House Committee on Small Business 119th Organizational Meeting

Committee on Small Business

2025-01-22

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Source: Congress.gov

Summary

The organizational meeting of the Committee on Small Business for the 119th Congress was called to order to formally welcome members, establish leadership, and approve procedural documents. The agenda included the introduction of new and returning members, the official approval of subcommittee chairs, the adoption of committee rules, and the finalization of the committee's authorization and oversight plan.

Themes

Welcome and Member Introductions

The meeting commenced with welcoming remarks from Chair Williams and Ranking Member Velazquez, both expressing anticipation for collaborative work to support small businesses nationwide. New and returning members of the committee were introduced by both the majority and minority sides. The introductions highlighted the diverse professional backgrounds and experiences of the new members, including military service, law, medicine, and public office, emphasizing their relevance to the committee's mission. Specific mention was made of members' previous roles and their potential contributions to areas such as contracting opportunities and economic growth for small firms.

Committee Leadership and Structure

Subcommittee chairs and ranking members were officially introduced and approved by the committee. Chair Williams announced the majority's chairs for five subcommittees: Economic Growth, Tax, and Capital Access; Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations; Rural Development, Energy, and Supply Chains; Contracting and Infrastructure; and Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Workforce Development. Ranking Member Velazquez then presented the Democratic ranking members for these subcommittees, expressing confidence in the "bright, dynamic members" who have joined the committee.

Adoption of Committee Rules

The committee proceeded to adopt its rules of procedure for the 119th Congress, which were largely consistent with those of previous Congresses. A significant update to the rules allows for members to vote electronically. Ranking Member Velazquez underscored the importance of these rules for maintaining order and ensuring that all viewpoints are heard and considered, fostering a bipartisan and fair environment. The rules were adopted unanimously after no amendments were offered.

Authorization and Oversight Plan

The committee adopted its Authorization and Oversight Plan for the 119th Congress, which outlines legislative and oversight priorities. The plan aims to craft legislation that supports small businesses, investigates agency rules for tailored regulations, and ensures accountability and transparency in SBA programs. Key focuses include combating waste, fraud, and abuse; modernizing SBA systems; and improving access to capital for small firms. Both Chair Williams and Ranking Member Velazquez expressed their commitment to working together to implement this plan for the benefit of Main Street America.

Tone of the Meeting

The meeting exhibited a predominantly cooperative and constructive tone. Both the Chair and Ranking Member emphasized a shared commitment to bipartisanship and effective collaboration in addressing issues faced by small businesses. The atmosphere was formal, yet forward-looking, with a clear focus on the committee's future work and its positive impact on the nation's small firms.

Participants

Transcript

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The committee will now come to order, and without objection, the chair is authorized to declare a recess of the committee at any time.  I want to welcome all of our members, both returning and new to the organizational meeting of the Committee on Small Business for the 119th Congress.  This meeting will proceed as follows.  First, Ranking Member Velazquez, and I will introduce our members on each side, and then we'll introduce and officially approve our subcommittee chairs.   Next, we will officially adopt our committee rules.  And finally, we will officially adopt our committee's authorization and oversight plan.  I want to take a moment to recognize Ranking Member Velazquez.  I know Chairman Williams and our members look forward to working together again to help the small businesses in this nation grow, innovate, and create jobs.  And together, we can craft legislation and conduct oversight to address the many issues facing small businesses today.   Now I want to introduce the new majority members of this committee.  Congressman Brad Finstad from Minnesota, Congressman Tony Weed from Wisconsin, Congressman Rob Bresnahan from Pennsylvania, Congressman Brian Jack from Georgia, Congressman Troy Downing from Montana, Congressman Kim King Hines from Northern Marian Islands, and Congressman Derek Schmidt from Kansas.   I also want to welcome back our members returning to our committee.  Congressman Pete Stauber from Minnesota, who is returning to the Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Supply Chain to this Congress.  Congressman Dan Muser from Pennsylvania, who previously served as chairman of the Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax, and Capital Access.   Myself, previously serving as chair of the Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations.  Congressman Jake Elsie from Texas, who served on our Subcommittee on Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Workforce Development, as well as the Subcommittee on Contracting and Infrastructure.  Congressman Mark Alford from Missouri, who served on our Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations.   as well as the Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax, and Capital Access.  And finally, Congressman Nick Lolota from New York, who served as our chairman for the Subcommittee on Contracting and Infrastructure last Congress.

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