So what is the problem here?

I think we have to send a very strong message, and there has to be a clear and delineated process by which this all occurs.

I would welcome some ideas on that question if we have to change it through legislation.

The Federal Acquisition Regulations require that the SBA be the oversight agency.

I think we need to have a response to this Committee, in writing or whatever, to understand fully how this is going to be administered.

I think the question is on the statutory obligation.

We cannot and must not finance operating expenses with perpetual deficits.

Are you satisfied with those procedures?

Our national debt will reach 100 percent of GDP by the end of 2011.

Clearly more can and must be done to eliminate these obstacles that prevent the agency from reaching its full potential.

Do you have enough people to do what you need to do to provide the oversight of these contracting activities?

We have to do something to either clarify that to make sure that this is a primary obligation obviously with the agency.

how much time remains on the Republican side? The PRESIDING OFFICER. Thirteen minutes.

reserving the right to object. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from South Dakota.

I rise today to discuss a bipartisan amendment I have filed to S. 782, the Economic Development Revitalization Act of 2011. This amendment, the Small Business Contracting Fraud Prevention Act of 2011, is cosponsored by Senators McCaskill…

I thank the Senator from North Dakota, Mr. Hoeven, for his excellent remarks. As a former Governor for 10 years, he knows the impact of regulations on small businesses and how detrimental they can be to job creation, particularly at this…

Reserving the right to object, I wish to include the Senator from Oklahoma, Mr. Coburn. The PRESIDING OFFICER. At the conclusion of Senator Thune?

Our amendment includes a number of other provisions that would be important. For instance, we asked the Internal Revenue Service to consider small business impact on rulemaking, and that agencies review their rule penalty structures. I…

Reserving the right to object, the Senator from California has been addressing the Senate, so wouldn't it be appropriate for the Senator from South Dakota to speak?

before I begin to address the pending amendment I have offered along with a number of Senators in response to regulatory reform, I am going to yield to the Senator from North Dakota, who is a cosponsor of this legislation. I am delighted…

I yield the remainder of the time to Senator Brown. It is regrettable, since this is an important issue, that we couldn't have more time on this key issue. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Massachusetts.

I ask unanimous consent for additional time on the bill, since the vote is not going to occur until 2:15, and that time be equally divided.

Thank you, Mr. President. I would urge my colleagues to support this amendment. It is about jobs. It is about small businesses. It is about the well-being of American families. Just remember this: the stark numbers. The unemployment rate…

Thirteen minutes. Thank you, Mr. President. I want to make a few points. It is about solving problems. That is what this is all about. It truly amazes me that we have an amendment here on regulatory reform that everybody agrees with in…

Zach arranged a public seminar that drew 400 individuals on a cold Maine night and garnered broad attention not just in Maine but nationwide.