On the recordMarch 4, 2010
I rise in strong support of H.R. 2847, the HIRE Act, which will strengthen our economy by limiting job loss and creating new employment opportunities. In addition to provisions that will spur investment in infrastructure and construction projects, this bill provides much-needed assistance and attention and support for small businesses in America. This bill includes a payroll tax holiday for businesses that hire unemployed workers and tax cuts to help small businesses expand and hire more workers. Small businesses, Madam Speaker, have borne the brunt of this economic crisis, and their inability to access credit to keep their businesses operating has clearly added to the high unemployment rate across the Nation, especially in my home State of Rhode Island, which has right now the second highest unemployment rate in the country. So, Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this jobs measure, as well as working on additional legislation that helps small businesses and unemployed workers. Our job is to create jobs, Madam Speaker, and that is exactly what this piece of legislation before us does today.
