Ralph Hall: “Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4429 is a very important piece of legislation, and I wish to compliment the gentleman from Michigan…”

“Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4429 is a very important piece of legislation, and I wish to compliment the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Barcia) and our chairman for their persistence in focusing the Congress on the impacts that electronic commerce is having on our small businesses throughout this country. Competing as a small businessman can be very tough under the very best of circumstances, and it gets just that much harder during times of rapid change. Today, computers and e-commerce are turning the world of many small businessmen and women on their head. They do not know which way to go. The gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Barcia) and his cosponsors have written legislation that will really help small businesses. It will help them tremendously in obtaining the information and expertise necessary to make intelligent business decisions as they move onto the Internet. This help will be available through the Manufacturing Extension Program of the Department of Commerce.”