[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 36 (Monday, March 19, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E389]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                THE SMALL BUSINESS PAPERWORK RELIEF ACT

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                               speech of

                           HON. JIM LANGEVIN

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 15, 2001

  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Chairman, today we consider H.R. 327, the Small 
Business Paperwork Reduction Act, which will reduce paperwork for 
America's hardworking small business owners. As the son of a small 
business owner, I support efforts to reduce paperwork for small 
businesses and protect them from unnecessary and onerous regulatory 
requirements.
  This measure, while similar to legislation approved by the House in 
the last two Congresses, excludes controversial language that would 
have waived civil fines on small businesses for first-time paperwork 
violations. However, I maintain significant reservations about voting 
on a small business bill that was never considered by the Small 
Business Committee on which I proudly serve.
  One concern I would have liked to address in the committee is the 
need to balance the reduction in paperwork with the prevention of 
willful mistakes and worker safety hazards. It is our responsibility to 
ensure that the workplace remains safe. Further, we need to maintain 
our ability to sanction those small numbers of businesses that are 
undercutting their competition by willingly circumventing or ignoring 
the law.
  Small businesses are the backbone of Rhode Island's economy and 
account for more than 95 percent of the job market in the state. They 
create new businesses and jobs; bring new and innovative services and 
products to the marketplace; and provide business ownership 
opportunities to diverse and traditionally underrepresented groups. I 
remain committed to the small business community of Rhode Island and 
will support the Small Business Paperwork Reduction Act, but I strongly 
urge my colleagues to continue to examine this issue through the 
appropriate legislative process.

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