Nita Lowey

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Chair, I move to strike the requisite number of words.

Mrs. LOWEY. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Chairwoman, as chair of the State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee for the last 4 years, I worked in a bipartisan manner with my friend, Chairwoman Kay Granger, to ensure our bill protects our national security, and I do appreciate her efforts to sustain our successes and note the inclusion of $3 billion pursuant to the MOU between the United States and Israel and continued commitments to Egypt and Jordan in the bill we consider today. I am also pleased the bill continues robust investment in basic education, which is the cornerstone of free, healthy and economically stable societies. Tough measures we authored to hold accountable recipients of U.S. assistance in Afghanistan are also preserved in this bill to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent efficiently and effectively to achieve our security priorities in the region. However, irresponsible cuts in policies in the CR will threaten global stability and American interests abroad. There is broad bipartisan agreement that a three-legged stool of defense, diplomacy and development is vital to our national security, yet this bill would dramatically weaken U.S. diplomacy and development. Despite the ongoing events in Egypt, burgeoning protests throughout the region, instability around the world, this bill undermines our efforts aimed at democratic governance and alternative development options, our support of international financial institutions, conflict mitigation and reconciliation, disaster assistance, and global health priorities. In addition, the Republican leadership has taken a divisive approach by including reinstatement of the global gag rule and a prohibition on funds for the United Nations Population Fund in our first spending bill in the new majority. During my 4 years as chair of the subcommittee, I refrained from including many women's health priorities I fought for throughout my career so that we could work together to advance America's best interests. This CR would deny millions of women abroad family planning and basic health services, and I'm deeply disappointed that my colleagues refuse to work with us to bolster our efforts to prevent unintended pregnancies and the spread of disease in the developing world. Finally, these measures are brought to the floor under the guise of fiscal responsibility. Let me be clear: This bill would endanger our national and economic security, hurt job growth, and put an extreme social agenda ahead of restoring our economy. So I urge my colleagues to oppose this bill. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mrs. LOWEY. I had not intended to speak, my colleagues, on this issue, but I do feel that my friend, the gentleman, does deserve a response to clarify the facts and to talk to this body about why funding for UNFPA is so important. Mr. Chairman, first of all, I fervently believe that UNFPA is essential to achieving our global health goals. UNFPA's family planning and reproductive health activities are key elements of global health, and they contribute to the comprehensive strategy of the U.S. for sustainable development. The UNFPA improves the reproductive and maternal health of women around the world through the implementation of effective voluntary--voluntary--family planning policies and programs. It is the largest multilateral provider of family planning and reproductive health information and services with programs in nearly 150 countries. The U.S. Government's partnership with the UNFPA leverages funds for these health programs, including the reduction of maternal mortality, the promotion of the human rights of women, including those affected by conflict and natural disasters, and it extends the reach of U.S. Government support to a number of countries where USAID does not have programs. UNFPA works with governments to develop and strengthen laws and national capacities to promote women's equality, the prevention of gender-based violence, including in refugee and conflict situations. Improving the health and well-being of populations in other countries, especially those of women and children, promotes internal stability and social and economic progress. I would like to remind my colleagues that the Kemp-Kasten amendment prohibits funding for any organization or program which, as determined by the President of the United States, supports or participates in the management of a program of coercive abortion or involuntarily sterilization. We oppose China's coercive birth limitation policies. The facts show that UNFPA does not support or participate in the management of any program of coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization. In fact, UNFPA works to eliminate them. In 2009, the department concluded, based on the review of available facts, that the UNFPA does not engage in these activities. We continue to monitor UNFPA's programs. We continue to believe that UNFPA's activities in China do not implicate Kemp-Kasten. As part of our due diligence, the department sent a team to China to review UNFPA's program in June 2010 prior to the UNFPA executive board's renewal of the China Country Program. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. LOWEY. I understand that it is quite easy in a time of fiscal belt tightening to offer an amendment to reduce funding for international financial institutions, but I would encourage my colleagues to recognize that voting in favor of this amendment has serious consequences for U.S. interests. The amendment would cut funding to the Asian Development Fund, which provides loans and grants to support basic health care, education, infrastructure, and economic development resources to frontline countries such as Pakistan and Afghanistan. The International Development Association which provides debt relief to developing countries and is supporting an integrated agricultural initiative to address the global food crisis. The Global Environment Facility, which provides grants and loans to preserve some of the most vulnerable habitats in the world. The International Fund For Agricultural Development, which provides grants and loans to the poorest of the poor to support food security programs as a compliment to U.S. Government-funded programs. The amendment would undermine the ability of the United States to meet its commitment to global debt relief efforts and to countries around the world that rely on grants and loans from these institutions to stabilize their economies. