Nydia Velázquez

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I would like to inquire if the gentleman from Missouri has any further speakers.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield the remaining time to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Bonior).

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

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, yesterday the House of Representatives lost one of our most respected members and the nation lost a lifelong advocate for the homeless and the environment. A true public servant, Bruce Vento used his seat in Congress for 24 years to champion programs to eliminate homelessness, increase funding for community investment and economic development, and, of course, to protect our environment. I had the privilege of serving with Bruce Vento on the Banking Committee, where he worked tirelessly to establish the emergency shelters grant program, preserve the Federal Housing Authority, provide increased funding for community development programs, and ensure adequate consumer protection. Those who live in low-income communities, the poor, and the homeless, may not have high-priced lobbyists advocating for them, but they did have Bruce Vento. Through his work, he gave a voice to Americans who too often go unheard. Yesterday, we lost a friend and a colleague. But those Americans whose lives Bruce Vento worked so hard to improve lost an advocate and a voice. My thoughts are with the Vento family, and his constituents in Minnesota. I and the other Members of this body who were fortunate to work with him over the years will miss him greatly.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, due to an error, I was incorrectly shown as voting ``yes'' on rollcall No. 473. I was present during this roll call vote and intended to vote ``no.'' This was a vote on the Souder amendment to H.R. 4942, the DC Appropriations Bill for FY 2001. This amendment would prohibit the District of Columbia from using any funds, Federal or local, for a needle exchange program. I am strongly opposed to such a prohibition. Needle exchange programs, which are used in over 30 states, have been proven to drastically reduce the transmission of HIV among intravenous drug users. Such programs have the support of the American Medical Association, the American Public Health Association, the United States Conference of Mayors and the Surgeon General of the United States. In fact, the Surgeon General has said, ``There is conclusive scientific evidence that syringe exchange programs as part of a comprehensive HIV prevention strategy are, in effect, public health intervention that reduces the transmission of HIV and does not encourage the use of illegal drugs.'' The District has budgeted it's own funds for the implementation of this program. However, the Souder amendment denies the District the right to local control over local policy, implemented by local dollars. It is not the responsibility of this Congress to impose the personal moral beliefs of certain of its Members on the public health policy of any local jurisdiction. Yet that is exactly what the Souder amendment does. I oppose this amendment and ask that this statement be entered into the record to clarify my position on this important issue.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for H.R. 4946 and commend the gentleman from New York (Mr. Sweeney) for his work on addressing one of the most pressing issues affecting small businesses, the need for clear and understandable regulations. Small businesses support safe workplace regulations and the need for a clean environment. They recognize that these regulations are put in place not just for protection of their customers and employees, but to protect the business and the community as a whole. The fact is regulatory issues are a major concern for small businesses. And while this bill relieves some of the regulatory burden, there is more we will need to do to ensure that the process is fair and equitable. However, what often frustrates them the most is the simple fact that the regulations governing many of these areas have one common and disturbing denominator: They are often too confusing and unload a heavier burden on small businesses. Penalties, I might add, that small businesses cannot afford to fight against, or in some cases pay the stiff fine the regulation often imposes. To alleviate this problem, some agencies like OSHA, EPA, and IRS provide compliance assistance aimed at helping small businesses. And while these programs are very helpful, many business owners fear that if they seek any compliance assistance from these agencies, their businesses will be left open to possible fines and sanctions without actually understanding the regulation they violated. To address this problem, the legislation offered by the gentleman from New York sets up a pilot program in partnership the Nation's Small Business Development Centers, SBDCs. It is aimed at assisting small businesses in complying with the array of regulations that exist. With locations in every community and a reputation for providing solid small business assistance, SBDCs will offer an additional avenue for helping smaller companies understand and comply with regulations. This proposal makes good business sense, both for small companies and for the Federal Government that serves a multitude of interests. Once again, I would like to commend the gentleman from New York (Mr. Sweeney) for his work on the committee and on this critical issue. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis).

