[Page H3465]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS WEEK

  (Mr. SPANO asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to bring attention to National Small 
Business Week. Celebrated for over 50 years, we take this week to 
recognize the hard work, dedication, and sacrifices of America's 
entrepreneurs and small business owners and the important role that 
they play in our Nation.
  Today, there are over 30 million small businesses in America, 
accounting for nearly 60 million employees, or just about half our 
workforce. They are the keystone of our national economy.
  As a former small business owner myself, I know what it takes to make 
payroll, attract customers, train and manage employees, and, at times, 
struggle just to keep the lights on. I can attest, it is not easy.
  Today, thank God, small businesses in America are experiencing 
economic prosperity like never before, yet challenges remain. As 
policymakers, we must foster an environment in which small businesses 
can thrive, with limited regulations and tax policy that rewards hard 
work and incentivizes growth.
  We are a nation of small businesses, and small businesses deserve our 
national support.

                          ____________________