Political Quotes

“I thank Chairwoman Velazquez and Ranking Member Chabot for this opportunity as a freshman. It doesn't escape me that you all have allowed me to move forward with a meaningful piece of legislation as a freshman, and I can assure you that the people I represent thank you all very much. Mr. Speaker, small businesses, whether in urban centers or rural areas, deserve access to small business administration resources. The Microloan Transparency and Accountability Act is strong, bipartisan legislation that improves rural access to the SBA microloan program and will help ensure that community-based businesses, and not just the heavy hitters, have access to needed resources. {time} 1445 As a former local mayor, I know the difference that easy access to loans, even small ones, can make for our American mom-and-pop shops. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, rural small businesses often don't get enough consideration from microloan providers. To incentivize interest in supporting our rural small businesses, this legislation would establish a 5 percent technical assistance grant for intermediaries who make 25 percent of their loans to these small businesses. Rural small businesses will have more opportunity to grow and innovate with the help of this legislation. This bill also improves transparency within the SBA microloan program so American taxpayers know their dollars are being invested responsibly. Under this legislation, Mr.…”