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, today, we have taken a big step toward helping businesses deal with the issue of regulatory burden. Unfortunately for many small companies today, the added weight of government regulations can cost many business owners serious long-term financial hardship. This bill will take a big step toward making regulatory compliance a manageable task for small businesses. However, while this bill achieves a number of objectives, there is more we need to do to provide a better understanding of the entire Federal regulatory system. Again, I commend the gentleman from New York (Mr. Sweeney) for his hard work on this bill, and I look forward to working with him and other members of the committee as we move this entire process forward. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis). (Mr. DAVIS of Illinois asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Millender-McDonald).

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 4944, the Export Working Capital Loan Improvement Act of 2000. The change proposed in this bill will make an exception to the requirement that export working capital loans will fully be disbursed before they can be sold on the secondary market. This exception would only be carved out for export working capital loans and will not apply to any other SBA loan programs. This change is necessary so that SBA can sell export working capital loans on the secondary market. Selling loans on the secondary market is an important part of the SBA's financial planning, as it keeps the subsidy rate for the loan programs down, therefore requiring less direct appropriation from Congress. Mr. Speaker, the Export Working Capital Program, a combined effort of the SBA and the Ex-Im Bank, is an important program that provides short-term working capital to small business exporters. The two agencies have joined their working capital programs to offer an efficient, unified approach to the Federal Government's support of export financing. The technical change in this bill is important to the long-term stability of the Export Working Capital Loan Program, and, more importantly, to the small businesses that use the program. According to a joint SBA and Commerce Department study, nearly 97 percent of the U.S. firms engage in exporting our small businesses. This same study shows that small business accounts for nearly one-third of total U.S. export sales. And according to U.S. Census Bureau data, about 88 percent of the U.S. companies engage in exporting are small business with fewer than 100 employees. Small businesses are the engine driving our economy; as such, small business exporters play an important role in our economic success. Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the sponsor of the bill, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Manzullo), for bringing this matter to our attention. This problem is an example of the unintended consequences that statutes can have, and it says a lot about the nature of the Committee on Small Business that we caught the problem and are working to correct it in a bipartisan manner. Again, I support the legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in tribute to the great senior Senator from New York, Daniel Patrick Moynihan. Although words can not do justice to his many contributions over his decades of public service, I wish to offer my thanks for everything he has done on behalf of the people of New York State and the entire nation. Senator Moynihan gave truth to the cliche of being a gentleman and a scholar. After receiving his bachelor's degree (cum laude) from Tufts University, he studied as a Fulbright Scholar at the London School of Economics. He then returned to the states and completed his studies at Tufts University's Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, where he received his M.A. and Ph.D. Before coming to the Senate, he served as a valued member of four consecutive administrations, starting with the Kennedy Administration and serving through the Johnson, Nixon, and Ford Administrations, holding various positions within the Department of Labor. His lifelong dedication to public service was only enhanced by his time in the private sector when he was a Professor of Government at Harvard University in the mid sixties. He served the Nixon and Ford Administrations as U.S. Ambassador to India from 1973 to 1975 and U.S. Representative to the United Nations from 1975 to 1976. Born and raised in New York City, Senator Moynihan decided to pursue elected office. Upon leaving his position at the United Nations, he was elected U.S. Senator from New York in 1976. His many accomplishments in that office have been well documented. He has served as a strong advocate for welfare reform by promoting the creation of opportunities to increase self-sufficiency, while also maintaining a strong safety net. He has fought to preserve social security and modernize our nation's transportation system, just to name a few. However, a listing of his legislative accomplishments can not do justice to many of the crucial and intangible qualities he brought to the Congress. Throughout his career, Senator Moynihan's high ideals and great dignity have served as an exemplary model for his colleagues, constituents, neighbors and friends. In a time of increasing partisanship, his wisdom is recognized and sought across party lines. He stands firm for what is right, despite the ever changing political winds. His graciousness and his steadfast reliance on his principals have been an inspiration to all of us who are lucky enough to know him. New York State, and the entire nation, are better because of his public service. He will be greatly missed, but I hope that he will continue to serve as a voice for the people of the country and a conscience for those of us who represent them.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2392, which includes the Small Business Reauthorization Act of 2000. The passage of this bipartisan legislation will reconfirm this Nation's commitment to the present and future of our economic foundation: America's small businesses. As many in this Chamber are well aware, we are currently experiencing the greatest period of economic growth in our history. But I will go one step farther. I say the best of America is still to come. Mr. Speaker, as we stand here today to pass this critical legislation, we have taken one more giant step forward toward ensuring our small businesses remain the engine of our Nation's economic prosperity. America's small companies and entrepreneurs are providing 51 percent of the gross domestic product, contributing 47 percent of all sales, while at the same time leading the Nation to all-time highs in job creation and business growth. Because as we all know, if small business has been the engine of America's prosperity, then the Small Business Administration with its loan and technical assistance programs has been the fuel feeding this powerful engine. The legislation before us today also provides record levels of funding for many of the SBA programs that have helped launch millions of businesses throughout America. To help provide those opportunities, SBA has built several loan and technical assistance programs aimed at helping entrepreneurs establishing their businesses and provide a solid foundation for the future. Through programs such as the 7(a), SBIR, the 504 and Microloans, this bill is providing hundreds of billions in dollars for new and existing businesses. Because as any business owner knows, access to capital is access to opportunity. While providing capital is crucial to business success, we are also preparing businesses to plant the seeds for long-term success through technical assistance loans. The revised funding formula in this legislation will allow America's network of Small Business Development Centers to assist small companies and entrepreneurs with expert advice on developing strong business and accounting plans. This assistance will prove to be the deciding factor in future business success. And speaking of the future, this legislation also recognizes the changing face of the world marketplace. From new business technologies to the expansion of e-commerce, we are looking to bridge the frontiers of this brave new world. To help meet these new challenges, the Small Business Innovation Research Program will give small businesses an unrivaled opportunity to produce cutting-edge research and development products for the wider marketplace. And whether that marketplace is in the private sector or in the Federal Government, small businesses will always have a place at the table. By working together on this bill, we have also provided critical funding for the National Women's Business Council, ensured valuable minority development tools like the 8(a) program are secure for the next generation of minority business owners and entrepreneurs, and reiterated our continued support for the success of the HUBZone program. However, in the end, this reauthorization program focuses on one thing: the ability of small businesses to concur the new frontier of the 21st century new economy with all the new opportunities the future will surely bring to our business owners and entrepreneurs. Because we do not need to read the Wall Street Journal to know that the business world has changed dramatically over the last decade. With the passage of this bill, we are helping to guarantee that our small businesses will be fully capable of conquering the challenges of tomorrow. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr.Wynn).

