Political Quotes

“I rise to speak about a wonderful program which is transforming the lives of millions of poor families around the world. I am referring to microcredit lending. Microcredit involves giving small, low-interest, start-up loans to poor but hard-working, aspiring entrepreneurs so that they can start their thriving small businesses known as microenterprises. It is a program which has demonstrated the potential to help the poorest family emerge from poverty and, by extension, to help create a more inclusive global economy. Results in Miami under the leadership of Gail Newman, Kathleen Gordon, and many other volunteers has helped dozens become entrepreneurs. Microcredit works locally and it can work globally, as well. It is not a handout. It is an opportunity, an investment, an exercise in responsibility and accountability. In developing countries, the rate of repayment to these established programs range from 95 to 99 percent. Foreign assistance used under the microcredit program is loaned and paid back with interest and is recycled and used for new loans, thus reaching an even greater percentage of the world's poor. Microcredit is empowerment. It is a tool which builds upon the human spirit. It is the U.S. helping others to help themselves. Microcredit is action in support of our humanitarian instincts and objectives. I support this program, and when the bill comes to the floor, H.R. 1143, I ask that my colleagues give their strong support.”