Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2359) to reauthorize programs to assist small business concerns, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, small businesses play a critical role in our economy. As the leading job creators and generators of nearly half of private sector gross domestic product, their impact is felt throughout the country.

Today, entrepreneurs are confronted with intense competition from foreign and corporate counterparts. They must continually update their products and processes, as well as adapt to change quickly.

Traditionally, the SBA's entrepreneurial development programs were created to provide direction and assistance to small business owners, helping them remain competitive and armed with the tools to maintain successful ventures. While providing critical assistance, these programs were created many years ago to address general business development issues faced by typical small businesses of the time.

There is no question the needs of entrepreneurs change as the environment does. The challenges facing entrepreneurs today are different from those even 5 years ago. SBA's entrepreneurial development programs must evolve to provide small businesses with the ability to deal with the economic conditions of today.

The Small Business Entrepreneurial Development Programs Act of 2007 introduced by Congressman Sestak not only modernizes this program to adjust the current concerns of small businesses but also enhances them. Today, the leading issues for small firms are the rising health and energy costs and complying with regulations. This legislation will help small business owners identify and secure affordable health care. With less than half of small business owners providing health care, the need for legislation that helps alleviate this is clear.

Considering the current price of gasoline, there's no question why the number one concern for entrepreneurs is the cost of energy. Gasoline is more than $3 a gallon. This price represents a 28 percent increase over a period of just 2 months ago and a 52 percent increase since the end of January. Due to small businesses' limited resources, as production costs are driven up, they become less competitive with their counterparts.

While the costs of energy and health care have risen, so has the regulatory burden for small businesses. In 2006, just seven major rules added over $3.7 billion to the overall regulatory costs. That does not even account for the thousands of other regulations that were added last year. Small firms today require affordable access to information and counseling to address these new rules.

H.R. 2359, with its increased capacities, ensures that the SBDCs located in communities across the Nation have the ability to assist entrepreneurs in facing these challenges. For this reason, the SBA Entrepreneurial Development Act of 2007 has the support of the National Federation of Independent

Businesses. They are not only supporting but will key vote this legislation. By tailoring SBA's economic development programs to the economic demands and changing composition of small businesses, they will better promote business development this our communities.

H.R. 2359 will make sure small firms remain a driving force in our economy. I urge support of this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I recognize Mr. Sestak, the sponsor of the legislation, for as much time as he may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Today's entrepreneurs are facing countless challenges. SBA's entrepreneurial development programs must be modernized to provide small businesses with the ability to deal with the economic conditions of today.

Mr. Sestak's legislation, the SBA Entreprenurial Development Programs Act of 2007, makes much-needed updates to the agency's programs so that they are better able to assist entrepreneurs and enable small firms to remain a driving force in our economy.

H.R. 2359 has the support of the NFIB, who, in addition to supporting it, has made it one of their key votes for the 110th Congress.

Again I want to thank Mr. Sestak and also Mr. Chabot, the ranking minority member, for working in a bipartisan manner to move this legislation and other bills that will be moved today. I want to thank the staff that worked on this bill. From the majority staff, Michael Day, Adam Minehardt, Nicole Witenstein; from Representative Sestak's staff, Clarence Tong; and from the minority staff, Barry Pineles.

I strongly urge my colleagues to vote for H.R. 2359.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2366) to reauthorize the veterans entreprenurial development programs of the Small Business Administration, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

There is no question our Nation's veterans have made great sacrifices for this country. Many traveled long distances, spent lengthy amounts of time away from their families, and have been in harm's way to ensure our safety.

To date, more than 135,000 troops have come home from Iraq and Afghanistan. These men and women are increasingly turning toward small business ownership. Congressman Buchanan's legislation, the Small Business Administration Veterans Programs Act of 2007, ensures that service men and women will not only have the opportunity to pursue entrepreneurship but to succeed at starting their own firms.

While many have the American dream of owning a business, veterans face unique challenges when working to start or maintain their firms. For this sector of the population to be successful in their small business endeavors, there needs to be assistance available in local communities. They cannot be expected to return home knowing all of the necessary and available tools to start a business. Outreach efforts to these aspiring entrepreneurs need to be increased and information must be accessible. The Small Business Administration Veterans Programs Act of 2007 makes these resources available.

Service men and women contributing to economic growth is not a new trend. After World War II, the GI bill provided the opportunity of a college education to this Nation's veterans. By 1956 there were 7.8 million World War II veterans that had participated in an education or training program. The impact that that single piece of legislation had on this Nation's economy was great.

