The women's business center program has helped start and improve woman owned businesses in my district and across the country.  During my service on the Small Business Committee I heard two suggestions from women's business center directors:  Make funds available to start women's business centers in every state, and allow women's business centers to re-compete for federal matching funds after their fifth year of existence.  

Today, with passage of HR 1497, we will authorize this program through the year 2001 and make women's business centers eligible for another five years of federal matching funds. Legislation from earlier this session increased FY 2000 funding for the women's business center program by $3 million and ensured full funding in the fifth year of operation for women's business centers.  

Women owned businesses contribute greatly to the American economy and represent the fastest growing type of American business.  With passage of today's legislation and legislation from the Small Business Committee passed earlier this session, we have acknowledged the importance of woman-owned businesses and have made clear our commitment to their success.  Support for the women's business center program translates into successful woman-owned businesses.  I commend my colleagues for bringing this bill to the floor, I urge all members to vote in support, and I salute the Woman Business owners and women's business centers across the country.