John Kerry: “I am pleased today to submit a Resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that small business participation is vital…”

“I am pleased today to submit a Resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that small business participation is vital to the defense of our Nation, and that Federal, State, and local governments should aggressively seek out and purchase innovative technologies and services from American small businesses to help in homeland defense and the fight against terrorism. Since the events of September 11, the people of our Nation have come together in many ways to help protect our land and its citizens. Whether it is the high number of individuals signing up to become Sky Marshals, fighter pilots pulling letters of resignation and staying in the military, expressions of pride through the display of the American flag or other patriot memorabilia, or the desire of innovative small businesses to sell products to the Federal Government for the fight against terrorism or for homeland defense, the ground swell of patriotism has been truly uplifting. But today, I want to focus the attention of my colleagues on the contributions being made specifically by our small businesses.”