[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 102 (Thursday, July 9, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1706]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      ENHANCING SMALL BUSINESS RESEARCH AND INNOVATION ACT OF 2009

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. BETTY SUTTON

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 8, 2009

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 2965) to 
     amend the Small Business Act with respect to the Small 
     Business Innovation Research Program and the Small Business 
     Technology Transfer Program, and for other purposes:

  Ms. SUTTON. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of the underlying 
legislation, H.R. 2965, the Enhancing Small Business Research and 
Innovation Act.
  This bill will ensure that small businesses have access to federal 
research and development money so they can continue to be the engines 
of economic growth and innovation that our economy so desperately 
needs.
  This bill also contains a number of important developments--including 
a focus on the commercialization of products developed with SBIR 
funding.
  A focus on commercialization is also a focus on jobs as technologies 
and innovations created by this funding enter the marketplace.
  I am also pleased that a number of provisions that I championed have 
been included in the manager's amendment and the underlying bill.
  One of these provisions requires agencies that administer SBIR 
programs to give special consideration to vital transportation and 
infrastructure research activities when reviewing grant applications.
  Investing in our nation's transportation and infrastructure through 
small business is essential to our long term success and growth.
  I also worked to include a preference for veterans who have so 
honorably served this country.
  This is the least we can do for the 26 million brave men and women 
who sacrificed years of their lives to protect our country--many who 
are small business owners.
  This bill will also increase outreach to service-disabled veterans 
and other underrepresented groups.
  As I have said before and I will say again, it is not enough to 
simply pay tribute to our veterans with our words; we must show our 
appreciation through our actions.
  I also strongly support the provision of this bill that I worked on 
with Representative Boswell to require that priority be given to grant 
applicants from areas of the country that have lost a major source of 
employment.
  Communities across this country, from Ohio to Iowa, are suffering as 
employers shut their doors. In Ohio, 83 of the 88 counties have 
experienced a mass layoff or plant closing since 2001.
  Focusing funds in areas that have suffered the most and have endured 
major job losses will ensure that this money is helping people in the 
communities that need it most.
  I urge a yes vote on the rule and the underlying bill.

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