Political Quotes

“I rise in strong support of the Kanjorski-Ridge amendment and the EDA reauthorization before us today. We must come to understand a fact which our Nation's competitors have long known--that the speed with which we incorporate technological advancements in products and manufacturing is the key to long-term economic success. Make no mistake. We are unparalleled in our ability to uncover scientific and technological innovations. But we have been slow in bringing those innovations to the marketplace. Yet that process, the transfer of technology from the laboratory to the production line, is the key to effective economic competition. The Kanjorski-Ridge amendment would give the EDA the ability to help small businesses hit hard by the downsizing of our defense industry get access to technology that will give them a competitive edge. It provides small businesses with one-stop access to federally funded new technologies--allowing them to incorporate these innovations into their manufacturing processes and products. We know that many defense dependent businesses have highly skilled workers and other valuable resources we cannot lose. We understand what it takes to help them be competitive. We know what to do.”