[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 16]
[EXTENS]
[Page 22439]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 17, 2003

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the 
opportunity to be here tonight, and I want to especially thank my good 
friend, Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez from New York and applaud my 
House colleagues for their hard work in bringing us together here to 
acknowledge the important role small business plays in our economy and 
thank those small business owners for their many contributions.
  I've always said that small business is the backbone of our State and 
national economy. Many small businesses are suffering in these trying 
financial times. Government contracts and spending are a vital source 
of revenue for small businesses, and in economically tough times it is 
vital that all levels of government continue to pay diligent attention 
to small business in their purchasing and contracts. Small businesses 
do not have high powered lobbyists, and it is important that we ensure 
that businesses of all sizes have access to government contracts 
regardless of their ability to buy influence.
  Today I would like to discuss some important federal legislation that 
I believe will have important and positive implications for small 
business, job growth, and economic recovery in this country. Two of the 
top priorities for the remainder of the 108th Congress are reviving the 
struggling U.S. economy and reauthorizing the federal highway and 
transit programs.
  I am also pleased to announce a congressional resolution that I have 
authored which will continue aggressive advocacy on behalf of American 
firms competing abroad, and specifically encourage small and medium-
sized American businesses to explore trade openings and gain access to 
potentially lucrative markets, such as Iraq.
  We all believe that America's small businesses must not be left 
behind in the globalization process. Although small businesses are the 
backbone of the American economy, the overseas investment potential of 
the small business sector remains relatively untapped.
  This resolution's objectives are to continue aggressive trade 
promotion and advocacy on behalf of American firms competing abroad as 
well as to focus on the next generation of trade issues growing out of 
the changing global marketplace.
  As Congress continues its work, I will be working to make sure that 
more good news is on the way for small businesses. And I want to assure 
you that I will continue to strongly support Federal programs that 
benefit small businesses.
  Both our Federal and state government has an obligation to aid, 
assist and protect the interests of small businesses. The future of 
America depends on it.

                          ____________________