Political Quotes

“The fact of the matter is that our constituents were only informed 5 short weeks ago that ScaleUp was ending in 2 months. This amendment is the only recourse available given that very short timeframe, and because evidence-based measures of ScaleUp performance are all very positive, none of us had any reason to believe that the program would not continue, and the announcement came as a complete surprise to all of us. The fact of the matter is, I don't agree with the decision of the Small Business Administration, and it is our job as a function of our oversight and check and balance responsibility to pursue our disagreement, as it were, because their decision flies in the face of the evidence. I would argue that the appropriation process exists so that Congress can exercise this independent oversight of the spending priorities of the executive branch and assert itself in exactly this sort of a circumstance. Mr. Chair, I would dearly love to work with the chair of the Small Business Committee on legislation to specifically authorize the ScaleUp program, but that is a longer term issue. This program will end at the end of this month if we don't act now, taking away a very valuable program that is working--evidence, metrics, measurable. It is getting the job done. Why wouldn't we pass this amendment, it is fully offset, there is no increased spending here, and have the existing program continue while we work on a more permanent solution. Mr.…”