Much like ensuring the right to a college education, as the GI bill did, H.R. 2366 expands business ownership. It provides specific assistance for aspiring business owners. Starting a business after leaving military service provides an opportunity for returning veterans to not only begin a new career but to secure their livelihood. Enabling this to be a viable option for some of the most dedicated individuals in our country spurs economic development in local economies, demonstrates our commitment to their aspirations of entrepreneurship, and represents true patriotism.

I strongly urge support of this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Johnson), a member of the Small Business Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw the motion.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2366) to reauthorize the veterans entrepreneurial development programs of the Small Business Administration, and for other purposes.

Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Loebsack).

Mr. Speaker, veterans have not only been critical to the defense of our Nation, but with the increasing number of service men and women engaging in entrepreneurship, they have also been invaluable in helping our economy grow. These men and women have dedicated their lives to preserving our freedom. It is crucial that we show our appreciation for their service. The SBA Veterans' Programs Act of 2007 does just that.

I strongly urge my colleagues to vote for H.R. 2366, the SBA Veterans' Program Act of 2007. I urge its adoption.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2284) to amend the Small Business Act to expand and improve the assistance provided by Small Business Development Centers to Indian tribe members, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, small businesses are responsible for creating three out of every four new jobs and account for almost half of all sales in this country. There is no question the impact they have on economic growth and the development and revitalization of countless neighbors.

Currently, the Native American population is one of the most impoverished. Their unemployment rate is nearly double that of the general population, with almost half of all residents living on a reservation unemployed.

Providing opportunities for business growth within the Native American sector will create jobs, generate revenue and ultimately benefit local economies across the country. The Native American Small Business Development Act of 2007, introduced by Representative Udall, works to increase prospects for Native Americans through small business ownership.

While many in the Native American population are struggling, there is strong interest to engage in entrepreneurship. For these communities to have a growing small business sector, resources must be available locally and be culturally sensitive.

This legislation has enjoyed bipartisan support in the past and has passed the House in previous Congresses. It is designed to provide culturally tailored assistance for entrepreneurial development in some of the most disadvantaged areas of this country.

Not only will this bill help combat poverty and unemployment, but it will bring new services and opportunities to Native American communities. It is my hope that in the 110th Congress, H.R. 2284 can finally become law and expand the right to business ownership. I urge support of this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Udall), the sponsor of the legislation.

(Mr. UDALL of New Mexico asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, in closing, with unemployment rampant on Native American reservations, legislation that not only fights poverty but fosters the development of job creation is critical. I strongly urge my colleagues to vote for H.R. 2284.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and encourage adoption of the resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2397) to reauthorize the women's entrepreneurial development programs of the Small Business Administration, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, there is no question that the face of small business is changing in this country. Women entrepreneurs now account for 50 percent of all small business owners and are growing at a phenomenal rate. The SBA Women's Program Act of 2007, sponsored by Congresswoman Fallin, works to enhance opportunities for women by increasing access to in-depth outcome-oriented counseling and training. It strengthens SBA's Women's Business Centers to ensure that they continue to serve the important role of assisting small business owners.

While many have taken advantage of the services Women's Business Centers offer, not all budding entrepreneurs are getting the resources they need to successfully start and own a business. A significant gap exists between the

number of women in our country and those involved in entrepreneurship, particularly in certain industry sectors.

Representative Fallin's legislation will increase the reach of Women's Business Centers to help develop entrepreneurship, particularly in underprivileged areas. By setting standards, it ensures that those who want to start their own firms have quality support and training resources available. The increased research that this bill requires will make sure that challenges currently impacting women are identified and addressed.

The SBA Women's Procurement Act of 2007 builds on the strong track record of Women's Business Centers. The expansion of these centers has the potential to spur economic growth in disadvantaged communities and to even move impoverished women from welfare to entrepreneurship.

I strongly support this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, the small business face in America is changing. We have more and more women who would like to get involved in opening and starting their businesses, and the bill that we have before us as sponsored by Representative Fallin does just that.

It promotes opportunity for women by increasing access to business counseling and training through the development of the Women's Business Center. This will better enable women to have flourishing enterprises and help to spur job creation and economic development across this Nation. I urge adoption of this bill.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize The High School for Enterprise, Business and Technology (EBT), of Williamsburg, Brooklyn in celebration of their 10th anniversary.

