Cooperation is the key to creating common sense policy for the small business community.
As Members of Congress finalize the chambers’ committee administration, including party ratios of members and leadership assignments for subcommittees, work is already underway in the House Small Business Committee.
On Jan. 25, Chairman Roger Williams (R-Texas) led passage of three bipartisan small-business bills as one of its first orders of official business. With each bill passing by unanimous voice vote, the outlook for bipartisan cooperation in Congress and on the committee with jurisdiction over small-business policy and regulations affecting our community appears positive one month into the 118th Session of Congress.
For a brief overview on the three bills:
H.R. 399 – The Small Business Advocacy Improvements Act | Sponsored by Reps. Luetkemeyer (Mo.-03), Carter (La.-02), and Mfume (Md.-07), this bill allows the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Office of Advocacy to examine and speak on behalf of small businesses in international economic and trade matters.
H.R. 400 – Investing in Main Street Act | Sponsored by Reps. Chu (Calif.-28), Garbarino (N.Y.-02), and James (Mich.-10), this bill amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to increase the amount that may be provided to small-business investment companies.
H.R. 449 – The Microloan Transparency and Accountability Act | Sponsored by Reps. Burchett (Tenn.-02), Kim (N.J.-03), and Fitzgerald (Wis.-05), this bill requires the SBA to report on certain metrics to determine the effectiveness of the Microloan Program and examine if there are any default risks that put taxpayer dollars at risk.
As these bills are contemplated in the Senate, follow NSBA, and check back here for the latest on our efforts to secure common sense policy and reform for small-business owners across the country.
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