these Small Business Administration's programs until January 31, 2011. This is a necessary measure as the extension we passed last July expires September 30.

America's small businesses are struggling in this tough economy. Employers are having a tough time accurately predicting costs and revenues, making them hesitant to hire new workers or to take steps to expand their businesses.

It is time to show our small business owners that we recognize and support the essential roles that they play in our economy. We can do so by approving this temporary extension of SBA programs, and then we must continue our work by crafting and implementing a more thoughtful and complete reauthorization of these critical programs.

Again, I support the chairwoman's request to pass S. 3839, and I urge all Members to vote for the measure.

I yield back the balance of my time.

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