Nydia Velázquez

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, I have another speaker.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of H.R. 5065, the Prison to Proprietorship for Formerly Incarcerated Act. Madam Speaker, I commend the sponsors of this legislation, Mr. Jeffries from New York and Mr. Burchett from Tennessee, for their commitment and dedication to providing opportunities to the formerly incarcerated, giving them a chance to bring their business ideas to fruition, and, in turn, offering hope for a better life. After paying their debt to society, former inmates return to their communities with hopes and goals of starting fresh. Unfortunately, for numerous reasons, many end up being locked out of the labor market. It is my firm belief that entrepreneurship is a great way to help individuals overcome the barriers to reentering the workforce. For the formerly incarcerated, it can be the difference between successfully reintegrating back into a community or returning to prison. This bill complements the Prison to Proprietorship Act by requiring the Service Corps of Retired Executives, SCORE, to provide entrepreneurship training via mentoring, workshops, and training videos to individuals upon their release from Federal prison. The mentorship will be invaluable in helping these folks launch small businesses, and the workshops will help connect them with their community and other small business owners. As Ben Franklin once said: Tell me and I forget; teach me and I may remember; involve me and I will learn. Entrepreneurship can be one of the best options for gainful employment, and SCORE, with more than 300 chapters across the country and the Nation's largest network of volunteer expert business mentors, is uniquely positioned to teach and provide this business advice to those reentering society. Madam Speaker, I urge Members to support this bipartisan piece of legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5065) to amend the Small Business Act to provide re- entry entrepreneurship counseling and training services for formerly incarcerated individuals, and for other purposes.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Today, we will consider four bipartisan bills that were unanimously approved by the Small Business Committee last November. Two of the bills will provide entrepreneurship training to individuals in prison and post-release. The other two bills will make meaningful improvements to contracting programs that support small businesses. I rise today in support of H.R. 5078, the Prison to Proprietorship Act, as amended. I introduced this bill with my good friend and colleague, Mr. Chabot, the ranking member of the Small Business Committee. I am pleased to be leading this important effort with the ranking member. We have worked together over the years and have made great strides in helping America's 30 million entrepreneurs launch and grow their small businesses. With this bill, we will have an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people's lives. This legislation will require the SBA's resource partners to provide entrepreneurship training to individuals in Federal prisons through intensive, in-depth classroom instruction combined with one-on-one mentoring. Small Business Development Centers and Women's Business Centers, which currently provide free or low-cost counseling and training services at nearly 1,000 locations across the country, are poised and well positioned to carry out these services in Federal prisons. Last fall, the Small Business Committee held a hearing to learn more about the role entrepreneurship can play in overcoming barriers to employment for the formerly incarcerated. We learned that despite steps to reform and improve our criminal justice system, the formerly incarcerated face significant barriers to reentering the workforce. Many employers will not hire these individuals because of the stigma associated with their incarceration or because of legal restrictions in certain industries. In testimony before the House Small Business Committee, a witness said he thought that when he got out of prison and served his time, he would be able to move on and have a second chance in life. Sadly, that was not the case. He soon realized that someone with a felony conviction could be legally discriminated against in housing, employment, public benefits, and voting rights. These impediments can prove difficult to overcome. Studies have shown that an estimated 60 percent of these individuals remain unemployed a year after release. Recidivism rates tend to be higher for those individuals who lack employment. Of the 262,000 offenders who were released from Federal prison between 2002 and 2006, 50 percent of those who could not find a job committed a new crime or were sent back to prison. However, 93 percent of those who were able to secure employment were able to reintegrate back into society successfully. Providing a pathway to entrepreneurship has the potential to empower the formerly incarcerated who are locked out of the labor market to start and grow their own businesses. Programs that focus on leadership skills, financial literacy, developing a business plan, and building networks have the potential to reduce recidivism, provide a great return on investment by leading to economic expansion, and, ultimately, save the taxpayers millions of dollars. The legislation has the support of 10 small business groups, including America's Small Business Development Center, the Association of Women's Business Centers, SCORE, Small Business Majority, and the National Small Business Association, among others. Madam Speaker, I urge Members to support this bipartisan bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5078) to amend the Small Business Act to provide re- entry entrepreneurship counseling and training services for incarcerated individuals, and for other purposes, as amended.