Political Quotes

“I rise in strong support of this rule and the underlying legislation that provides relief to small businesses by expanding lending opportunities and offering tax incentives to help them grow. Small businesses are absolutely the backbone of the American economy, and they are especially important in my home State of Rhode Island, where they make up 97 percent of our employers. Now more than ever, we are pursuing every possible avenue to create a job that gets this economy back on track. None of us can be satisfied that our economy is performing where it should be, especially in my home State where we now have the fourth highest unemployment rate in the Nation of 12.5 percent. None of us can accept that status quo right now, and Congress absolutely must support the growth of these small businesses and help stimulate the real engine of our Nation's economy. American prosperity absolutely depends upon the success of small businesses and the innovative spirit of the American people, but they need the right support. I'm committed to bringing relief to the small businesses that are struggling in our States. I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and let's give our small businesses what they need to create the jobs that will get America back on track.”