For Immediate Release                                                   Contact: Amanda Molk, 202-225-5256
July 24, 2003

Napolitano Supports Modernization of SBA, Reinvestment in Manufacturing Base

Congresswoman Grace Napolitano (CA-38) joined her colleagues on the Small Business Committee to unanimously pass H.R. 2802, the Small Business Reauthorization and Manufacturing Revitalization Act.  “This bill will reauthorize, modernize and improve the Small Business Administration and its programs to strengthen services for our small businesses.  This act is very fitting at a time when we need small businesses to stimulate our economy, provide more jobs and bring our nation out of this recession.  Most businesses in the 38^th district are small, and I am confident that this bill will help them thrive,” stated Napolitano.

Two new entrepreneurial development programs are created by this legislation – a national small business incubator program, to promote economic sustainability in areas with declining manufacturing bases, and a vocational and technical entrepreneurship development program to help current and future trade workers start their own businesses.  “Over the last decade we’ve lost a great deal of our manufacturing base and the well-paying jobs it provides.  This new small business incubator program will help bring that back, and that is exactly what the 38^th district needs.  I have also established a manufacturers’ council in the district, and I will continue working with them to promote our area’s economic development,” the Congresswoman noted.

H.R. 2802 helps small businesses gain access to the federal marketplace, ensuring a fair appeals process for small businesses, closing loopholes regarding bundled contracts and doubling the number of SBA’s Procurement Center Representatives.  “Year after year federal agencies fail to meet their congressionally mandated small business contracting goals.  My colleagues on the Small Business Committee and I will continue to fight on behalf of small businesses to ensure that they are given a fair opportunity to compete for these lucrative contracts.  I am delighted that H.R. 2802 also takes steps to remove barriers facing women and minority-owned firms in the contracting process,” the Congresswoman noted.

H.R. 2802 also expands SBA loan programs, streamline the process through which small businesses apply for and receive SBA loans and make fee reductions permanent.  “Access to capital is a key issue for start-up businesses and existing businesses seeking to expand.  Small businesses depend on SBA for loans, particularly in times of economic distress, and we must ensure that the SBA can meet their needs,” explained Napolitano.

“I am so pleased that this bill has the unanimous support of the Committee, and I commend Chairman Manzullo and Ranking Member Velazquez for their leadership in fighting for our nation’s small businesses.  I look forward to supporting this bill on the House floor,” Napolitano concluded.

Representative Grace F. Napolitano, 38th District of California
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