Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2847, the HIRE Act, which will strengthen our economy by limiting job loss and creating new employment opportunities.

In addition to provisions that will spur investment in infrastructure and construction projects, this bill includes a payroll tax holiday for businesses that hire unemployed workers and tax cuts to help small businesses expand and hire more workers. 

Small businesses have borne the brunt of this economic crisis, and their inability to access credit to keep their businesses operating has clearly added to the high unemployment rate across the nation, and especially in Rhode Island. 

I urge my colleagues to support this jobs measure, as well as working on additional legislation that helps our small businesses and unemployed workers.  Our job is to create jobs. 

Thank you Madam Speaker, and I yield back my time.