EBT's history has been one of hope, growth and a commitment to quality education for our community. More than ten years ago, the majority of local Williamsburg high school students attending the then Eastern District High School had bleak prospects of graduating from high school. Thanks to the leadership of concerned education advocates, Eastern District was replaced by three new high schools, EBT being one of those entities. The school has evolved into one that has fostered educational growth and training to students throughout Brooklyn.

Since it's inception in 1996, EBT has worked diligently to develop a solid learning and professional foundation, creating a wealth of opportunities for its students. The specialized curriculum serves as the school's cornerstone, offering our community's children an opportunity to pursue studies in areas, including: hospitality/tourism, computer science/networking, and business/finance. Through a classroom environment that emphasizes academic engagement, EBT has fostered the personal progress of countless residents.

The High School for Enterprise, Business and Technology's dedicated staff has been successful in nurturing the intellectual development of hundreds of Brooklyn's children. Their commitment to promoting academic opportunities has strengthened the institution's programs thereby enabling comprehensive support services and encouraging parent participation. Through the exceptional leadership of Principal Juan Mendez, this remarkable high school has effectively increased both the graduation as well as the college placement rate, resulting in socially-minded young adults devoted to the interests of Williamsburg-- and our naton at large.

Therefore, Madam Speaker, I rise with my colleagues in the House of Representatives to honor The High School for Enterprise, Business and Technology. I would like to express my sincerest congratulations in commemoration of its 10th anniversary and express best wishes for a successful future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this motion.

I would just like to say to the gentleman from Pennsylvania that I am a little confused, because if he cares so much about extending section 179, where was he last week when we voted to override the veto of the President where section 179 was part of it?

Further, the gentleman from Pennsylvania seems to me that he is going to vote against his own motion.

Let me just say that this bill is not about taxes. What I can tell you that I am glad to say, that this new Congress is committed to meeting the needs of the entrepreneurs. This Congress just sent a bill to the President cutting taxes for small businesses. While the President passed a bill for tax breaks for large companies, the President just vetoed the one that helped small businesses, like section 179; not only extending section 179, but expanding section 179. Republicans passed $2 trillion in tax cuts, yet small business priorities were never taken care of.

This motion is not about small businesses and taxes. Entrepreneurs have seen the record on that issue from Republicans. It is about ensuring small businesses are not shut out of the Federal contracts. I ask a ``no'' vote on this motion to recommit.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Speaker, today is a landmark day in our efforts to end the war in Iraq. There is nothing more offensive to a democracy than a war being waged against the people's will. Yet that is the situation our soldiers face every day.

Tonight, the House has a chance to reflect the will of the people on the most important issue of our time. We have the opportunity to vote to reunite our soldiers with their families. Let this body speak with one booming voice that cannot be denied. Mr. President--no more surges. Bring them home.

I have opposed this war from day one. But now is not the time to talk about the past. It's time to talk about the future of this country. Under the legislation proposed by my friend from Massachusetts, Mr. McGovern, most of our soldiers and contractors in Iraq will be back with us in 9 months.

The Iraq war has ended the lives of nearly 150 New Yorkers, and nearly 3,400 Americans. The young people we have lost in Iraq are as diverse as America itself--they are people of color, teenagers, women, immigrants of many faiths, and many are from my own home in Brooklyn. Tens of thousands more are severely injured and will need our care for the rest of their lives.

We do not serve Iraq by staying there. While our military can help the Iraqi Government with security, no surge can resolve Iraq's bitter political differences. Our diplomatic efforts will carry more weight after we leave. We can better ask Iraq's neighbors to help when we are Iraq's partner, not its occupier.

It's time to bring our troops home to their families. By supporting Speaker Pelosi's package of H.R. 2237, H.R. 2206, and H.R. 2207, we can achieve critical domestic priorities, fund our soldiers and veterans, and begin a swift withdrawal from Iraq. I urge the support of my colleagues.

Madam Speaker, I rise today on the floor of the House of Representatives to honor the National Small Business Association (NSBA) as it celebrates its 70th anniversary. This first-rate organization currently reaches more than 150,000 small-business

owners nationwide--a number that has well surpassed the original group of 160 members. It is with great pleasure that I recognize the commendable service NSBA has provided to this Nation's entrepreneurs over the past 70 years.

