Velázquez Announces Ranking Members for 113th Congress

Velázquez Announces Ranking Members for 113th Congress

Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Small Business, announced the Ranking Members of the Small Business Committee’s Subcommittees. 

“Democrats on the Small Business Committee are as diverse as our caucus,” Velázquez said.  “Our Ranking Members hail from across the country, representing big cities, rural areas and everywhere in between.  They bring a range of life experiences and strengths to the table that I’m confident will help the Committee as it crafts policies to foster entrepreneurship.”  

Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA) was chosen as the Ranking Member for the Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax and Capital Access. 

“As Ranking Chair of the Economic Growth, Tax and Capital Access subcommittee, I will fight to open new avenues of success for small businesses,” said Rep. Chu.  “I am proud to serve on such a vital body during this burgeoning economic recovery. With access to capital being the number one issue for small businesses, I’m looking forward to working with Members of both parties to ensure American entrepreneurship remains an unparalleled engine of opportunity in this world.”

Rep. Janice Hahn (D-CA) was elected Ranking Member of the Health and Technology Subcommittee. 

“Small businesses are the beating heart of the American economy, and they are a big source of opportunity, pride and jobs in the communities I represent,” said Rep. Hahn. “I’m excited to have the opportunity to continue to fight for them as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Health and Technology. I’m looking forward to helping our small businesses navigate the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, and working to empower them with the tools and resources they need to thrive. If we expand their access to capital, help export their goods to new markets over the seas, and above all, bring more customers in through their front doors, I know there is no limit to what American small business can achieve.”

Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-FL) was selected as Ranking Member of the Agriculture, Energy and Trade Subcommittee.

“I am honored to have been selected by my peers to serve as the Ranking Member of the House Small Business Subcommittee on Agriculture, Energy, and Trade,” said Rep. Murphy.  “I wanted to serve on the Small Business Committee because I recognize that the prosperity of small businesses—which represent half the jobs in America—is essential to our economic recovery.  This subcommittee is of particular importance given the importance of agriculture in my district as well as trade through our ports and my commitment to investing in clean energy.  As the lead Democrat on the Agriculture, Energy, and Trade subcommittee, I will work with both my Democratic and Republican colleagues to craft legislation on a range of issues, including economic growth in agriculture and clean energy, energy independence, and the global competitiveness of our small businesses.”

Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-NY) will serve as the Ranking Member of the Investigations, Oversight and Regulations Subcommittee.  

"I would like to thank Ranking Member Velazquez for the opportunity to serve as the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Investigations, Oversight, and Regulations as well as a member of the Subcommittee on Contracting and Workforce," stated Representative Yvette D. Clarke. "Small businesses are the backbone of our nation’s economy. The success of communities across this nation relies on their ability to create jobs and expand their enterprise with access to grants, government contracts, and additional resources. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the House Committee on Small Business to support the participation of minorities, women, immigrants, and veterans in our economy," concluded Representative Clarke. 

The top Democrat on the Contracting and Workforce Subcommittee will be Representative Grace Meng (D-NY).

The Small Business Committee has jurisdiction over the Small Business Administration, regulatory flexibility, and paperwork reduction.  In recent years, the Committee has held hearings on a range of topics from access to capital for small firms, federal contracting, and the overall role of small businesses in the broader economy.  

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