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce strongly opposes this amendment. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce strongly opposes this amendment because it would impair the ability of U.S. companies to access developing markets. The Chamber recognizes that these programs help build reliable trading partners for the United States, which in turn creates jobs here at home and strengthens our own economy. In light of that fact, it is puzzling why the majority would propose these cuts. With regard to international organizations, the CR cuts the request to below levels enacted under President Bush. This level would result in draconian cuts to our contributions to UNICEF, the United Nations Development Program, the Montreal Protocol to prevent ozone-depleting substances, and a wide range of programs that address counterterrorism and security activities, sustainable development, humanitarian needs, reduce violence against women, human rights, scientific, environmental, and international trade development. This would represent a major step back from U.S. engagement in these organizations and dramatically impact U.S. national security. This cut would harm U.S. support for efforts in international development, human rights and environmental areas, as well as send the wrong signal to our partners and allies. I urge a no vote on this amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. LOWEY. I thank the gentleman for yielding. I also want to congratulate my friend for the important work that you're doing with regard to fistula. I've seen it. I know the suffering that women go through, and I thank you for your leadership on this issue. The hour is late. The gentleman and I have been talking about this issue for many, many years, and I'd be delighted to have a further discussion, but for the purpose of this debate and the purpose of closing the bill for the moment, I just want to close again by making it clear. We oppose China's coercive birth limitation policy, and the facts show that UNFPA does not support or participate in the management of any programs of coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization. In fact, UNFPA works to eliminate them, and I think it's important to note, again, that in 150 countries that do not receive bilateral support and family planning we have seen some very, very important work that actually saves women's lives. So I would like to say to the gentleman, as we are closing this debate, thank you for your good work. We can agree to disagree on this issue, but I think this is such an important program and we have provided such invaluable help to women that I would hope that at some point we could agree on that. I thank the gentleman from New York for yielding, and I thank our chairwoman for your important work on this bill.

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Chairman, I rise to strike the last word.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Chair, I move to strike the last word.

Mrs. LOWEY. As I visit all the communities of my district, I am asked about high unemployment, how government can help promote job growth, and how we can get the economy working again for families trying to make ends meet. It is clear that the top priority in New York and across the country is creating jobs. But when I'm in Washington, I don't hear the House leadership answering that call. Since the beginning of the year, we have yet to debate a single bill that would create a single job. There have been no attempts to make the targeted investments in innovation and education that will help us win the next century, as the President mentioned in the State of the Union. In the last decade, unemployment has skyrocketed while the number of abortions has decreased. Yet today the majority is pursuing an extreme assault on women's health and reproductive rights by eliminating the cost-effective Family Planning Program. My amendment would restore $317 million for title X family planning because it is a wise investment. Publicly supported family planning clinics save taxpayers nearly $4 for every $1 that is spent providing contraceptive care. In New York, more than 340,000 women are served by title X funding clinics and 66 percent have incomes at or below poverty level. Elimination of the program in the CR would only guarantee higher government health care costs for these low-income Americans in future years. If our goal is to cut spending, it is reckless to eliminate this program that saves taxpayer dollars. It is unconscionable that those Americans who most need access to the affordable basic health care title X provides, like cancer screenings and contraceptives, have become victims of the extreme right's divisive partisan attempts to deny women a full range of legal health services. Even as we consider this wrongheaded bill, they are simultaneously pursuing legislation and authorizing committees to roll back the clock on a woman's right to choose, women's services available to victims of rape and incest, and even allow hospitals to deny lifesaving treatments for women. Not once have I heard a constituent say that it's important for the government to get to work on restricting women's health choices and denying basic care. At a time of high unemployment and enormous economic challenges, Congress should focus on job creation. The assault on women's health must stop now.

