Washington WatchCongressional representatives discuss the state of small business in today's economy.

As the national political races heat up in preparation for 2004,Washington has become more divided than ever over the state ofsmall business and the best ways for government to helpentrepreneurs. Some politicians advocate more tax cuts; others saythe tax cuts already enacted should be repealed. Some promote moreregulation; others advocate drastic slashing of regulation. Anddebate rages on many other topics as well.

To explore the debates brewing in Washington,狗万官方this month introduces an occasional column,"Point/Counterpoint," which will pose a hot businessissue to two panelists. Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez, a Democratrepresenting New York's 12th District, is the ranking minoritymember on the House Small Business Committee. Congressman RickRenzi, a Republican who represents Arizona's 1st District,founded three small businesses before entering Congress and takes amajor interest in issues affecting entrepreneurs. The two don'tagree on very much politically. But they share one characteristic:They both care about small business and don't back away fromconcerns relevant to entrepreneurs.