For Immediate Release: April 23, 2008

House Passes Three Sutton Amendments to Small Business Bill

Amendments to Address Jobs, Veterans and Infrastructure

Washington, D.C. - Today, the House passed three amendments offered by Congresswoman Betty Sutton to H.R. 5819, which amends the Small Business Act. H.R. 5819 passed the House by a vote of 368-43.

H.R. 5819 amends the Small Business Act to improve the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program, both of which award grants to small businesses. The bill will ensure that small businesses receive these research and technology grants in a timely manner, expand commercialization to get revolutionary technology that small businesses develop to the market faster, and help produce greater returns for taxpayers on federal investments.

The first amendment to the bill, sponsored jointly by Congressman Leonard Boswell (IA-03) and Sutton, would give priority to applications from companies located in areas that have lost a major source of employment.

"As we have unfortunately seen firsthand in Ohio, the loss of jobs caused when a major employer leaves can have devastating effects on a community," Sutton said. "Focusing these funds and awards on areas that have faced major job losses ensures that the money will help those most in need and I hope many of these grants will be coming right back here to Northeast Ohio."

In addition, Sutton offered another amendment that ensures veterans will be given priority when applying for SBIR and STTR awards.

"By giving priority status to veterans who apply for SBIR and STTR awards, we continue to honor our veterans as they return home to restart their lives after sacrificing so much for our country," Sutton said.

Sutton's final amendment requires agencies that administer SBIR programs to give priority in consideration to pressing transportation and infrastructure research activities.

"Investments in infrastructure are critical for public safety and also boost local economies by providing more Americans with good paying jobs," Sutton said. "My amendment ensures that, as agencies review small business innovation applications, a premium will be placed on projects that focus on transportation and infrastructure, the building blocks of our economy."

Contact: Shannon O'Brien at 202-225-3401