Political Quotes

“Mr. President, the Biotechnology Industry Organization noted: [t]his bill represents a balanced approach to ensure that America's most innovative small businesses can access existing incentives to grow jobs by commercializing new discoveries. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce said: [t]his landmark compromise bill, if passed into law, would unlock the door for entry for businesses that acquire equity funding through venture capital firms without diminishing the programs effectiveness for traditional small businesses, thus setting the stage for a robust and revitalized SBIR program. That is really our goal--a modern program that recognizes the reality of today's innovative small businesses and provides the appropriate environment in which they can flourish. Given the nature of the compromise we have reached--from increasing allocations over a number of years to allowing limited participation by majority-owned venture capital firms--we must allow time for these provisions to take shape and enhance these programs. That is why our legislation reauthorizes these measures for 8 years, through 2019. Indeed, the past two reauthorizations of the SBIR program have been for 8 years each--in 1992 and 2000--as was the last reauthorization for the STTR program in 2001. This long-term reauthorization will allow more small businesses to access this funding without the fear of constant interruptions based on whims of whether Congress will extend these programs for an indefinite period of time.…”