Supported S. 3029, which extends the programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 through February 28, 2009. The important programs aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small-business concerns, in order to preserve free competitive enterprise and to strengthen the overall economy of our nation.
Voted for H.R. 5819, Reauthorizing the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. This bill would reauthorize the SBIR/STTR programs, which operate under the U.S. Small Business Administration, through 2010. Under these programs, federal agencies with a research and development budget of more than $100 million must set aside 2.5% of their research and development budget for grants to small businesses. These grants have provided approximately $20 billion to small businesses for research, development and technology innovation since 1982.
Voted in favor of H.R. 3867, the Small Business Contracting Improvement Program, which would allow businesses owned by disabled veterans to qualify for sole-sourced government contracts. H.R. 3867 would also expand the eligibility of many minority owned businesses to qualify for the Small Business Administrations 8(a) program, which one of the important vehicles for minority business participation in federal contracting. The 8(a) program has contributed to the development of over 20,000 firms over the past two decades. There are over 9,000 firms currently participating in the 8(a) program and more than half of all federal minority business contracting is accomplished through the 8(a) program.
Voted in favor of H.R. 3567, the Small Business Investment Expansion Act. H.R. 3567 would provide additional federal capital and new incentive programs for increased investment in small businesses and allow certain small businesses that accept venture capital to qualify for Small Business Administration programs. The bill also creates a new “Angel Investment Program” to encourage investment in small start-up businesses.
Voted for H.R. 2992, Small Business Administration Trade Programs Act, which will help small businesses compete in the global marketplace. This bill would require the Small Business Administration and the Office of International Trade (OIT) to develop trade policies and recommendations that support small businesses in domestic and foreign markets. H.R. 2992 would improve access to export financing, counseling and technical assistance programs. The OIT would be tasked with assisting small businesses that are taking legal action to secure their rights to patents, copyrights, and trademarks in foreign countries.
Voted for H.R. 3020, Microloan Amendments and Modernization Act, which would raise the minimum amount available in the Microloan program from $7,500 to $10,000. Microloans are administered by the Small Business Administration and are available to small businesses (with less than five employees) run by low-income owners. Over 700,000 individuals start their own small business each year. This program was created in 1992 and has helped to produce 10,000 jobs each year in areas that need economic revitalization.
Voted for the SBA Entrepreneurial Development Programs Act of 2007, H.R. 2359. H.R. 2359 would provide relief from the disproportionate burden placed on small businesses by federal regulations and will help small businesses secure affordable health insurance. Specifically, H.R. 2359 contained a provision that would require the Small Business Administration (SBA) to review and evaluate federal regulations, then work with agencies to address the compliance burden for small businesses. The bill also would authorize the SBA to establish a program to help small businesses more easily comply with state and federal regulations. Additionally, it would provide grants to Small Businesses Development Centers (SBDCs) to help small-business owners identify affordable health insurance for their business and employees. On June 20th, H.R. 2359 passed in the House of Representatives and will now be considered in the Senate.
Voted for the SBA Veterans' Programs Act of 2007, H.R. 2366. H.R. 2366 would reauthorize the veterans entrepreneurial development programs of the Small Business Administration. H.R. 2366 is intended to help veterans through grants, information services, and personal assistance to evaluate business opportunities and become entrepreneurs in their own right. The bill focuses on providing our veterans with the market research, financial options and technological training important to becoming successful in today's business world. In addition to increasing the number of Veteran Outreach Centers across the country, H.R. 2366 would also ensure that women veterans are made aware of opportunities in their local communities. On June 18th, H.R. 2366 passed in the House of Representatives and will now be considered in the Senate.
Voted for H.R. 2397, the SBA Women's Business Programs Act of 2007. H.R. 2397 would reauthorize the women's entrepreneurial development programs of the Small Business Administration. On June 18th, H.R. 2397 passed in the House of Representatives and will now be considered in the Senate.
Voted in favor of H.R. 1873, the Small Business Fairness in Contracting Act, legislation that would reform the process of awarding government contracts to businesses, to ensure more opportunities for small businesses, to raise the federal small business government-wide contracting goal, and to fight fraud in the entire process. H.R. 1973 makes changes that would remove a number of barriers facing entrepreneurs in accessing federal contracts, creating a more level playing field for the nation's 26 million small businesses.
Voted for the Small Business Tax Relief Act of 2007, H.R. 976. This legislation would extend critical tax provisions for small business owners, extend the the work opportunity tax credit through 2008 and also aide the small businesses that would most feel the impact of a minimum wage increase.
