[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 56 (Tuesday, May 7, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E736]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           H.R. 4231--SMALL BUSINESS ADVOCACY IMPROVEMENT ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM UDALL

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 7, 2002

  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today in 
strong support of H.R. 4231, the Small Business Advocacy Improvement 
Act. Created in 1976 by Congress, the Small Business Administration's 
(SBA) Office of Advocacy's primary mission is to protect, strengthen 
and effectively represent small businesses within the Federal 
government's legislative and rule-making process. The Office of 
Advocacy works to reduce the burdens that Federal government policies 
impose on small business and encourage policies that support the 
development and growth of American small business.
  However, the Office of Advocacy is forced each year to negotiate with 
OMB and the Administration on the provisions in its budget. In order 
for the Office of Advocacy to strengthen its voice and credibility for 
small businesses, it must be independent of any undue interference or 
influence that might hinder its ability to speak out objectively on 
behalf of small businesses.
  To that end, H.R. 4231 requires that Advocacy's budget request be 
included in the President's budget submission to Congress each fiscal 
year without being changed. This will give the Office of Advocacy 
greatly increased fiscal independence from the Administration and will 
allow Advocacy to stay true to its core mission of providing support to 
small businesses and entrepreneurs.
  In addition, continuation of service for the SBA Chief Counsel for 
Advocacy, unlimited authorization for the Office of Advocacy, and 
replacing the ``minority enterprises'' terminology to include women 
owned businesses and veteran businesses in the primary functions of the 
Office of Advocacy are also important provisions included in H.R. 4231.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this important 
legislation and help improve the support provided to our nation's small 
businesses by the SBA's Office of Advocacy. Vote ``yes'' on H.R. 4231.

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