[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 135 (Friday, August 11, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E772]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





HONORING THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

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                         HON. VICENTE GONZALEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 11, 2023

  Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
commemorate the 70th anniversary of the U.S. Small Business 
Administration (SBA). Over the last seven decades, the U.S. Small 
Business Administration has played a vital role in supporting and 
empowering small businesses. Providing entrepreneurs important guidance 
on financial products, the SBA has proven to be an invaluable resource.
  Small businesses and their employees drive growth and innovation and 
play an essential role in the American economy. In the United States, 
there are over 33 million small businesses that employ approximately 
61.7 million Americans. In the past 28 years, these businesses have 
created 17.3 million net new jobs, which accounts for 62.7 percent of 
jobs created since 1995.
  The Lower Rio Grande Valley District of the U.S. Small Business 
Administration serves 14 counties in south Texas. In 2020, over 179,000 
jobs were supported by approximately 10,000 establishments in the 34th 
Congressional District alone. Through their various programs and 
initiatives, the SBA has provided small businesses access to capital, 
Federal contracting certifications and opportunities, and disaster 
recovery.
  Mr. Speaker, I have witnessed the U.S. Small Business Administration 
open doors for and provide a lifeline to small business owners across 
south Texas and it gives me great pleasure to acknowledge this agency's 
invaluable contributions to our region and country.

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