WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., Chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, made the following comments following the House passage of H.R. 2608, which extended the SBIR and STTR programs for another 45 days.

“I prefer a long-term reauthorization for these important programs,” Senator Landrieu said. “If we are pro-small business and value innovation, we must keep these programs alive and give them stability. I am hopeful my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and in both Chambers will come together to find a long-term reauthorization for these programs that keep our nation on the forefront of defense technology and scientific innovation.”

“Next month, we will gather in my home state of Louisiana to share ideas at the National SBIR 2011 Fall Conference. This conference will give small businesses and universities an opportunity to network with program managers and receive more information about how they can take their ideas to the next level. Our small businesses must continue to innovate and create, and in turn, we will bring new products, services, and jobs to America.”

The bill provided for an additional temporary extension of SBIR, STTR, and Commercialization Pilot Programs until November 18, 2011. This marks the 13th extension of the SBIR and STTR programs since 2008.

The National SBIR 2011 Fall Conference entitled, “Small Business Growth through Technology: Innovate and Create” will be held in New Orleans, LA, on November 6-9th, 2011.