WASHINGTON - Senator John Kerry, Chairman of the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, tonight made the following statement in reaction to President George W. Bush's State of the Union Address:

"Tonight the President spoke of revitalizing the economy, of creating jobs, but it is time to work with Congress to deliver more than just words. Stimulating the economy, providing new jobs for Americans, begins with our nation's foundation - small businesses.

"Small businesses, representing 60 percent of all new jobs, are essential to the revitalization of our nation's economic growth. The bipartisan American Small Business Relief and Recovery Act, which would provide immediate relief to small businesses nationwide devastated by September 11th attacks remains stalled in the Senate, held up by two Republicans.

"It is time to stop talking about the importance of small businesses and instead begin to take real action. I urge President Bush, his Administration and my fellow Senators to set aside party politics and pass legislation today that will make a real difference to small businesses across America."

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