[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 123 (Wednesday, September 25, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1652]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    INTRODUCTION OF A RESOLUTION HONORING AMERICA'S SMALL BUSINESSES

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                         HON. JAMES R. LANGEVIN

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 24, 2002

  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, today I am joined by 35 of my colleagues 
in introducing a bipartisan resolution supporting the issuance of a 
postage stamp honoring America's small businesses.
  Small businesses make up a significant sector of our economy. The 
estimated 25 million small businesses in this nation bring new and 
innovative services and products to the marketplace and provide 
business ownership opportunities to diverse and traditionally 
underrepresented groups. According to the Small Business 
Administration, small firms create two out of every three new jobs in 
America. In fact, small businesses employ 54 percent of the national 
work force, and the men and women who own small businesses represent 
over 99 percent of all employers.
  Many cutting-edge technologies which have become a part of our daily 
lives are the product of small business innovation. From the zipper and 
quick-frozen food, to the personal computer and high-resolution x-ray 
microscopes, small businesses have been a major force in shaping the 
last half century. In fact, it is estimated that small firms produce 
twice as many innovations per employee as large firms. Although small 
businesses receive a low percentage of federal research and development 
funds, they are responsible for a larger percentage of patents than big 
companies.
  I urge my colleagues to join me and the 35 original bipartisan 
cosponsors of this resolution in honoring the real engine of our 
nation's economy by supporting the issuance of a postage stamp in 
commemoration of America's small businesses.

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