Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Royce for introducing this important bipartisan measure before us today, and of course, congratulate both him and Ranking Member Engel, who work so well in bringing important legislation in a bipartisan manner to the floor every day. This is H.R. 5480, the Women's Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment Act, and I am a proud cosponsor of this bipartisan measure. We know that when women work, and the number of women in the workforce is increasing, there is a corresponding growth in economies. The benefit that results from empowering women and expanding their economic activities are far reaching. They have a great society impact. From the household to communities, to local, State, and the Federal level, we would see drastic improvements if women not only had greater access, but greater influence over income and finances. Yet, sadly, women continue to face seemingly insurmountable barriers that deter them from becoming full and equal members of society, particularly when it comes to access to formal financial institutions, and that is what this bill would do. It updates and expands USAID policies with respect to microenterprise assistance authority, to chip away at those barriers that exist now. It will also include support for small- and medium-sized enterprises. These are the real drivers of employment in so many places around the globe. Also, it would provide women with greater access to economic activities.…”