Mrs. LOWEY. It's deja vu. Here we go again. This week, we are again fighting extreme efforts to dismantle the public broadcasting services that 170 million Americans use for news and education. In 1995 and in 2005, we defeated efforts to slash the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. How long will it take for some people to learn that the public wants Congress to focus on creating jobs, not laying off Burt and Ernie with GO-pink slips. My grandchildren are learning from not only old favorites like Big Bird, but also Maya and Miguel, Clifford the Big Red Dog, and a cast of other fun and educational characters. Millions of Americans rely on public TV and radio for vital news in the community, and broadcasters leveraged $6 for every $1 in Federal funds. Do we want to live in a society in which the only characters that appear on children's programs are those who gross the highest profits rather than those who deliver the most compelling lessons to our kids? Or one where our news is delivered primarily from sources focused on their bottom line? Of course not. That is why I am so pleased to support this amendment to restore cuts. In recent years, we have already cut funding for programs related to public broadcasting, including the Department of Education's Ready-to- Teach Program. We cannot abandon the Corporation for Public Broadcasting altogether. Republicans should be less preoccupied with silencing Cookie Monster and more focused on getting our economy back on track. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. LOWEY. I move to strike the last word.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. I thank the gentleman, our distinguished chair. It's been a pleasure working with you. And I just want to say to the current chair of our committee, we've always worked in a bipartisan way, and that's why I reluctantly rise in opposition to the State and Foreign Operations budget in the CR. But I look forward to continuing to work together. These are irresponsible cuts. These cuts would threaten global security and stability. Despite broad agreement that a three-legged stool of defense, diplomacy, and development is vital to our national security, this bill dramatically weakens diplomacy and development. On a positive note, I'm pleased with the inclusion of $3 billion pursuant to the MOU between the United States and Israel and continued commitments to Egypt and Jordan. However, especially given the ongoing development in Egypt, through the region, and around the world, the drastic cuts in democratic governance, alternate development options, international financial institutions, conflict mitigation, reconciliation, disaster assistance, and global health, would significantly impede our ability to achieve our security objectives. I'm really disappointed with the Republican leadership's partisan approach because, as I mentioned, during my 4 years as chair of the subcommittee, I worked closely with my ranking member, and we did not include divisive social issues in our bills. Yet this CR would reinstate the global gag rule and prohibit funds for the United Nations Population Fund, denying millions of women family planning and basic health services. Finally, while all these measures are brought to the floor under the guise of fiscal responsibility, in my judgment, they endanger our long- term economic security and fail to create jobs. So I urge my colleagues to oppose this bill.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Tomorrow, the House will vote on the Patients' Rights Repeal Act. While none of us thought that the landmark reform bill passed last year was perfect, repeal would only recreate many problems that last year's bill solved. Instead of identifying specific improvements, Republicans have proposed to repeal every single consumer protection, protections that benefit all of our constituents. We cannot allow this irresponsible bill to become law. During the debate over health insurance reform in 2009, I received countless letters from individuals throughout my district who testified to the dire need to address high costs and inadequacy in service. For example, a constituent from White Plains told me about her 27-year-old son who was battling cancer and cannot afford some of the treatments. She wrote, ``From discrimination by insurance companies against the millions of us with `preexisting conditions' to lack of affordable care, we've had enough.'' By ending denials of coverage based on preexisting conditions, 9,200 residents of my congressional district with preexisting conditions will now have access to health insurance. That is just one benefit of reform that's at stake. If the repeal law were to become law, insurers could impose devastating annual and lifetime benefit caps. Young adults would lose coverage on their parents' plans. Pregnant women and breast cancer and prostate cancer survivors could be denied coverage when they most need it. Seniors would pay higher prescription drug costs. Consumer protections for 445,000 constituents who have private insurance would be rescinded, resulting in higher health care costs and reduced coverage. 