News From the
Committee on Small Business
Nydia M. Velázquez, Chairwoman



For Immediate Release
January 10, 2007

CONTACT: Kate Davis (202) 225-4038

Small Businesses Gain Greater Input in the 110th Congress
Velázquez announces expanded reach of the Small Business Committee

WASHINGTON - Last week, as Members convened for the start of the 110th Congress, the House of Representatives adopted a new rules package focusing on fiscal responsibility and ethics reform, which also provided small businesses increased input into the legislative actions that affect them. This new voice for entrepreneurs in Congress is a result of the U.S. House Small Business Committee's extended reach to act on those measures that impact our nation's small firms.

"This change illustrates the importance Democrats place on small business," Chairwoman Nydia M. Velázquez said. "For far too long now, the needs of our entrepreneurs have been an afterthought, but this action demonstrates that the needs of our nation's entrepreneurs are a top priority for the 110th Congress."

Historically the committee's legislative focus has been limited to the Small Business Administration (SBA), and its programs, with the committee serving only in an oversight role on other issues. Under the Democratic-controlled Congress, this will change. In explaining the rules package, and how it impacts small businesses, House Rules Chair, Louise Slaughter (D-NY), stated: "Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm the jurisdiction of the Committee on Small Business as contained in House Rule X, clause 1(p). The Committee's jurisdiction includes the Small Business Administration and its programs… also includes other programs and initiatives that address small businesses outside of the confines of those Acts." Often times, legislation is passed without considering the negative effects that it may pose for small businesses. Under this new role, the committee will have greater ability to review and act on many of those initiatives which affect this nation's 26 million small firms.

"In order to meet the needs of this nation's small businesses, their input must be included - many times small businesses are not considered in the legislative process, which can result in unintended consequences for entrepreneurs," Chairwoman Velázquez said. "Taking on this new role will allow the Small Business Committee to broaden its focus, and actively engage on those legislative initiatives that impact this nation's entrepreneurs."

The 110th Congress has an ambitious agenda, and one that includes a significant number of legislative changes. With such a busy schedule ahead, it is critical that the impact these initiatives will have on small businesses are taken into account. Today, under the Democratic-controlled Congress, this is exactly what will happen, as small businesses will have meaningful input in the legislative process for the first time. With this rules change, small businesses will have a greater voice in the U.S. Congress.

"As the drivers of our economy, entrepreneurs deserve nothing less than to be included in the decisions that impact them most," Chairwoman Velázquez said. "Our nation's small businesses now have a seat at the table, and a stronger voice in Congress. Democrats have always said the needs of our small businesses are a priority - and today's action confirms that. This is a new beginning for our small businesses - one that ensures their needs are considered in all policy decisions."

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