It is an honor to chair this subcommittee, and to provide a platform for small businesses across America. Though our members may disagree on matters of policy, I want to make it clear that [Looking to witnesses] We work for you, the small businesses present, and the small businesses owners across this country pursuing the American Dream. I look forward to conducting this hearing and this year’s wo... Read More »
Washington, D.C.— Today, House Small Business Committee Chairwoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) issued the following statement after the Biden administration announced reforms intended to ensure that the smallest of small businesses can access the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP): “Shortly after the inception of PPP, evidence emerged that the smallest of small businesses weren’t getting the same acc... Read More »
Washington, D.C.— Today, during a markup of the House Small Business Committee’s reconciliation proposal, Chairwoman Nydia M. Velazquez delivered the following remarks: As Prepared for Delivery “Today, we will be considering legislation to further help our nation’s small employers’ power through this unprecedented crisis. “In the first CARES bill, Congress enacted the Paycheck Protection Program a... Read More »
Washington, D.C.— Today, the House Small Business Committee, chaired by Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), approved legislation to provide small businesses with $50 billion in emergency aid to recover from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The bill now goes to the House Budget Committee to be included in a comprehensive aid package. “After suffering through this pandemic for nearly a year, millions of s... Read More »
Washington, D.C.— Today, House Small Business Committee Chairwoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) issued the following statement after the Labor Department released its January jobs report: “The January jobs report removes any doubt that our economic recovery is stalling. The economy added just 49,000 jobs last month, long term unemployment is up, and our jobs deficit since February remains higher than... Read More »
Washington, D.C.— Today, House Small Business Committee Chairwoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) and Vice-Chair Kweisi Mfume (D-MD) sent a letter to President Joe Biden, asking his administration to prioritize small businesses in his efforts to leverage the Defense Production Act (DPA) to fight medical supply shortages. “Ensuring small businesses are part of any efforts to leverage DPA against COVID-1... Read More »
This past year, COVID-19 sparked a once in a lifetime crisis for American small businesses. As we meet today, entrepreneurs nationwide are holding on to their businesses for dear life. According to research published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the number of active business owners fell by 22% from February to April 2020, the largest drop on record. That same research showed minority-o... Read More »
Washington, D.C.— Today, the House Small Business Committee under Chairwoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) held a hybrid hearing examining the small business economy’s current state amid the ongoing pandemic. This was the first full committee hearing of the 117th Congress and provided lawmakers with a comprehensive view of the reality that business owners face as the pandemic rages on. During her rema... Read More »
Washington, D.C.— Today, House Small Business Committee Chairwoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) announced the five subcommittee chairs and the members that will serve on them during the 117th Congress. Subcommittee chairs were selected via seniority and confirmed unanimously by other members during the committee’s organizational meeting. “Our new subcommittee chairs represent a diverse array of distr... Read More »
Washington, D.C.— Today, House Small Business Committee Chairwoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) issued the following statement following President Biden signing a “Buy American” executive order for government procurement: “The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic created a once in a lifetime crisis for American small businesses. Since the start of his campaign, President Biden has stressed the need for an equit... Read More »
Washington, D.C.— Today, House Small Business Committee Chairwoman Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) announced the Committee’s Democratic roster for the 117th Congress. The Democratic Steering and Policy Committee selected the Members and the Democratic Caucus voted for their approval. “I am pleased to welcome this talented group of lawmakers to the Committee for the 117th Congress,” said Chairwoman ... Read More »
Washington, D.C.— Today, House Small Business Committee Chairwoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) issued the following statement after the Labor Department released its December jobs report: “The December jobs report marks yet another big miss on employment numbers and shows that our recovery is not on an acceptable path. This report serves as another stark warning sign about the state of the American ... Read More »
Washington, D.C.— Today, House Small Business Committee Chairwoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) welcomed three new members to the Committee following their nomination by the House Democratic Steering Committee. Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN), Rep. Carolyn Bourdeaux (D-GA), and Rep. Marie Newman (D-IL) will serve on the Committee during the 117th Congress. “As we enter the 117th Congress, small businesses ... Read More »
Washington, D.C.— Today, House Small Business Committee Chairwoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) issued the following statement after the House voted to pass H.R. 133, a bill consisting of omnibus spending, coronavirus relief, and authorizations: “Small businesses have voiced the need for additional stimulus for months. Republicans have finally dropped their obstruction strategy and come to the table ... Read More »
Washington, D.C.— Today, House Small Business Committee Chairwoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) issued the following statement after the Labor Department released its November jobs report: “Today’s big miss on employment numbers is a flashing warning sign about the state of our economy. Job growth has slowed sharply, and permanent job loss continues to rise. We’ve still yet to regain 9.8 million jobs... Read More »