Entrepreneurs launch new ventures for a range of reasons--a change in career, to bring a new idea to market, to support their families, supplement their income, or simply to pursue a lifelong dream.

I would welcome, I believe, with many of our constituents and small businesses, a center within the Sixth Congressional District.

While access to affordable capital is a perennial challenge for all small businesses, for underserved communities, this obstacle can be particularly daunting.

Yet even as these important populations become more involved in entrepreneurship, challenges remain.

Here in New York, we have a particularly vibrant culture of entrepreneurship.

I have heard from business owners in Queens and business organizations that there is insufficient outreach from the Federal Government.

Small-business ownership and entrepreneurship have a long track record of helping Americans achieve self-sufficiency.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for your tremendous leadership and your willingness to hold this important hearing right here in Queens, New York City.

Concerns across the construction industry from subcontractors and prime contractors have been raised about the effectiveness of reverse auctions.

I was happy to be an original supporter of this legislation, and I want to thank Mr. Hanna and Mr. Graves for sponsoring this important legislation.

While money can be saved in the short term, the quality of projects and the contractors are often questionable.