The key to long term growth in our economy is to make sure we are creating an environment that encourages innovation. That is why since last January we have held hearings on how the digital ecosystem promotes entrepreneurship, how small firms are leading the way in the clean energy economy, and solutions to decrease barriers for women and minorities seeking patents and trademarks. Today’s hearing ... Read more »
America’s small businesses are a catalyst for creating employment opportunities and driving growth in the U.S. economy. That is because the 30 million small firms in the U.S. represent over 99 percent of all employers, and support nearly 56 million jobs. That is why we need to be enacting policies that help small businesses deliver the products, services, jobs, innovation, and income that American... Read more »
Whether it’s the roads, rails, and bridges that we use to transport our goods, the utility systems that power our factories, or the telecommunications networks that connect consumers to businesses, maintaining America’s infrastructure is fundamental to a robust economy and to the nation’s competitiveness. Historically, America’s infrastructure network has fostered strong economies and allowed us t... Read more »
Today, we have the opportunity to welcome the Honorable Jovita Carranza, the 26th Administrator of the Small Business Administration, to our Committee. While there are many political and ideological differences represented on this Committee, one thing we all agree on is the importance of small businesses to our nation’s economy. America’s 30 million small businesses are the cornerstones of our com... Read more »
Our Committee has a longstanding tradition of working in a bipartisan manner on behalf of America’s 30 million small businesses. We work together to make the programs at SBA more effective and seek ways to encourage entrepreneurship and job growth on Main Street. And because small businesses are such an important part of our economy, what we do here impacts the lives of nearly every American. At a... Read more »
As Chairman of the Innovation and Workforce Subcommittee, I see every day how much value comes from innovation and entrepreneurship. For decades, the United States has led the world in innovation, in large part because of our commitment to funding research and development at our nation’s universities. Every year, hundreds of patents are developed on our nation’s college campuses. Products like lif... Read more »
Today, the Committee will examine the management and performance of SBA’s Office of Credit Risk Management – otherwise known as OCRM. OCRM is responsible for conducting oversight of SBA’s lending programs and its $120 billion 7(a) and 504 loan portfolios. All of us are acutely aware that access to capital plays a vital role in the success of our nation’s 30 million small businesses. Without it, sm... Read more »
Today, the Committee will examine the management and performance of SBA’s field operations, which serve as SBA’s “boots on the ground” across the country and are vital in connecting small business owners with the resources they need to succeed. SBA’s programs and services are delivered through 68 district and 10 regional offices located across the United States and its territories. At the top of t... Read more »
As the Chair of the House Small Business Committee, I see every day how innovation and invention drive entrepreneurship. An important part of how we support American inventors is through our patent system. Applying for and obtaining a patent allows small firms to gain access to capital, find licensing deals, and level the playing field with larger competitors---all of which lead to jobs and econom... Read more »
Throughout the history of industrialized economies, the primary goal of a business was to make money and the chief objective of Corporations was to increase shareholder value above all else. This approach has had clear benefits. Over the last four decades, American-owned firms have become the largest, most visible companies in the world, and the United States has established itself as the world’s ... Read more »
