[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 73 (Friday, May 21, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E944]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING SMALL BUSINESSES

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ANIBAL ACEVEDO-VILA

                             of puerto rico

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 20, 2004

  Mr. ANIBAL ACEVEDO-VILA Mr Speaker, I rise today to honor small 
businesses, especially, the small businesses in Puerto Rico. Small 
businesses represent the foundation of the economies of the United 
States and Puerto Rico. Their success both depends on and supports a 
successful economy. Since arriving in Washington, I have had the 
pleasure and honor of sitting on the Small Business Committee. Through 
this committee and the leadership of our ranking member, Nydia 
Velazquez, we have fought for the success of small businesses, 
particularly minority owned businesses.
  The Small Business Committee recently sent a joint bi-partisan letter 
to the Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related 
Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee requesting $79 million for the 
Small Business Administration's 7(a) loan guarantee program in FY 2005. 
I hope that my colleagues will understand how sever the situation would 
be without this fundamental program. The 7(a) program is highly 
utilized in Puerto Rico. I join my Ranking Democratic Member, Nydia 
Velazquez, and the committee Chairman, Donald M. Manzullo, in urging 
the Chairman, Congressman Frank Wolf, and the Ranking Democratic 
Member, Congressman Jose Serrano, to provide the necessary funds to 
continue this highly successful and highly utilized program.
  I would like to close by honoring one small business owner from my 
district, Evaristo Freiria-Villamil. He was chosen as the 2004 Small 
Business Person of the Year from the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. I 
applaud his work as a small business owner and wish him continued 
success.
  Lastly, I wish to applaud the efforts of all small business owners in 
Puerto Rico. Through their hard work and dedication, we will build a 
stronger economy for Puerto Rico.

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