Measure Would Steer Federal Contracts to Beleaguered Island
A key Congressional panel took steps today to advance legislation aimed at helping small companies in Puerto Rico obtain a greater share of federal contracts. The House Small Business Committee approved the “Puerto Rico Small Business Contracting Assistance Act,” legislation that would help stimulate economic… Read more »
Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), the top Democrat on the House Small Business Committee, commented today on a new report released by the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Office Inspector General (OIG) that finds more than a billion dollars in SBA-backed loans may have inappropriately gone to ineligible companies operating in the poultry industry.
“When SBA… Read more »
Say Administration Policies Make Reckless Cuts to Necessary Protections
As the Trump Administration pushes policies promoting massive, swift deregulation, Democrats of the House Committee on Small Business are drawing attention to benefits from rules that protect the environment and public safety. In a hearing today, Democrats expressed concern over the impact that President… Read more »
Today, in a joint subcommittee hearing, the House Small Business Subcommittee on Health and Technology and Subcommittee on Agriculture, Energy, and Trade Hearing met to discuss improving broadband access for rural American businesses. Specifically, the hearing was an opportunity for Democrats to gain perspective from small broadband providers and stakeholders.
“The… Read more »
Says Current Deadline Creates Added Hardship for Communities Recovering from Maria
Today, House Small Business Committee Ranking Member Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) sent a letter requesting that the Small Business Administration (SBA) extend the March 20, 2018 deadline for disaster loans for those affected by Hurricane Maria.
Reports from Puerto Rico show that local economies are… Read more »
As the economy continues to rebound from the 2008 financial crisis, Democrats of the House Committee on Small Business are working to prevent a similar crisis in the future. During the financial crisis, small business lending seized up and millions of jobs disappeared, leading Congress to pass a series of consumer protections and financial reforms. In today’s hearing, Democrats… Read more »
Today, in front of a key panel of experts, Democrats of the House Small Business Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax and Capital Access advocated for a licensing process that protects public safety, while bolstering entrepreneurship. In recent decades, laws to mandate occupational licenses have changed the scope of the American labor force. In today’s hearing, Democrats stressed… Read more »
Repealing DACA Could Cost U.S. $460 billion in Economic Output
As Congress debates proposals to protect the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), the top Democrat on the House Small Business Committee, today released a comprehensive report highlighting the central role DACA recipients play in shaping America’s small businesses… Read more »
As the reality of climate change takes effect around the world, Democrats of the House Committee on Small Business are working to ensure that small agriculture firms have access to the technology they need to grow sustainable food. In front of a key panel today, Democrats pushed for robust public initiatives to help agriculture-technology (AG-Tech) start-ups receive the support they need… Read more »
Today, the House Committee on Small Business approved the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 2019 budget views and estimates. During the markup, Committee Democrats submitted a letter to the House Committee on the Budget expressing further views on the SBA’s budget. Below are the Congresswoman’s remarks from the markup.
“Today, we are marking up a broad document… Read more »
