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November 20, 2014

Velázquez Renamed Top Democrat on Small Business Panel

Washington, DC – The House Democratic Caucus today named Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Small Business.  The Committee has jurisdiction over the Small Business Administration (SBA) as well as government procurement policy.  Velázquez pledged to continue working to expand economic opportunity, by unlocking capital for entrepreneurs, enhancing technical assistance and other initiatives and fighting to ensure small firms receive their fair share of federal contracts.  

“I am honored and humbled that my colleagues saw fit to choose me to serve as the lead Democrat on the House Committee on Small Business,” Velázquez said.   “Whether you look at major cities or rural areas, across America, small businesses are the cornerstone of our communities’ local economies.”  

Elected in 1992, Velázquez was the first Hispanic woman to serve as Ranking Member of a full House committee. In 2006, she was named Chairwoman of the House Small Business Committee, making her the first Latina to chair a full Congressional committee. During her tenure on the Committee she has endeavored to create opportunities in entrepreneurship for women, minorities, veterans and other traditionally disadvantaged groups.

“The face of entrepreneurship is changing as more women, minorities and low-income workers launch their own businesses,” Velázquez noted.  “It is important that this new generation have the resources and tools they need to succeed.” 

As the top Democrat on the House Small Business Committee, Velázquez has authored legislation to improve the SBA’s overall functions, help small firms access capital and create new federal contracting opportunities for women-owned firms.

“Small business is big business in America,” Velázquez added.  “I look forward to working on behalf of our nation’s entrepreneurs in the new Congress.”

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