As you know, regional banks are the primary lenders to small and medium-sized businesses.

If there is a time when the federal government must play a role it is when natural disasters strike.

So Puerto Rico is under the territorial clause. It means it is a colony. We, the U.S. Congress, have a responsibility.

I want to give the option to the people of Puerto Rico for them to stay in Puerto Rico, if they choose to.

Do you agree with me that maybe it does not really reflect the real scope of what is going on in Puerto Rico when it comes to federal procurement?

I truly believe that the administrator, Linda McMahon, genuinely cares about what is going on in Puerto Rico, but there is a culture that we need to deal with within the SBA and many other federal agencies.

if I could ask that Ms. Chu be recognized before me because she has been there waiting.

I believe small businesses will be the driving force behind the island's vitality.

I do not want for the people of Puerto Rico, American citizens, to be given preferences. I expect fairness.

Such as the FBI building that is being built in Puerto Rico and where there were a lot of Puerto Rican contractors that bid as prime contractors, but none of them, even when Ms. Gonzalez explained the case of someone who bid with a lower…

this issue from PROMESA was enacted a year ago. And so you are going to come here and you will not have information to provide to me. You know, this is an issue that is too important for American citizens who live in Puerto Rico. For…

We want to make sure that the resources are there to assist the small businesses and that we will do everything within our power to make sure that happens.

Understanding their challenges is vital to restoring economic growth.

My commitment to the Northern Triangle is contingent on the work of CICIG and the work of MACCIH.

setting partisanship aside a little more often and focusing on our commonalities as legislators seeking to improve our nation might behoove us

we stand united in praying for our colleagues, the staffers and the police injured, and we extend our profound thanks to the Capitol Police for their bravery

the Small Business Administration is critical to our nation's overall economic health

So what actions are you taking to correct the inefficiency of not having the leadership providing the input when they needed to do it?

Year after year we are told that small businesses are the catalyst for the growth of the U.S. economy, and rightly so as they create nearly two-thirds of new jobs and are responsible for countless innovations.

Exporting is a key component of small business growth. Yet, only 1 percent of small businesses are currently exporting overseas.

the president is committed to renegotiate NAFTA.

And can you tell the committee, and if we do not have time, would you please send to the committee what specific activities are authorized under this program?

I come back to you because, when you leave this hearing, I want you to understand my concern regarding the gap in financing loans below $360,000 in the 7(a) program.

My position is that this legislation before us is the wrong choice for consumers, for small businesses, and our entire community.

I am looking forward to working with you.