As Chair of the Small Business Committee, I am well aware of the unique plight facing this Nation's entrepreneurs. As the oldest small business advocacy group in the United States, NSBA has a strong history of promoting small business growth and educating its members on the impact of Federal policies. The unwavering dedication that this group has shown to fostering the advancement and growth of entrepreneurs is deserving of recognition.

From carpenters to grocers and designers, NSBA represents a broad range of citizens who believe in the free enterprise system. Since joining the Small Business Committee well over a decade ago, this organization has frequently been out front, leading the charge on a number of issues that are of the utmost importance to this Nation's 26 million small businesses. Whether it was advocating for increased access to capital or the Federal marketplace--NSBA has always acted as a steadfast advocate for our entrepreneurs.

Thanks to the leadership of the NSBA--its founder, the late DeWitt M. Emery, Board Members, Executive Director, staff, and supporters--its members are given the opportunity to gather every two years during the ``Small Business Congress'' to learn about the latest happenings impacting their businesses and vote upon their top ten. NSBA subsequently publishes its priority issues booklet listing the results and advocating on the members' behalf. NSBA's contributions that bring to light the everyday matters that are of concern to the main drivers of this economy--small business--are truly commendable.

Madam Speaker, I would like to express my sincerest congratulations to the National Small Business Association in commemoration of its 70th anniversary and express best wishes for a successful future.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that during consideration of H.R. 1873 in the Committee of the Whole, pursuant to House Resolution 383, amendment No. 4 by Mr. Sestak be permitted to be offered at any time.

I thought that the ranking member was agreeable. Mr. Sestak is in a markup on the Committee on Armed Services. We cleared this with your staff.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and enter into the Record extraneous material on the bill under consideration and that the CBO cost estimates for H.R. 1873 as reported by the Small Business Committee be entered into the Record.

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Chairman, there is no question that the Federal marketplace continues to grow at record rates. Just last year, the Federal Government spent $417 billion on goods and services. While the government's buying power is increasing, small businesses' opportunities and access to this market is decreasing. With unfair competition and the combining of government projects, entrepreneurs are being shut out of the Federal market. Currently, the state of procurement for small businesses is one that does more to create barriers than it does to encourage participation.

What we have heard time and time again is that access to government projects is out of the reach of small firms. The barriers in the way of accessing this work is clear, among them, the bundling of contracts, the lack of a strongly enforced small business contracting goal and large firms receiving contracts intended for small firms.

For the past 6 years, the government has failed to meet its 23 percent small business contracting goal, costing entrepreneurs last year alone as much as $4.5 billion in lost contracting opportunities. With small businesses creating three out of every four new jobs in this country, they deserve to compete on a level playing field for government work. Small firms do not deserve to be left out of the Federal marketplace but, instead, to be given every tool needed to continue to spur economic growth.

The number one reason the small business contracting goal is not being met is because of the bundling of contracts. Individual contracts being combined works to exclude small firms from bidding on them and often results in higher costs to taxpayers and decreased value for the government. For every $1,800 awarded in a bundled contract, there is a $33 decrease to small businesses. When contracts are bundled together creating ``super-contracts,'' they become too large for entrepreneurs to compete.

In 2002, the President pledged during the administration's announcement of their small business agenda that, ``We're going to insist we break down large Federal contracts so that small business owners have got a fair shot at Federal contracting.'' This legislation finally puts his words into action.

To create the illusion that the goal is being met, agencies are using contracts awarded to large companies and including them toward their small business contracting goal. In 2005, approximately $12 billion in contracts were falsely counted. This gives the impression that agencies are doing more work with small firms than they actually are.

Access to the Federal marketplace is an important mechanism for growth for small businesses. If competition for government projects is not fair, there is no way we can expect entrepreneurs to grow and expand their ventures. This not only benefits entrepreneurs, but also puts taxpayers' dollars to good use. For every dollar in contracts, $7 in revenue is generated for the Federal Government.

Clearly, large businesses have more resources than small firms. Oftentimes they have access to more capital, can hire more staff and have fewer barriers in the way of marketing and expanding their companies. The last thing they need to be doing is taking contracts intended for small businesses.

H.R. 1873 is a bipartisan effort introduced by Mr. Braley. I want to commend Mr. Braley for his work on addressing small business procurement issues and bringing this bill up for consideration.

This legislation will help open the marketplace for small business contracts. It ensures that fair competition is enforced and that small firms are given the opportunities they deserve to work with the Federal Government.