22,100 businesses and 91,000 families in my district would not receive tax credits to access better and more affordable coverage. Large insurers would no longer be required to spend at least 85 percent of premiums on health benefits and justify large rate increases. And reforms the Commonwealth Foundation estimates will lower the rate of premium increases by $2,000 on average by the end of the decade will be undone. I am very happy to work with anyone who genuinely wants to improve health coverage and make it more affordable. I am deeply concerned that this vote tomorrow is about keeping campaign promises without serious examination of the impact of this repeal, especially on Americans like my 27-year-old constituent in White Plains who has cancer. To my colleagues, if you want to help your constituents who have insurance and the millions of Americans who don't, I urge you to vote ``no'' on repealing every consumer protection that benefits them. Thank you.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Speaker, I rise in condemnation of the senseless attack that took place on Saturday, January 8th in Tucson, Arizona targeting Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and other innocent men, women, and children. The families and friends of those victims who died in the attack-- Gabriel Zimmerman, U.S. District Judge John Roll, Phyllis Schenck, Dorwin Stoddard, Dorothy Morris, and nine-year-old Christina Taylor Green--are in all of our thoughts and prayers. It is heartbreaking that so many lost their lives as a result of the actions of one highly disturbed individual. We also hope and pray for the health of Gabby Giffords and fourteen other innocent individuals who were injured in this premeditated and indiscriminate act of violence. I pray that they will gain the strength to recover physically and emotionally from this horrific event. Gabby Giffords is a warm, kind, and spirited woman and a dedicated and hardworking representative. It is all the more tragic that this violent act occurred as she was fulfilling her most basic duty as a representative--solving government problems for her constituents and listening to their concerns and opinions about federal issues. I commend the heroes of January 8th. Without the heroic actions of bystanders who subdued the shooter and those who administered first aid to the victims, as well as the first responders and medical personnel who saved victims' lives, the toll of fatalities and injuries surely would have been far worse. If anything positive could come of this horrifying event, I hope that self-reflection will result in a return to civility in our political discourse. Elected officials, media personalities, and political activists should make a real effort to turn down the temperature in heated rhetoric, carefully considering the actions it could incite, even if unintended, and the public at large must reject the incendiary language that has become too common. Those who died in Tucson on Saturday will not be forgotten, and justice will be served for the attacker who caused such heartbreak for so many. We all pray for the families of the victims, the recovery of the survivors, and a more civil and peaceful tomorrow.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Speaker, today the House will consider the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. More than 70,000 Americans from every state descended upon ground zero to help recover and rebuild after 9/11. Some have died from illnesses as a result and more than 17,000 who are ill lack the care they need. Just as we provide medical care for our troops, we must care for those who heroically responded. Passage of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act is a milestone for our nation, as we finally fulfill our obligation to those who sacrificed so much for us. Our nation owes a debt of gratitude that can never be fully repaid to the September 11 responders who died or were sickened as a result of their brave and selfless actions. Nearly all of us represent a responder, and almost nine years later, have a duty to do what is right--vote for this bill today.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. I thank the chair for yielding to me because it's been such an honor for me to serve with David Obey, one of the most effective legislators this body has known. And we are so sad to see your service in Congress coming to an end. People have described David many ways: direct, gruff, cantankerous, and maybe even some words not suitable for the Congressional Record. But for me, it has been such a great honor to serve with somebody who exemplifies exactly what a Representative should be. He is one of the most principled legislators this body has ever known. David's critical role in bringing to an end the Vietnam War, a sad chapter in American history, is well known. He understands and takes seriously the congressional role in authorizing war and peace, and he has never taken lightly our solemn obligation to the American people in this regard. He has served this institution with great honesty. Regardless of your request, idea, opinion, or question, you never have to wonder about where David Obey stands. He is always going to tell it to you straight. And even in holding one of the most powerful positions in Congress, he never lost sight of who exactly sent him here--the people of Wisconsin's Seventh District. To this day, more than 40 years after he was elected to Congress, he still maintains the fierce, dogged determination on behalf of the health, education, safety, and economic opportunity of the people of Wisconsin. The United States Congress is a better institution, the people of Wisconsin are better off today as a result of your service. And even though some may describe you in colorful ways, I will always be proud to call you a colleague and a dear friend.