Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, I am deeply concerned about the direction H.R. 3322, the Omnibus Civilian Science Authorization Act of 1996, will take this Nation. It purports to support basic science and end corporate welfare, but I believe the policies advocated by the bill look to the past rather than to the future. The bill would kill programs that support small business and create good, high-paying jobs in this worldwide economy. First, it eliminates the Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program. MEP centers, as they are known in 42 States, assist small- and medium-size firms employing fewer than 500 workers to modernize in order to compete in the demanding global marketplace in the 1990's and beyond. This program has strong support of the business community, State and local governments, and the Congress. Mr. Chairman, we are not talking about big, multinational corporations. There are 381,000 small manufacturers who are struggling to maintain their competitiveness. Their competitors are just as likely to be companies in Asia or Europe as another company down the street. The MEP is a highly successful program for small business and this Nation.”