All this stalling has cost woman-owned businesses billions. Government contracts really should be the next big growth area for women.

Our members are feeling higher energy prices at the gas pump and in their travel costs. It's absolutely impacting their bottom line. At the same time, we're watching a growing deficit, and nobody knows going what to make of it.

The government won't be able to meet its 5.3 percent growth target. We would be happy if we could duplicate what we have achieved in the first half.

The budget reconciliation bill makes necessary adjustments to the growth of vital government programs serving the truly needy, without negatively impacting essential services provided to the most vulnerable members of our society. Fiscal responsibility is key to the long term viability of these critical programs.

Affordable services, increased penetration, and a willing Indian government would ensure and drive this kind of growth.

If government wants to have shared growth, they need to be bold in terms of policy.