On the recordDecember 7, 2022
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 8844, the STEP Improvement Act of 2022. I was proud to join Representatives Flood, Evans, and Newman to introduce this bill to help our small businesses expand exports and reach new markets. The STEP Improvement Act would reauthorize the State trade and export program from fiscal year 2023 to 2026, for 3 more years, and improve the program by streamlining the application process for small businesses and implementing strong metrics so the program works as intended. Since STEP's creation in 2011, my home State of California has received $8.5 million in STEP funding, helping more than 1,200 small businesses create jobs and generate more than $85 million in export sales. That is 10 times the return on our investment. Mr. Speaker, I thank all of my colleagues who helped to pass this legislation yesterday in the House. ____________________
