News From the
Committee on Small Business
Nydia M. Velázquez, Ranking Democratic Member

For Immediate Release
September 28, 2006

CONTACT: Kate Davis (202) 225-4038

Small Business Record for 109th Congress Among the Worst
Report shows small business legislative priorities recieved little, if any, attention over past 2 years

WASHINGTON - As Congress prepares to leave town for the November elections, Democrats on the House Small Business Committee released a report highlighting that while this nation's entrepreneurs continue to face a number of pressing challenges, critical legislation that addresses many of these needs has not been passed. The evaluation found that 90 percent of pro-small business legislation critical in helping entrepreneurs overcome the challenges they face today failed to become law in the 109th Congress. From rising health care costs, to concerns over immigration laws, and their ability to access assistance through the Small Business Administration (SBA) - little, if anything, has been achieved over the past two years that will help small businesses cope with these challenges.

"As Congress adjourns this week - Members will be getting ready to go back to their districts and tout their achievements," Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez, Ranking Member on the House Small Business Committee, said. "But this report shows that there is little, if anything, to say in terms of accomplishments for this nation's small businesses. It is clear that the needs of our main job creators are simply not a priority for the Bush administration - or the Republican-controlled Congress."

The report found that small business advocates prioritized 196 legislative initiatives during the 109th Congress which could impact and promote the well-being of entrepreneurs nationwide if enacted. The year-end evaluation examines 11 critical issues including health care, immigration, access to capital, federal contracts, energy, technology and international trade. The report found that of the small business priorities, 175 of the 196 bills continue to languish in Congress. Forty-five percent of the bills examined were bipartisan, and 85 percent of the reviewed bills had Republican lead sponsors - illustrating that while Republicans control the White House, Senate and House - the party is not even able to pass their own small business bills through Congress.

Democrats maintain that the lack of action on these initiatives only impedes small business' ability to grow their ventures, and create much-needed jobs in the slowing economy. While several high profile issues for entrepreneurs, such as health care and immigration have not been addressed in Congress, a number of seemingly non-controversial initiatives for small business, such as the reauthorization of the SBA, and measures for regulatory reduction, have not even been passed into law.

The report also reviews a number of bills that were categorized as "wins" for small businesses that in reality did little, if anything, to benefit entrepreneurs. The report examines nearly 20 pieces of legislation that claimed to benefit small firms that, when examined, provided little incentive, and assistance to entrepreneurs.

"Despite the fact that small businesses are faced with a myriad of pressing issues today - this report illustrates that little is being done in the Republican-controlled Congress to address their concerns," Congresswoman Velázquez said. "This is clearly not good news for our economy, which relies on the success and vitality of the small business sector. The needs of our nation's entrepreneurs should not be put at the bottom of the priority list. The fact of the matter here is that the 109th Congress will go down as one of the most unproductive for small businesses. Congress expects small business owners to create thousands of jobs, pay their share of taxes and stimulate our economy - but unfortunately, this Congress could not even do their job to ensure small businesses have the tools they need to make that happen."

###