With the government being the largest buyer of services and goods and small businesses being the largest job creators, increased partnership between these two is the best value for the taxpayer dollar, and not only benefits entrepreneurs, but communities all across the country.

I strongly urge my colleagues to vote for the Small Business Fairness in Contracting Act.

Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. Waxman), chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, such time as he may consume; and I want to take this opportunity to thank him for his work on this legislation.

Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Braley), the sponsor of the bill and the chairman of the Contracting and Technology Subcommittee of the Small Business Committee.

Mr. Chairman, I would like to close by saying that it has been over a decade since a small business contracting bill has come to the floor. Clearly, addressing the concerns of entrepreneurs in regards to procurement is long overdue and much needed.

I just want to take this opportunity to thank Ranking Member Chabot for all of his hard work and his collaboration in working on this legislation. I also want to thank Mr. Braley and to take this opportunity to thank the staff that worked on this bill.

From the minority staff, Barry Pineles; from Mr. Braley's staff, Tom Wolf and Mike Goodman; from Mr. Waxman's staff, Mark Stevens and Phil Barnett; and from the majority staff, LeAnn Delaney and Melody Reis and Russ Orban.

I strongly urge my colleagues to vote for the Small Business Fairness in Contracting Act

Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of our time.

Mr. Chairman, contract bundling has been a major issue for years, and it is increasing. When contracts are combined together into mega-contracts, small businesses are unable to compete. In fact, some contracts are so large that only a handful of companies would be able to perform them. This can create a virtual monopoly, which is problematic for taxpayers concerned with getting the best value for their money.

This amendment would save taxpayers money and benefit the economy. It will increase competition, providing the government with more options to purchase goods and services from. This will ultimately lower prices for Federal agencies. Unbundling contracts will create new opportunities for entrepreneurs, leading to new jobs and more local tax revenue.

The amendment closes a loophole in current law. This amendment adds new work and construction, which previously were not subject to bundling analyses. Current law only required contracts that have been previously performed to be reviewed for bundling. This amendment closes this gap and gives Federal agencies the tools it needs to save the taxpayers money.

The expanded bundling definition will not be overly burdensome. Contracts that are not suitable for small businesses will not require a bundling analysis. Bundled construction contracts under $65 million will not require an analysis. By creating more competition in the Federal marketplace, this amendment will save taxpayers money.

Expanding the definition of bundling will require more contracts to be reviewed, and possibly unbundled, than the current statute permits. This will create more opportunities for small firms, give the government more options and lower costs and increase quality for taxpayers.

I thank both the gentleman from Pennsylvania for his work on this issue and Mr. Chabot for all the work that he has done on the underlying bill and on this amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Chairman, while not opposed to the amendment, I ask unanimous consent to claim the time in opposition.

Mr. Chairman, we are prepared to accept this amendment.

One of the areas in which small businesses could participate much more than they currently are is in the area of subcontracting. Subcontracting provides a great entry point to the Federal marketplace for small businesses.

The gentleman's amendment would expand the amount of information collected on subcontracting in the government-wide database. It also reinforces the notion that when prime contractors don't achieve their small business goals these should be reflected in their evaluation for subsequent contracts.

I am pleased to support the gentleman's amendment, and I thank the gentleman from Texas for his work on this legislation.

I ask adoption of this amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time

Mr. Chairman, while not opposed to the amendment, I ask unanimous consent to claim the time in opposition.

Mr. Chairman, it is important that the small business goals apply to contracts performed overseas. For too long there has been an exclusive club of contractors for overseas work. This needs to change. Extending the small business goals to apply to these contracts will expand the pool of contractors available to the government. This amendment will help bring overseas opportunity to small businesses.

A recent study of $6 billion in overseas contracts showed only $122 million was awarded to small businesses, just 2 percent. This amendment gives agencies an incentive to award overseas contracts to small businesses. Agencies that do use small businesses for overseas contracts will now be able to get credit.

The Federal Government should be looking to small businesses for overseas work. Ninety-seven percent of all exporters are small businesses; 30 percent of all goods made for export are made by small businesses. Technological improvements give small businesses much greater access to worldwide markets than in the past.

It is important to help small businesses gain access to overseas contracting opportunities they have been locked out of. This amendment will accomplish this by helping encourage agencies to look to American small businesses for this work.

I thank both gentlemen, Mr. Shuler and Mr. Chabot, for their work on this legislation. I urge adoption of this amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Chairman, while not opposed to the amendment, I ask unanimous consent to claim the time in opposition.

