I also wanted to follow up on--I know that several of you mentioned immigration reform, which is another whole topic.

We are not asking for a lot, but I think there are high impact opportunities for the Federal government to support the continued growth of the economy here.

You know, one other thought I had, how much do you leverage--I know the Department of Resources and Economic Development are here from the State level.

But it gets to the topic of workforce and making sure that, particularly in the STEM fields, that we have the best and the brightest to be able to start these companies, grow them, extend them.

That initiative is about creating jobs. That is not stealing jobs.

We continue to be the most innovative Nation in the world, which has driven our economy.

One of the very successful programs that has happened at the Federal level is the Small Business Innovation Research program.

Fortunately, two years ago the Small Business Committee was able to pass a six-year reauthorization that significantly increases the amount of R&D dollars going to small businesses.

I wanted to follow up with that, Mr. Brown, based on something that Dr. Torbick said, which you talked about establishing a better connection between the small businesses and the managers.

Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, especially in New Hampshire, and they are often the drivers of innovation and new technologies.

it is a great example of how another area where we could, if we can get this done, very much be an infusion not only of talent, but help us create more jobs here.

we need to streamline contracting, which, while still faster and more efficient than most government procurements, is beginning to slow down due to inefficiencies that have crept into the process.

Senator Shaheen, we thank you for your efforts on that initiative.

We need to continue to innovate if we are going to create good jobs and remain competitive.

I appreciate the opportunity to be here to share in this discussion and highlight these important issues that you have tabled for today.

Thank you so much, Senator Shaheen. It is an honor to be here with you today and to work with you on these important issues that impact New Hampshire small businesses.

Senator Warren Rudman is the senator who introduced the legislation.

this very issue. In fact, it asked the Secretary of Defense to implement a comprehensive, coordinated, integrated, and fully resourced program to account for missing persons.