Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, this is a short and simple bill. H.R. 3915 authorizes a general extension of all programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act from its current ending date of March 15, 2004, until April 2 of 2004. This will allow SBA programs that expire on Monday to continue to operate. In particular, these include the surety bond program which enables small businesses to obtain surety bonds in order to bid on government contracts, cosponsorship authority so that the SBA can host events or print publications with the private sector, and procurement of assistance that is provided to certain small businesses. H.R. 3915 as amended also authorizes the SBA to charge fees for the 504 loan program with a certified development company until May 21 of 2004. This program operates solely based on the fees charged by the SBA to certified development companies. If such fees are not extended, there will be no way for certified development companies to make the type of long-term loans that small businesses rely on to create new jobs. The 504 program operates totally upon user fees and has not received an appropriation since 1996. Unless H.R. 3915 is signed by the President soon, the 504 program will shut down on Monday.”