[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 75 (Wednesday, May 1, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H2784]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING SBA'S STORIED PAST AND EVEN STRONGER FUTURE

  (Ms. LEGER FERNANDEZ asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. LEGER FERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, happy Small Business Week. Today, I 
rise to recognize the Small Business Administration's support and 
advocacy for businesses and communities as they sustain and strengthen 
the backbone of the American economy.
  I especially thank SBA New Mexico District Director John Garcia. 
Through financing, information, and guidance, our small-business 
community benefits daily from the resources and support that Mr. Garcia 
and his team provide.
  Last year, SBA marked its 70th anniversary. Nationally, there are 30 
million small businesses. In New Mexico, 95 percent of our businesses 
are small businesses--162,000 strong. Our small businesses employ 
340,000 individuals, and we are growing at a rapid rate, with 7,270 new 
businesses opening during the March 2021-2022 period.
  From green chili farmers to independent bookstores to small 
manufacturing plants, our small businesses line our Main Streets and 
bring economic vitality to our communities.
  This Small Business Week, I recognize SBA's storied past and the even 
stronger future we will create.

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