Temporary Extension of Small Business Programs
Floor Speech
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Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Madam Speaker, we have a big job ahead of us in the 112th Congress. Unemployment remains above 9 percent, and millions of people are out of work. Entrepreneurs are struggling to create jobs and grow their businesses amid threats of higher taxes and more unmanageable Federal mandates. Our economic recovery has been erratic at best. Hard work lies ahead to reduce the uncertainty, to create new jobs and restore confidence in our economy.
Today, we are discussing a simple extension of programs overseen by the Small Business Administration through May 31, 2011. Enacting this legislation is a critical first step towards giving small business owners some certainty while we continue to fully examine all of SBA's programs and make necessary changes to improve SBA services. Enacting this legislation will give our new majority the opportunity to explore new and innovative ideas to improve the services offered by the SBA.
I am humbled and honored to serve our country's entrepreneurs as the chairman of the Small Business Committee, and I look forward to working with Ranking Member Velázquez to enact a more permanent reauthorization in a timely manner. The two of us have had an excellent working relationship over the past 2 years, and I have no doubt this is going to continue in the future.
Madam Speaker, we are all eager to get the work done on restoring America's faith in government and reducing the uncertainty that prevails throughout our economic sectors. We can take this first step by approving this temporary extension and laying the groundwork for a full reauthorization that will bring these programs into the 21st century.
I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this bill before us.
I reserve the balance of my time.
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Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, in order to close this debate, let me reiterate that small businesses are going to lead this economic recovery, but we have to provide them with some certainty first. Enacting this legislation before us is going to do just that and let entrepreneurs know that we are back on their side.
Once again I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. I look forward to working with Ranking Member Velázquez and our colleagues on the Small Business Committee for a more permanent extension.
I yield back the balance of my time.
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