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 4945, the Small Business Competition Preservation Act of 2000. Mr. Chairman, we continue to talk about what a strong economy we have and how our Nation's small businesses are largely responsible for this. In fact, it has become almost cliche to say that small businesses are the backbone of our Nation's economy. Everywhere we turn we see them as the innovators and cutting edge leaders of every industry from construction to technology, everywhere except the Federal Government. Indeed, we are seeing an alarming downward trend in the number of Federal prime contracts awarded to small businesses. For example, from 1997 to 1999, the number of contracts offered to small business by the Department of Defense dropped by over 34 percent. In response to concerns from small business, the Democrats commissioned a study on the poor state of contracting for small businesses. The result was even worse than we feared. Our results showed the Federal Government failing small businesses in every conceivable way, with the worst offender being the Department of Defense. The number of contracts awarded to minority-owned firms has decreased by over 25 percent, and most dramatically the number of contracts awarded to women-owned businesses has decreased by over 38 percent. The reality is, that the Federal Government thinks it can put these big contracts together to reduce costs and increase quality. Well, Mr. Chairman, the committee has had a number of hearings on this issue. There is not one documented case in which a contract bundle has actually saved money and increased quality, not one. This legislation begins the process of making common sense changes to the caring of contract bundling statute while requiring the SBA to file a report with Congress which will provide much more information on the scope of the bundling issue. In addition to requiring further information on contract bundling, this bill requires the Small Business Administration to develop a database. This database will provide us the missing link of information to assist us in tracking critical information on bundled contracts. We will now be able to learn what happens to firms who are displaced by bundling, do these firms become subcontractors? Do they go out of business? One of the most egregious examples of contract bundling is the Air Force FAST contract. This bill will help to provide reliable data on contracts such as this. In a hearing before the Committee on Small Business in November of last year, the Department of Defense agreed to commission a study of contract bundling. Within 3 months, it became evident that the Department has no data to conduct an accurate and comprehensive bundling study. With the passage of this bill today, agencies can no longer plead ignorance on the issue of contract bundling. We are all aware that Federal agencies are operating in a do-more- with less environment, and operating an efficient Federal system. However, we must also ensure that the Federal marketplace is inclusive of our country's small businesses. We must take steps right here and right now to ensure that our small businesses are not streamlined out of the process. I am not opposed to the Federal Government streamlining its processes as long as small businesses are not left behind in the wake, and as long as the quality of services remains at least equal to what was provided prior to the bundle. And make no mistake, because I want this to be clearly understood, the passage of this bill serves as both a message and a warning to those who believe contract bundling is a good idea. We are watching you closely. Let me conclude by commending the gentleman from Missouri (Chairman Talent) for introducing this bill and providing further protection for our Nation's small businesses. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis).