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 335, a concurrent resolution in remembrance and appreciation of Ambassador Richard Holbrooke. The passing of Ambassador Holbrooke on Monday, December 13, is a great loss for the American people. One of our Nation's most talented diplomats, Richard Holbrooke possessed a fierce determination and unsurpassed brilliance in advocating for American security, diplomatic and development interests around the world--in Southeast Asia and post- Cold War Europe, at the United Nations, and most recently in Afghanistan and Pakistan. His exceptional accomplishments as a peacemaker, diplomat, writer, scholar, manager, and mentor will define his legacy as one of the true great foreign policy giants of our time. I was honored and privileged to have known Richard Holbrooke from his time brokering the Dayton Peace Accords, helping to end the ethnic cleansing and genocide in the Balkans. His political acumen, deft maneuvering and relentless, dogged pursuit of peace saved tens of thousands of innocent lives in Bosnia and helped to stabilize one of the most volatile regions in the world. In his role as Special Representative to Afghanistan and Pakistan, it was a privilege to work with him as our Nation navigates an intractable situation for regional and global security. Throughout his career, he served the United States as a tireless advocate, loyal patriot and tenacious fighter for U.S. interests. Richard Holbrooke was a giant of diplomacy and a trusted voice for me and many other Members of Congress who valued his counsel. Our Nation owes him a debt of gratitude for his many years of service. My thoughts and prayers and deepest sympathies are with his beloved wife, Kati; his children and grandchildren; and countless friends and colleagues. We will miss you, Richard. Rest in peace, my friend. However, I know your wise advice will continue to guide us. I urge all of my colleagues to support this resolution in honor of one of our country's greatest diplomats.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Speaker, I regrettably missed rollcall votes on December 14. Had I been present, I would have voted in the following manner: Rollcall No. 628: ``yea''; Rollcall No. 629: ``yea''; and Rollcall No. 630: ``yea.''

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2965, the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010. I am proud to cosponsor this common-sense legislation, which would end this discriminatory policy in an organized manner once and for all. Following President Obama's call for repeal of ``Don't Ask, Don't Tell'' as part of his State of the Union Address, the Armed Forces engaged in a 9-month long, comprehensive review, receiving input from more than 115,000 active-duty and reserve members and more than 44,000 spouses. A clear and overwhelming majority of our Armed Forces believe allowing gay and lesbian individuals to serve openly would not have a negative impact. Offered by Iraq War veteran Congressman Patrick Murphy, this bill would ensure individuals wishing to serve in the Armed Forces are permitted to do so regardless of sexual orientation. It is insulting to our brave men and women on the ground to insinuate that they are not professional enough to follow the orders of their Commander-in-Chief, to defend our Nation during a time of war, or to continue serving heroically, simply because they serve alongside gay and lesbian service members. This repeal has the support of the Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Admiral Mike Mullen. Both of these men have spent their careers protecting and defending this Nation and could not be more forceful in their insistence that now is the right time to repeal this unfair policy that benefits no one and compromises the quality of our military. I have no doubt that if this repeal would be harmful to our troops or to our national security, they would speak out forcefully. Admiral Mullen himself said during his recent testimony, ``Our people sacrifice a lot for their country, including their lives. None of them should have to sacrifice their integrity as well.'' Gays and lesbians who wish to defend our Nation are patriots, pure and simple--no less so than a straight soldier, airman, seaman, or marine--and they deserve to be treated as such. I stand with Congressman Murphy in calling for repeal of ``Don't Ask, Don't Tell'' and urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Speaker, this is a blatant attempt to politically interfere with the programming decision-making of America's public radio stations. Efforts to deny funding to public broadcasting for political