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. As the flagship agency tasked with supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses, the SBA can play a pivotal role in providing entrepreneurship training in Federal prisons. I am pleased to be sponsoring this legislation, which will provide meaningful opportunities and hope for those who are committed to rebuilding their lives but are locked out of the labor market. This legislation will go a long way in creating more jobs on Main Street, with the added benefit of reducing recidivism. I thank Ranking Member Chabot and his staff for working with me to provide a path forward for those who have served time and repaid their debt to society. I would add that of the many pieces of legislation that we have marked up and the many hearings that we have conducted in our committee, this has been one of the most rewarding, moving experiences. We all should be proud of providing people with a second chance. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Sylvia Rosen, a New York City original who turned 100 years old this week. Born December 14, 1919 in Manhattan, New York, Sylvia lived with her mother, sister and three brothers. In 1928, at age nine, Sylvia moved to Brooklyn where her family settled at south 9th and Roehling. Sylvia attended elementary school at P.S. 16 in Williamsburg. Later, she attended Seward Park high school. Having grown up with three brothers, Sylvia was a tomboy and enjoyed playing softball with friends and checkers and marbles with brothers and sisters. After graduating high school, Sylvia attended a trade school for sewing. In 1939, Sylvia married her husband, Hyman, in a local synagogue. They moved to Independence Towers when they first opened in 1965. Although her husband passed away in 1978, Sylvia still resides in Independence Towers to this day. Sylvia's best friends are Dina and Elsie. They live nearby and the three celebrate their birthdays together. She also has a cousin named Sylvia. They were both named after their grandma and her mother's best friend. Madam Speaker, as Ms. Sylvia turns 100, I ask all my colleagues to join me in wishing her all the best for a joyous and momentous celebration.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, the facts are clear. The President of the United States withheld $400 million in military aid to an ally of the United States and also held back a White House meeting to compel a foreign nation to investigate his political opponent. At the exact time the President was doing this, Ukraine was engaged in a battle for its very existence with one of America's adversaries, Russia. The President abused his power to persuade a foreign nation to dig up dirt on a political opponent, and that is the truth. This was, quite simply, a geopolitical shakedown. The President then tried to block Congress from exercising its constitutionally mandated duty to uncover the truth. Every single one of us, today, faces a stark choice. If we choose to turn a blind eye, to put political expediency before the Constitution, then we are complicit in this subversion of democracy. If we do not hold this President accountable, we have failed the people who sent us here, and we have abdicated our own oath to defend the Constitution. In the United States of America, no one is above the law, not even the President.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Sister Paulette LoMonaco, a cherished public servant and respected New York leader. Sister Paulette has dedicated her life to helping the vulnerable children, youth and families of New York City, most recently as the executive director of Good Shepherd Services. As she retires this year, I wanted to pay homage to the work she has accomplished on behalf of so many New Yorkers. Sister Paulette was Good Shepherd Services' longest serving executive director, holding the position for 37 years and serving the agency for a total of 50 years. Under Paulette's leadership, Good Shepherd Services transformed from a small provider of out-of-home care for vulnerable girls into one of the largest youth social services agencies in New York City. Today, the agency works with 30,000 children, youth and families annually as well as informs policy debates and innovative models concerning youth outcomes within New York City and beyond. Notably, Sister Paulette's unwavering commitment to the welfare of children and families has led to prominence and respect with city and state leadership. In fact, Sister Paulette fearlessly engaged with mayors and the archdiocese, fighting for accountability on social issues and, ultimately, modernizing New York City's conception of a nun in the 21st century. For her efforts to expand opportunities for nontraditional education and support disconnected families, Sister Paulette has been honored by countless organizations. Not only was she selected by City & State as one of New York's 50 Over 50 and Power 100, but also as a recipient for the Lewis Hine Award and Robin Hood Hero Award. During her tenure at Good Shepherd Services, the agency received The New York Times' Company Excellence Award in 2007 and Crain's Best Place to Work in 2014 Award. Sister Paulette also pioneered the city's first ever transfer school in partnership with the New York City Department of Education and helped reshape the city's foster care system. Madam Speaker, the people of New York owe a debt of gratitude to Sister Paulette for her years of service. I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting her as she moves on to her next phase of life. I wish her and her family all the best and thank her for all she has done for New York's youth.