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pascrell).

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from the Virgin Islands (Mrs. Christensen).

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Millender-McDonald).

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would like to close by again encouraging full support for this very important piece of legislation, H.R. 4945. Mr. Chairman, this legislation, the Small Business Competition Preservation Act of 2000, is an excellent starting point for making common sense changes to the contract bundling statute. During this Congress and the last, we have heard a lot of talk about accountability. We have asked accountability for everyone from welfare recipients to teachers. It is time also for Federal agencies to be accountable for their actions, and that is what this bill is really about. As the Committee on Small Business has so often heard, data is just not currently being collected on these mega contracts barring from gauging the true impact bundling is having on small businesses who want to do business with our government. Mr. Chairman, H.R. 4945 will set up a database to track not only all bundled contracts, but also the small businesses displaced by consolidations. It also requires analysis and directs the SBA to file a report with Congress aimed at providing greater information about the scope of contract consolidations within the Federal marketplace. Mr. Chairman, this legislation focuses on the need for greater equity in Federal procurement for our Nation's small businesses and the adverse effect of increased contract size. Federal agencies are relying on combining contracts in an effort to streamline government and increase its efficiency. While these are laudable goals, in not one instance has a Federal agency come before the committee and pointed to an instance where taxpayer dollars were saved and the government received better quality from a large business. They are not proving cost savings and small businesses are being shut out of the Federal marketplace. This bill gives us the ability to collect the one commodity that will help us make real changes. That commodity is information. That information can then be turned into common sense solutions to solve the problem of bundling. Mr. Chairman, I strongly encourage the passage of H.R. 4945. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Ortiz). (Mr. ORTIZ asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Ohio (Mrs. Jones).

