Political Quotes

“I thank my friend for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the SBIR and STTR Extension Act. This bill is extremely timely, as the authorizations for these programs expire in just a few days. I am pleased that the bill we are considering today represents a bipartisan, bicameral agreement that provides both small businesses and agencies clarity by reauthorizing the programs for another 3 years. The SBIR and STTR programs play an important role in our innovation economy. Through these programs, research agencies provide opportunities to small businesses who are then able to leverage private-sector funding to propel research forward. The programs incentivize economic growth in two ways: They support entrepreneurship and job creation at small businesses across the country. They also support high-risk research to drive breakthrough technologies that make America more competitive. These programs are a notable example of how public-private partnerships can provide value and stimulate innovation. Importantly, this reauthorization includes several reforms to the programs that are priorities for Republican Members, including: Protecting our research enterprise, bolstering transparency and oversight, and focusing on successful commercialization. I am pleased that this reauthorization includes strong due diligence measures that each agency with an SBIR or STTR program must enforce.…”