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor James Anthony Secreto, a native Brooklyn son and longtime public servant. James, or Jimmy as his friends call him, has dedicated his life to helping the people of New York City, most recently as the Chief of Housing at the New York Police Department (NYPD). As he retires this week, I wanted to pay homage to the work he has accomplished on behalf of so many New Yorkers. Jimmy was born and raised in Brooklyn's Albany Houses, a New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) development, in Crown Heights. He received his early education at St. Matthew's Roman Catholic Elementary School in Crown Heights for grades one through five. He joined the Robert F. Kennedy Incentive Program and later received an academic scholarship from the Brooklyn Catholic Interracial Council to attend Power Memorial Academy. In 1979, he began his career with the NYPD on patrol in the 25th Precinct. He was promoted to Sergeant in December 1984 and steadily rose through the ranks. In 2014, Jimmy was promoted to Chief of Housing, his current position. In that capacity, he oversees the security of NYCHA, the largest public housing organization in North America, housing over 400,000 tenants. During his 35-year career tenure with the NYPD, James has spearheaded a multitude of food and clothing drives; an annual holiday toy drive he started in 1999, that continues today; a Thanksgiving community outreach initiative in which turkeys are distributed to families; and an annual Queens Breast Cancer Awareness Walk, which has successfully raised over $100,000 since its inception nine years ago. For these and other achievements, Chief Secreto has been honored by countless community groups, as well as several NYPD fraternal organizations. In 2009, the New York State Shields honored him as Man of the Year, and in 2014, the Tri-State Law Enforcement Foundation honored James as Person of the Year. A devoted family man, Chief Secreto has been married to his wife, Yvonne, for 35 years. They are the proud parents of three children. Kiesha, Shamieka and Chanel. The couple also have eight grandchildren. Madam Speaker, the people of New York owe a debt of gratitude to Chief Secreto for his years of service. I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting him as he moves on to his next phase of life. I wish him and his family all the best and thank him for all he has done for Brooklyn, for NYCHA and all New York residents.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the bill before us today, H.R. 4405, the Women's Business Centers Improvements Act. Women's Business Centers, or WBCs, are a critical component of SBA's entrepreneurial ecosystem. WBCs were created to assist small businesses primarily owned by women, many of whom are socially and economically disadvantaged. The WBC program funds more than 100 centers nationwide and offers a full range of counseling and training services for all stages of business development. Many of the WBCs provide multilingual services, maintain evening and weekend hours to accommodate clients who work full time, and allow children to attend training sessions with their mothers. In fiscal year 2018, the WBC program trained and advised more than 150,000 clients and created nearly 12,000 small businesses. It has also proven to be a great return on investment, just like the SBDCs. For every dollar invested in WBCs, $46 is returned to the economy. And, with women making up the fastest growing sector of entrepreneurs, it is imperative to invest in modernizing and adequately funding the program. The Women's Business Centers Improvements Act increases the authorization level to $31.5 million each year and lifts the cap on individual center grants to $300,000, allowing more established centers to expand their reach to greater numbers of women entrepreneurs, particularly those of whom are socially and economically disadvantaged. Additionally, this legislation makes key changes to the program, enabling the WBCs to serve more of America's nearly 30 million women- owned small businesses. By eliminating unnecessary reporting requirements and creating a transparent and consultative process between SBA and the Association of Women's Business Centers, the bill guarantees WBCs can meet the growing demand for their services. I want to thank Representative Davids and Representative Hagedorn for their diligence in working to get this bill right and ensuring that women entrepreneurs across the country have continued access to vital counseling and training. Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to support this bipartisan bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, so I am prepared to close if the gentleman doesn't have any other speakers. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Kansas (Ms. Davids), sponsor of the bill.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the United States has nearly 30 million women-owned firms, more than one-third of all firms. Our economy relies heavily on women-owned small businesses, as they generate over $1.9 trillion in revenues and employ 9.4 million workers. H.R. 4405 ensures that they have access to the tools they need to succeed. The good news is, women-owned small businesses are growing two times faster, on average, than all businesses nationwide, and women of color are launching businesses 4.5 times faster than all businesses. The discouraging news is that half of aspiring women business owners report a lack of available mentors. We must take action to break down the barriers hindering their success. That is why it is imperative for us to pass this legislation today, ensuring access to mentorship and professional guidance to the fastest growing group of entrepreneurs. The Women's Business Centers Improvements Act builds on their success by creating uniformity through accreditation for WBCs and increasing maximum grant levels to ensure they have the resources to meet demands for their services. We all agree that women business owners offer invaluable contributions to our economy. By passing this bill, we are standing with women. Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the bill before us, H.R. 4407, the SCORE for Small Business Act. There are nearly 30 million small businesses in the United States, representing more than 99 percent of all businesses. These small firms employ nearly 50 percent of all private-sector employees in the U.S. The SBA administers a portfolio of entrepreneurial development programs, which includes the SCORE program. Since its inception, the SBA has undertaken efforts to connect new entrepreneurs and small business owners with more experienced businessmen and -women. This expansive network consists of entrepreneurs, business leaders, and executives who volunteer as mentors to small firms, both in person and online. SCORE has grown to become one of the Federal Government's largest volunteer business adviser and mentoring programs. Yet, the SBA OIG found that improvements are needed to ensure SCORE minimizes risk of fraud or misuse of program funds and to strengthen SBA's oversight and the committee's ability to review the effectiveness of the program. On July 11, 2019, our Subcommittee on Investigations, Oversight and Regulations held a hearing to examine the agency's oversight of the SCORE program. This bill is a direct result of that hearing and much stakeholder engagement. H.R. 4407 not only reauthorizes this essential program, but it also takes steps to restore integrity, accounting, and performance to the program. Doing so ensures the program will continue to have the ability to meet the needs of entrepreneurs. With technology enhancements and streamlined service processes, SCORE mentoring will now be accessible to business owners no matter their location. I commend Congressman Hern and Congresswoman Craig for working together to make sure that the counseling and training programs are operating effectively, as well as holding SBA accountable as a good steward of taxpayer dollars. Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. There is no question that we need to support our small businesses across the country, no matter their location, industry, or expertise level. H.R. 4407 does exactly that by reauthorizing a major component of SBA's entrepreneurial programs and clarifying the utilization of the volunteer base. This bill is reflective of the growth of the SCORE program, which actively engages business owners, as well as retired executives, to mentor the next generation of job makers. Most importantly, it responds to the findings of the IG and makes strides to hold the agency and SCORE mentors accountable. Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4406, the Small Business Development Centers Improvement Act of 2019. Mr. Speaker, as always, before we address the many benefits of the bill, I just want to thank the ranking member and his staff for all of their collaboration and hard work to bring this bipartisan package of bills to the floor. Our committee prides itself on our ability to put the noise aside and get meaningful work accomplished. These bills are especially critical because they strengthen the entrepreneurial network of small businesses contributing to our country every day. It is once again a reminder of the importance of working across the aisle and getting things done for America's 30 million small businesses. H.R. 4406 bolsters the Small Business Development Center, or SBDC, Network, which is the Small Business Administration's largest entrepreneurial resource partner. The network delivers free face-to-face counseling and at-cost training in all aspects of business management to new and existing small firms. The services include, but are in no way limited to, assisting small businesses with developing a business plan, accessing capital, marketing, regulatory compliance, technology development, and international trade. The benefits of the program are tangible to businessowners and the Federal taxpayer. For every Federal dollar spent on SBDCs, $2 is returned to the U.S. Treasury, nearly $3 to the States, and approximately $48 in new capital is generated. Unfortunately, over the years, Congress has asked them to take on additional responsibilities, ranging from cybersecurity to export promotion. Increasing the authorization level to $175 million each year, just as this bill does, will allow the program to grow and reach more American entrepreneurs. H.R. 4406 also requires regular reporting to Congress on new metrics to help us better assess the program and how improvements can be made in the future. Starting a business is not for the faint of heart, and strengthening the network will enable SBDCs to continue providing the in-depth business training for aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Golden and Vice Ranking Member Radewagen for leading this effort to improve the program, measure its success, and increase awareness of the SBDC program and its many valuable services. Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to support this bipartisan piece of legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4406) to amend the Small Business Act to improve the small business development centers program, and for other purposes, as amended.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Business accelerators help high-growth startup enterprises develop their products, identify promising customer segments, and secure resources, including vital capital and potential employees. It is clear that they serve an important role in innovation, and H.R. 4387 enhances the ability of the SBA's Growth Accelerator Fund Competition so it can continue to assist entrepreneurs. By opening the funding network for companies that may not otherwise have gained such exposure, the growth accelerator fund helps boost small business innovation and grow the economy. The SBA growth accelerator program supports underserved business owners and fills critical gaps in capital access. In 2019, 60 percent of the winners were either women owned, socially or economically disadvantaged, or located in areas with a lower number of SBIR and STTR awards. This bill reinforces our committee's pledge to entrepreneurship and job creation. Finally, I want to thank Mr. Espaillat and Mr. Balderson for their diligence on this bill, and I also want to take the opportunity to thank the ranking member, Mr. Chabot, his staff, and my staff. What we are showing today is that there is not a Republican or Democratic approach when it comes to small businesses. This is the way that we do right by the American people. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.