On the recordMarch 17, 2011
I see we have several colleagues on the floor, and there is another coming down to speak on an amendment. I thank Senator Snowe for her explanation of some of the compromises and changes and modifications the two of us worked on with our committee members over the last 6 years to bring a bill to the floor that has bipartisan support. I thank her. One telling chart I want to put up before yielding to the Senator from Vermont, who wants to speak on an amendment, is very interesting. It talks about job creation and the importance of this program. One report that looked into this program between 1985 and 1995 said that SBIR-awarded firms added an average five times as many employees as comparable firms that did not receive SBIR funding. Again, this is the Federal Government's largest program. Amazingly, it doesn't cost the Federal Government any more money because it is research and development dollars that are already set aside for the purpose of research and development. It makes sure that small businesses have access to these dollars. When we do provide that kind of access, which this bill does, these grants and contracts go to companies that not only produce great technology but hire workers. I wanted to put that into the Record. I have other things to put into the Record as well. I see Senator Sanders, the Senator from Vermont, on the floor. At this point, I yield the floor. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Vermont is recognized.