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 4923. One of America's most resolute first ladies, Eleanor Roosevelt, once said, ``The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.'' We have heard throughout the last 10 years how America is in the greatest economic expansion in our history. Jobs have been created at an exponential rate and prosperity is everywhere. Well, almost everywhere. You see, even in these times of great prosperity, many Americans are being left behind. Too many areas across our Nation have not seen the economic boom that has benefited so many of their fellow citizens. Indeed, the statistics show that our communities have unemployment rates that are in some cases double the national average. What they have seen is more of the same: poverty, joblessness and hopelessness. Today, we have taken a large step toward breaking that cycle, and breaking it permanently. H.R. 4923, the Community Renewal and New Markets Act of 2000, is an unequaled effort providing a real chance for business owners and entrepreneurs in rural and urban cities and towns throughout America. This legislation will help attract investors to places with high unemployment and too little hope for determining their own future. One of the sections of this bill, the New Markets Venture Capital Program, provides venture capital, the principal financial tool that has created a multitude of Internet and high-tech companies that currently dot.coms the American business landscape. In short, NMVCs are public-private partnerships that bring equity investment and technical assistance to those areas that need it the most. Mr. Speaker, by creating these long-term partnerships between the private sector and government, we are opening up a whole new marketplace for American companies, and this is what our new enterprise will do. It will harness the entrepreneurial power that exists in these cities and towns. This initiative will rebuild these communities by providing the necessary anchors, and not just a quick fix, that will lead to real growth and opportunity. Today, we are sending a message to every American, from the family in rural Appalachia who does not even have safe drinking water, to the Latina living in ``el barrio'' trying to make ends meet and the African American youth looking for an alternative to running with the local gang. This economic boom must benefit everyone and to ensure that they too will be able to live the beauty of their dreams. I urge passage of this legislation.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, second, I want to express my concern over language included in the report accompanying the Treasury-Postal appropriations bill. On page 12 of the report, in the section explaining the committee's recommendations for funding the grant program, the committee has included language about the National Money Laundering Strategy and the grant program that I find troubling. The committee's concerns about adequate program oversight are laudable; however, some of the language used in the report mischaracterizes the intent of the national strategy, the grant program and the authorizing legislation. Some of the language in this section of the report could be interpreted as calling into question the appropriateness of the grant program for State and local law enforcement officials to combat money laundering. The committee expresses concern that the strategy will focus the fight against money laundering solely in local geographic areas. I want to respond to that concern and explain the intent of my 1998 legislation and the grant program. Currently, counter-money laundering funding is concentrated at the Federal level. The intent of the authorizing legislation in question, the Money Laundering and Financial Crimes Strategy Act of 1998, is to foster cooperation between State, local, and Federal law enforcement officials. The purpose of the national strategy required by the law is to focus on corporation and information sharing between the Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies. This cooperation and sharing of information is an integral part of tracing the funds from illegal activities back to the source; that is why, in order for a State and local law enforcement agency to receive a grant under the program, they must demonstrate how they will enter into a working relationship with both Federal law enforcement agencies and other State and locals to combat money laundering and drug trafficking. Quite the opposite of focusing money solely at the local level, the intent of this legislation is to make small grants available to State and local law enforcement agencies who have a demonstrated need and an acceptable plan. Federal law enforcement agents cannot fight money laundering and drug trafficking without the cooperation of the State and local law enforcement officials who are on the streets and know the local players. By the same token, the State and local law enforcement officials can benefit greatly from resources and experience of the Federal agents. By seeming to encourage a focus only on the Federal level, the language in the report represents their way of thinking about counter- money laundering activities. Mr. Chairman, if the conference committee does not address this issue, we may be taking a giant step backwards in our fight against money laundering and drug trafficking. Furthermore, I would like a commitment from the gentleman from Arizona (Chairman Kolbe) and the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), the ranking member, that they will work with me and my staff to draft language that addresses the committee's concerns about the program's oversight without mischaracterizing the intent of the national strategy and the State and local grant program.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I rise for the purpose of entering into a colloquy with the gentleman from Arizona (Chairman Kolbe) and the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), the ranking member. First of all, I would like to thank the gentleman from Arizona (Chairman Kolbe) and the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), the ranking member, for the increased funding included in this bill for the State and local money laundering grant program. Although it is a small increase, we are headed in the right direction. I would like to ask the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Kolbe) and the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer) if they will make a commitment to me to seek as much funding as possible for this program in conference, and, should there be a reallocation of funds during conference, that they will work to increase funding for this program.