Sheila Jackson Lee: “I thank the gentleman for his leadership, and I thank the full Committee on Ways and Means for being a lifeline for…”

“I thank the gentleman for his leadership, and I thank the full Committee on Ways and Means for being a lifeline for small businesses. And I ask my colleagues on the floor of the House to join them. Without this effort, small business doors across America will close. And, frankly, I believe it is important. As my colleague just said, let us walk the walk and talk the talk. For it is now time to invest in small businesses, which, in actuality, create the backbone of the economy of America and provide for employment in our rural and urban areas across this Nation. In fact, I think it is important to note this bill is paid for. By closing the black liquor loophole and the gift loophole, it will create $8 billion to ensure that we can do the right thing for our small businesses. I come from an area that is now being impacted by a major oil spill. I visit businesses whose doors are closing for lack of assistance. And I'm glad that we have a President who realizes who is important and is ready to sign this bill. Small businesses are in need. And so what we have here is an opportunity for banks to refocus their lending policies and give startup credit and access to dollars to help build these small businesses.”