reasons are a violation of America's standards of a free and independent press. This represents a wholesale breach of local stations' ability to make local, independent decisions to meet the needs of local audiences. Fundamentally, public broadcasting is rooted in local communities. Stations are locally licensed and governed, locally programmed and locally staffed. It is a system of local stations interconnected to enable local, regional and national program production and distribution, but committed to local service. For more than 40 years, the federal government has provided financial support for public broadcasting--to provide essential educational, news and cultural programming that meets the local needs of American communities, large and small. Public broadcasting is the last remaining source of independent, non- commercial, thought-provoking broadcast media in the country. In many communities, public radio is the only source of free local, national and international news and music and cultural programming. Public radio stations are located in nearly every major city and small town, delivering highly trusted, agenda-free news and information to 37 million Americans each week. Federal funding has played an important role in assuring free and universal access to programs that inform and enrich the life of millions of Americans in every corner of the country. Vote ``yes'' on the previous question.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. More than 70,000 Americans from every State, including more than 1,100 from my district, descended upon Ground Zero to recover and rebuild after 9/11. They ran into burning buildings. They rescued trapped workers. They sorted through destruction. I know. We were there. Just as we provide medical care for our troops, we must care for the 13,000 who are now sick as a result of their heroic actions in a toxic environment. They disregarded their personal safety for our country. We must pass the bipartisan bill before us today. Nearly all of us represent a responder, no matter where in the United States we're from, and 9 years later we have a responsibility to do what is right. Vote for the rule and vote for the bipartisan bill.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which begins on October 1. This month should serve as a time to reflect on the struggles faced by women fighting this deadly disease and to celebrate how far we have come and all we have accomplished in the fight for a cure. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, which has provided health services to more than 3.7 million underserved women. It focuses on one of the key factors in surviving breast cancer--early detection. Due to the sobering fact that breast cancer will afflict 1.3 million women this year, it is vital that we ensure access to affordable breast health services. Last year alone, the early detection program screened almost 325,000 women for breast cancer--and detected 4,600 instances of cancer. In addition to maintaining this progress, we must also maintain our investment in innovative research to develop better screening tools and treatments. Numerous provisions in the health reform law will improve breast cancer screening, including annual mammograms for women age 40 and older. A number of non-profit organizations are dedicated to saving lives and ensuring quality care for those suffering from this terrible disease. This is the 30th anniversary of Nancy G. Brinker's promise to her sister, Susan Komen, that she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. I encourage everyone to join me in recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I would like to acknowledge this month as a time of hope for those fighting this disease and to honor the 2.5 million survivors living in the U.S. today who serve as a testament to the power of education, early detection, and advances in treatment.

Mrs. LOWEY

Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the Small Business Jobs and Credit Act of 2010, which includes the Small Business Job Creation and Access to Capital Act I sponsored. This measure will increase the Small Business Administration loan limits to help small businesses with high inventory or property costs, as well as those in high cost-of-living areas, such as Westchester and Rockland Counties, NY. These provisions, which are fully paid for, are expected to increase lending to small businesses by $5 billion nationally in the first year. SBA loans create jobs and have helped small businesses in my district. I recently visited a Tea Shop that used an SBA microloan to make necessary repairs to the building prior to opening. This small business has now hired five employees, as well as plumber, electrician, and contractor to make the repairs. A flooring company in Elmsford that outgrew its first facility secured an SBA 504 loan to build a new 11,000 square foot energy efficient facility, hire six new workers, and expand its business. In addition, the construction of the new facility helped bring business to manufacturers and contractors in my district. Small businesses will lead our economic recovery and create jobs. I urge the House to support this bill to help our small businesses.