Pete Domenici: “On June 12, I introduced in behalf of myself and Senator Bond, along with 24 other cosponsors, a bill to strengthen the…”

“On June 12, I introduced in behalf of myself and Senator Bond, along with 24 other cosponsors, a bill to strengthen the Small Business Administration's [SBA] women's business centers program. This bill, S. 888, the ``Women's Business Centers Act of 1997,'' reflects our commitment for a stronger and more dynamic program for women-owned businesses. I am pleased that the Small Business Committee has included the text of this bill into its 3-year reauthorization of the Small Business Act. It is anticipated that this reauthorization bill will be considered by the Senate within the next few months. The language in the reauthorization bill, as stated in the ``Women's Business Centers Act of 1997,'' increases the annual funding authorization for the women's business centers to $8 million from the present level of $4 million, authorizes the centers to receive funding for 5 years rather than the present 3 years, changes the matching Federal to non-Federal funding formula, and enables organizations receiving funds at the date of enactment to extend their program from 3 to 5 years.”