Tom Udall: “I rise to speak on the McGovern amendment which supports one of the most dynamic and vital segments of our society…”

“I rise to speak on the McGovern amendment which supports one of the most dynamic and vital segments of our society: women entrepreneurs. Women-owned businesses are the fastest growing businesses in our country. In fact, those businesses owned by women of color are growing three times faster than the overall business growth rate. It is imperative that we do all we can to assist their efforts to run successful businesses. This amendment brings additional funding to the Women's Business Center Program and the National Women's Business Council. The Women's Business Center Program provides assistance to tens of thousands of women entrepreneurs in all 50 states, giving preference to those women from disadvantaged backgrounds. In the next fiscal year, the Women's Business Center Program is authorized to receive $13 million. This amendment ensure that the program receives all of those funds as opposed to the current appropriation of a mere $8.9 million. Fully funding the program ensures that it reaches the largest number of people with maximum effectiveness.”