Donald M. Payne: “let me just commend the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Roemer), and the number of cosponsors of this amendment.…”

“let me just commend the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Roemer), and the number of cosponsors of this amendment. Microeconomics is very important. First of all, it puts women in charge because many of these loans go to women. Secondly, when we looked at the accounts, interestingly enough, the payment return rate is exceedingly high, between 90 and 95 percent of these microeconomic loans. It means a lot of empowerment, not only because it brings in extra revenue, but it gives women a position in many instances of working for women's rights and independence and self-reliance. So I think that the money that we are talking about will go a long, long way. It will also show as an example by what happens to the women. Mr. Chairman, I support this amendment, and I urge its adoption.”