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Let me begin by saying, that the timing and content of this mark-up is ill conceived. We are in the midst of reconciliation, and a vast majority of our members cannot attend due to conflicts.

It doesn’t make sense to move controversial bills without giving all members a fair opportunity to participate and offer amendments.

Aside from the member conflicts, these bills, which put major organizational changes into statute, haven’t been vetted and no oversight has been conducted. Committee Democrats sent 5 letters to Administrator Loeffler on some of these issues and they have all gone unanswered.

We need the information, and the Administrator should be here testifying on the mass firings, program cuts, relocation of district and regional offices, and new changes to the lending programs. Instead, we are getting stonewalled by the Administration and marking up bills without hearings, briefings, or any vetting of some of these policies.

Small businesses are concerned about tariffs, and we should be working together to hold an oversight hearing on the Administration’s reckless policies that have wreaked havoc, chaos, and confusion across our country.

According to the MetLife and Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index, only 29 percent of small businesses feel good about the nation’s health, and 58 percent rank inflation as their top concern.

Let’s not forget President Trump promised to lower inflation. Instead, he picked a fight on tariffs with Canada, Mexico, and other countries. Prices are beginning to surge, and small businesses are paying the price.

The Wall Street Journal recently reported on several small businesses that are on the verge of extinction because they can’t afford the added costs.

And if that is not bad enough, the policy can be changed with a tweet, causing undue uncertainty for small businesses. I would like to enter the Wall Street Journal article into the record.

With that said, I cannot support the seven bills we are considering today because the process has been ill-conceived. I ask that Chairman again that he demand Administrator Loeffler testify to explain the reorganization and programmatic policy changes BEFORE marking up these bills.

Thank you, and I yield back.