Mr. Chairman, since 1977, the minimum goal for small businesses in the Federal marketplace has been 23 percent of the total value of goods and services acquired. Each year, the administration boasts of how it almost made its target. Unfortunately, in 2005 alone, at least $12 billion, almost 15 percent of the small business accomplishments, as reported by the Small Business Administration, were actually awarded to large businesses. Agencies have become so single- minded about achieving the minimum goal that they have lost sight of the intent.

The goal is a measurement of commitment to small businesses; and when the goal isn't achieved, small businesses pay the price. Because the minimum has not been met over the past 6 years, small businesses have lost almost $10 billion in contracting opportunities. This represents nearly 200,000 jobs that could have been created across the country.

Many people have asked me, if the small business contracting goal hasn't been met, why do you support increasing it? As I said, the goal is simply a measurement. There are no penalties to an agency for not achieving it.

It is already the policy of the United States, as set forth in the statute, that small firms shall have the maximum practical opportunity to participate in the performance of contracts let by any Federal agency.

It doesn't say minimum; it says maximum. This is why the Bean-Chabot amendment is so important. It gets us away from the small business goal as ceiling mentality. It ensures that small business participation is maximized, not minimized.

I congratulate Ms. Bean and Mr. Chabot for this amendment. It was included when the Committee on Small Business unanimously reported this legislation, and I was disheartened to see that it was diluted as the bill progressed. I am pleased to support this amendment, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure that this amendment creates new opportunity for small businesses in the Federal marketplace. I thank Ms. Bean and Mr. Chabot on their work on this amendment, and I urge adoption of this amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Chairman, while not opposed to the amendment, I ask unanimous consent to claim the time in opposition.

Mr. Chairman, we accept this amendment by Mr. Welch, which proposes a 5 percent goal for Federal contracting with green small businesses. I look forward to working with my colleague on this amendment, which encourages the government to reward small businesses that meet higher environmental standards.

I thank the gentleman from Vermont for his work on this legislation, and I urge adoption of the amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I yield to the ranking member, Mr. Chabot, for any comments that he might have.

Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

We are prepared to accept this amendment. Many times the proposed solution to a problem, particularly in the Federal procurement environment, is the assessment of penalties. Sometimes this works. Sometimes it doesn't. I have found that when it works best, it is also accompanied by incentives for good performance.

The gentleman from Maryland begins this process. It is a worthy endeavor, and I am pleased to support the gentleman's amendment. I want to thank him for the work that he is doing on this legislation, and I urge adoption of the amendment.

I thank the gentlelady for yielding.

We accept this amendment which will require the Administrator of SBA to make public the actions taken on behalf of small businesses or trade associations with regard to bundled contracts. More importantly, it will publicize the results of their actions.

I look forward to working with my colleague on this amendment which will add transparency to the bundling appeals process.

I, again, want to thank the gentlewoman from Texas for her work. I urge adoption of the amendment, and I yield to Ranking Member Chabot.

Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the gentlelady for yielding.

We are prepared to accept this amendment. The gentlelady's amendment provides a measure of enforcement. It requires agencies to send copies of letters in which they have disagreed with the SBA's attempts to maximize the usage of small businesses on bundled contracts to the relevant authorizing committee.

The committees will soon become familiar with the extent to which agencies within their jurisdiction are bundling contracts and will have a better handle on the extent of this problem.

I urge adoption of this amendment, and I yield to the ranking member, Mr. Chabot.

Mr. Chairman, I move that the Committee do now rise.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Clerk be authorized to make technical corrections in the engrossment of H.R. 1873, including corrections in spelling, punctuation, section numbering and cross-referencing, and the insertion of appropriate headings.

Under clause 2 of rule XII, bills and reports were delivered to the Clerk for printing, and bills referred as follows:

Ms. VELAZQUEZ: Committee on Small Business. H.R. 1873. A

bill to reauthorize the programs and activities of the Small

Business Administration relating to procurement, and for

other purposes, with an amendment; referred to the Committee

on Oversight and Government Reform for a period ending not

later than May 4, 2007, for consideration of such provisions

of the bill and amendment as fall within the jurisdiction of

that committee pursuant to clause 1(m), rule X (Rept. 110-

111, Pt. 1). Ordered to be printed.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend remarks and enter into the Record any extraneous material on the bill under consideration, H.R. 1332.