On the recordMarch 11, 2020
Today, I rise to recognize Women's History Month, a time to highlight the many often-overlooked female contributions to our national history. Great women have undoubtedly helped make America great. From the classroom to the boardroom, from Capitol Hill to outer space, their impact is undeniable. Now, across our land, women-owned businesses are thriving in our booming economy above all others. Over the past 5 years, these businesses have grown by 21 percent, compared to 9 percent across all other sectors. An example of this entrepreneurial spirit is seen in Lakeland, Florida's own Angie Ruff. Mrs. Ruff opened a dry food manufacturing business in 2018. Through her dedication and passion for creating good local jobs, her warehouse has since tripled in size, and her head count quadrupled. The future for her and other entrepreneurs like her looks bright. It is because of individuals like Angie Ruff, who are making history, that I am proud to represent Florida's 15th District on the House Small Business Committee, and it is because of dedicated women like her that we can proudly say: America is back and open for business. ____________________
