As a farmer, I know that to achieve the greatest yields on my land, I need to take care of my property.  Farmers are the greatest stewards of the land – it is in their best interest.  However, I grow increasingly frustrated when the government dictates how I can use my property, as if it knows better than people whose livelihoods depend on the land.

This week, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman James Oberstar (D-MN) introduced legislation that would radically expand the scope of the Clean Water Act. By removing the term ‘navigable’ from the Act, Chairman Oberstar is proposing to regulate everything from small creeks and ponds to drainage ditches and gutters.  This massive expansion of authority would dramatically raise costs and create serious barriers for many businesses.

With so many things working against our economy right now – government spending spiraling out of control, climate change legislation with the potential to drive energy costs through the roof, and a new health care law estimated to cost nearly a trillion dollars – it is especially important to ensure our legislation will not create additional hurdles for our small businesses and family farms.  I know we can find alternate ways to preserve our environment without punishing the businesses that fuel our communities and feed our families.

Sam Graves

News from the Small Business Committee:
(Please send any Member media activity to Alexandra.Haynes@mail.house.gov)

• Ranking Member Sam Graves (R-MO) and Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO) sent a letter to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers raising concerns and urging changes to the FEMA flood map modernization process. Read more here

• Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD) explained the National Debt during a Special Order floor speech

• On Wednesday, April 21st, Rep. Todd Akin (R-MO) hosted a Special Order on jobs and regulatory reform on the House floor. Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-TX) also spoke during the Special Order. Click here to watch video footage

• Rep. Todd Akin (R-MO) will host a Small Biz Jobs Forum at 10:30 am on April 26th in St. Charles, MO. Watch it live here

• Rep. Mary Fallin (R-OK) and Rep. Mike Coffman (R-CO)  joined in opposition of “Bill to Allow Federal Regulation of All U.S. Water”

• On Thursday, April 22nd, Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL) spoke out on the House floor in support of repealing the "sweetheart deals" in the health care legislation

• Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO) signed onto a letter urging Speaker Pelosi to submit a budget resolution that will start the budget process

House Small Business Committee Action

• On Monday, April 19th, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Finance and Tax, Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL), held a field hearing in Sarasota, FL entitled, “Access to Capital for Small Business.”  The hearing explored the current state of lending for small businesses and examined SBA strategies to increase lending to small businesses. Click here to read more about the hearing or click here to watch video.

• Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL) appeared in the Charlotte Sun and Weekly Herald and expressed his concerns aired about small business loans

• On Wednesday, April 21st, the House Small Business Committee held a hearing entitled, “Oversight of the SBA and its Programs.” The Committee examined a wide range of matters concerning the operation and efficacy of SBA programs.  Ranking Member Sam Graves (R-MO) told SBA Administrator Karen Mills and SBA Inspector General Peggy Gustafson that the Agency was not taking all the necessary steps to protect taxpayers from waste, fraud and abuse.

• Read more about the hearing and what was discussed by clicking here. Click here to watch video footage of House Small Business Committee Republicans' question and answer sessions with SBA Administrator Karen Mills and SBA Inspector General Peggy Gustafson.


Updates from Washington:
(Please send any Member initiatives related to small business and job creation to Paul.Sass@mail.house.gov)

• Reps. Jordan (OH) and Chaffetz (UT) Seek Cosponsors for the Economic Freedom Act - Congressman Jim Jordan and Jason Chaffetz have introduced H.R. 5029, the Economic Freedom Act of 2010.  The legislation replaces the failed “stimulus” and TARP programs with tax cuts that will grow the economy.  Some of the key provisions in the bill include the elimination of the individual and corporate capital gains tax, the elimination of the death tax, the reduction of the corporate income tax rate to 12.5%, and the reduction of the payroll tax for 2010 for employers and employees. Furthermore, the bill pushes for the termination of the TARP program and the repeal of the “stimulus” spending (except for unemployment benefits and tax cuts.) To cosponsor the Economic Freedom Act, contact George Poulios, George.Poulios@mail.house.gov, in Representative Jordan’s office.  

• The Senate Small Business Committee held a hearing on the FY11 budget for the Small Business Administration (SBA) and Karen Mills, SBA Administrator, testified.  For more information and to view Ranking Members Snowe’s release click here.

• Several programs within the Small Business Administration (SBA) are set to expire April 30th. On Thursday, the Senate passed S. 3253, to extend these programs through July 31st. The House is expected to vote on the same measure next week. 

News and Resources for Small Business Owners:

• On May 17-19th, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce will host America’s Small Business Summit 2010

• The IRS released guidance on the new health care law

• The Congressional Budget Office released a report projecting that 4 million people will pay a penalty because they will be uninsured under the new health care law