Joni Ernst: “Our Nation cannot afford to extend another flawed program that fails to meet the innovation challenges of the 21st…”

“Our Nation cannot afford to extend another flawed program that fails to meet the innovation challenges of the 21st century. With China at our heels and wasted taxpayer dollars being funneled out the door, it is clear the status quo does not work or serve our truly small businesses. The moment for action is now, but my colleague wants to shut the door on that and continue with more of the same for another year. I will keep working to safeguard SBIR-funded technologies from our adversaries and ensure we invest in the best and brightest small businesses so America maintains our technological advantage; however, continuing the status quo is not a solution I can support. Without my amendment, on behalf of our warfighters, our national security, and our hard-working taxpayers, I therefore object.”