National Small Business Week

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Mr. COBURN. Mr. President, I do not believe small businesses need government assistance to exist. In fact, I believe the best thing our government can do is to shrink the size and cost of the Federal Government. With less government, minimal Federal regulation, and lower taxes, businesses--regardless of size, industry, and location--will innovate in meeting American consumer demands and achieve phenomenal growth.

Instead of encouraging dependence on the Federal Government, I believe politicians should seek to find ways to free businesses to thrive independently. Additionally, with a national debt of almost $14.3 trillion, Congress should start considering ways to enable sustainable economic growth instead of authorizing or increasing more Federal subsidy programs that more often than not have limited or questionable benefits.

As a former small and large business owner, I know the struggles small businesses face because of unnecessary government regulations and taxes. In fact, the Federal Government's interference in my ability to practice medicine prompted me to first seek office. Small businesses are invaluable to the economic health of our great country and embody the American dream.

While I join the Senate and the President in recognizing the contributions of small businesses all over the country, I would like to join Senator Paul in opposing a resolution passed by the Senate today that lauds big government and the use of taxpayer dollars to subsidize certain small businesses.

Mr. PAUL. Mr. President, I was a small businessman before I was elected to the Senate. I know well the struggles small businesses face because of government regulations and taxes. I also know that small businesses are a key driver of economic growth and employment. That is why I join the Senate and the President in recognizing the contributions of small businesses all over the country during National Small Business Week.

Unfortunately, this resolution goes a step beyond recognizing the hard- working entrepreneurs who are our small businessmen and businesswomen. The resolution also praises big government and using taxpayer dollars to subsidize small businesses. I do not believe small businesses need government assistance to exist. I do not believe we need an entire agency of the Federal Government to encourage entrepreneurs. Quite the opposite--I believe that with less government, businesses of all sizes will be created, existing businesses will grow, and the American spirit will thrive. That is why I voted against this resolution.

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