[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 122 (Wednesday, October 4, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1664]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1664]]
 SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH PROGRAM REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2000

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                               speech of

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 25, 2000

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I stand in support of H.R. 2392 which 
would reauthorize the Small Business Innovation Research Program 
(SBIR). The current SBIR authorization is due to sunset on October 1, 
2000. H.R. 2392 would extend the SBIR authorization into the next 
decade and provide a mechanism for federal agencies to contract with 
small business for research and development projects. This important 
program is critical for the support of small high-tech companies and 
fosters technical innovation which results in the nation's economic 
growth. The commercialization of research and development results in 
major economic benefits to the nation; the creation of long-term jobs 
with subsequent generation of increased income, spending and economic 
growth.
  I know that technological advancement is a key driving force of our 
national economic growth. The revolution in telecommunications is one 
example of the effects of technical progress in the growth of the 
national economy, and also an increase in our standards of living. 
Technical advances drive the economic growth in several ways; it 
contributes to the creation of new jobs, new services, new industries 
and new capital formation. In the past major technological innovation 
was provided by major corporate research centers. Today small, 
entrepreneurial companies are playing increasingly important roles in 
our technological advancement and economic growth. These small high-
tech companies create new products and services, develop new 
industries, and are major factors in driving both technological change 
and growth in our national economy. The SBIR program is critical to the 
continuation of the critical involvement of small businesses in our 
technological advancement. I support H.R. 2392 because it will 
contribute to the growth of jobs and promote technological innovation.

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