James Barcia: “I rise in support of H.R. 2733, the Enterprise Integration Act of 2002; and I thank the chairman of the Committee on…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 2733, the Enterprise Integration Act of 2002; and I thank the chairman of the Committee on Science, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Boehlert), and ranking member, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hall), for recognizing the importance of this bill and taking the steps necessary for this bill to be considered here today. I also want to thank the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Ehlers), the subcommittee chairman and lead cosponsor, for the gentleman's efforts over the past year. His suggested changes have enhanced the legislation, and his legislative efforts have contributed significantly to the progress we have made on this legislation. I just want to take a couple of minutes to outline the need and purpose of the Enterprise Integration Act of 2002 and say I appreciate the comments of my colleagues who have spoken before me on the need for this legislation to become law, to not only help small and medium-sized businesses throughout the Midwest, but across the country. And also to say that as impressive as the growth of Internet companies has been, its impact pales in significance to the impact that the Internet is having on how businesses work together. Changes already under way in the manufacturing sector will permit a manufacturer and its suppliers to function as one virtual company. Companies will be able to exchange information of all types with their suppliers at the speed of light.…”