[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 90 (Wednesday, June 16, 2010)]
[House]
[Page H4513]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    INCREASING LENDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN- AND MINORITY-OWNED 
                               BUSINESSES

  (Mr. CARSON of Indiana asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute.)
  Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Madam Speaker, I rise today as a champion of 
the small business community to ask Members to support the floor 
manager's amendment. The floor manager's amendment includes my 
provision which amends H.R. 5297 to ensure that women and minority-
owned businesses are provided with lending opportunities to allow them 
access to capital.
  Specifically, my amendment requires States applying to receive 
Federal contributions for their capital access programs to submit a 
report. This report will explain how they plan to provide lending 
opportunities for small businesses in underserved and low- and 
moderate-income communities.
  According to SBA estimates, about 60 percent of the jobs lost in 2008 
through the second quarter of 2009 were lost in small firms. As our 
Nation continues its recovery from the worst economic downturn since 
the Great Depression, we must recognize that our comeback will only go 
as far as our small businesses allow. This includes tapping into the 
potential of women and minority-owned small businesses. Several studies 
have found that these small business owners are more likely to 
experience loan denials, pay higher interest rates, and are less likely 
to apply for loans because of fear of rejection.
  I understand that because of the economic challenges that we face, 
banks cannot loan to all existing or aspiring business owners, but I 
believe we must continue to work with States and banks to increase 
lending opportunities for women and minority-owned businesses. That is 
why I introduced this amendment.
  I ask that Members join me in taking a step to make sure that all 
small business owners have access to capital and an opportunity to 
contribute to this Nation's free market.

                          ____________________