Remarks to House Democrats' Small Business Forum

Pelosi Remarks to House Democrats' Small Business Forum

Thursday, June 17, 2004

Washington, D.C.-House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi gave closing remarks this afternoon at the House Democratic Small Business Forum on Capitol Hill. Nearly 100 small business leaders from across the country attended the forum, which was co-hosted by Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez of New York, Ranking Democrat on the Small Business Committee. Below are Pelosi's remarks:

"Thank you, Congresswoman Velazquez for your leadership as Ranking Member on the Small Business Committee and for all of you hard work putting this forum together.

"Democrats are committed to small business. We are pleased to hold this forum so that we could hear from you directly about the issues facing small businesses across the country.

"Small businesses account for more than 95 percent of all employers, create half of our gross domestic product, and create three out of four of new jobs nationwide.

"You are leaders in innovation, creating new technologies, products, and business models.

"House Democrats believe that government should help you achieve your goals-not stand in your way.

"That is why we want to give help to small manufacturers, both though tax relief and the Manufacturing Extension Partnership. We also want to provide a small business health care tax credit, fully fund the Small Business Administration, improve access to 7(a) loans, and open the $285 billion federal marketplace to small businesses.

"Democrats also want to put the government on a 'pay as you go' basis to restrain deficit spending that restricts small firms' access to capital and raises interest rates.

"We hope this day has been as beneficial for you as it has been for the Democratic Members who participated. Thank you all for coming."