James Hill: “I am concerned about two programs that are not funded in this bill but are included in the Senate version of the bill.…”

“I am concerned about two programs that are not funded in this bill but are included in the Senate version of the bill. Last year my amendment to the Small Business Reauthorization Act was adopted, authorizing $2 million for technical assistance to help small R&D businesses compete for SBIR and STTR awards. Eligible States could receive $100,000, with a $50,000 State match to assist small businesses in applying for these awards and establishing performance goals. As this bill moves towards conference, I request that the chairman consider providing $2 million for technical assistance to the 23 States that receive the fewest small business innovation research grants. Secondly, I would like to bring to the Chairman's attention the Mike Mansfield Fellowship Program. This program was created by Congress in 1994 to honor the distinguished former Senator and Majority Leader from Montana, Mike Mansfield, who also served for 12 years as our Ambassador to Japan. The program builds a core of U.S. officials with proficiency in the Japanese language, a network of contacts inside the government of Japan, and an in-depth knowledge of Japan's policy-making process. As the bill goes forward to conference, I ask that the chairman include the Mansfield program among the exchange programs supported by the conferees.”