[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 61 (Wednesday, April 28, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E692-E693]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TEMPORARY EXTENSION OF SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAMS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 27, 2010

  Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of S. 
3253, ``A bill to provide for an additional temporary extension of 
programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment 
Act of 1958, and for other purposes.''
  Let me begin by thanking my colleague Sen. Mary Landrieu of Louisiana 
for introducing this piece of legislation into the House of 
Representatives as it is important that we

[[Page E693]]

work together with small businesses across the country towards the 
recovery of our national economy.
  Small businesses have long been the bedrock of our Nation's economy 
and many would agree that they still are. Even with the advent of 
modern-day multi-national corporations, most of our day-to-day 
purchases take place at ``mom and pop'' small businesses.
  Moreover, 99 percent of all independent companies and businesses in 
the U.S. are considered small businesses.
  According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, these small 
businesses account for 52 percent of all U.S. workers. These small 
businesses also provide a continuing source of vitality for the 
American economy. Small businesses in the U.S. produced three-fourths 
of the economy's new jobs between 1990 and 1995, and represent an entry 
point into the economy for new groups. Women, for instance, participate 
heavily in small businesses.
  The number of female-owned businesses climbed by 89 percent, to an 
estimated 8.1 million, between 1987 and 1997, and women-owned sole 
proprietorships were expected to reach 35 percent of all such ventures 
by the year 2000. Small firms also tend to hire a greater number of 
older workers and people who prefer to work part-time.
  One strength that small businesses are known for is their ability to 
respond quickly to changing economic conditions. They often know their 
customers personally and are especially suited to meet local needs. 
There are tons of stories of startup companies catching national 
attention and growing into large corporations. Just a few examples of 
these types of startup businesses making big include the computer 
software company Microsoft; the package delivery service Federal 
Express; sports clothing manufacturer Nike; the computer networking 
firm America OnLine; and ice cream maker Ben & Jerry's.
  Through the passage of S. 3253 we will be temporarily extending 
programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment 
Act of 1958 through the end of July 2010. With the passage of this bill 
we will be helping small businesses and communities across the Nation. 
We will also be helping to drive our economy upward and will be helping 
businesses across the Nation.
  We must always ensure that we place a high level of priority on small 
businesses. It is also important that we work towards ensuring that 
small businesses receive all the tools and resources necessary for 
their continued growth and development.
  I would like to again thank my colleague Sen. Mary Landrieu for 
introducing S. 3253. I ask my colleagues for their support of this 
legislation as well as their continued support for small businesses 
across the Nation.
  Mr. Speaker, I strongly support S. 3253 and the rule.

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