WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House Small Business Committee is holding a hybrid 2021 Member Day Hearing.

Ranking Member Blaine Luetkemeyer's opening statement as prepared for delivery:

Thank you, Madam Chair, for holding this Member Day hearing.

Throughout this Congress, Members have heard from numerous constituent small business owners and job creators; and have prioritized legislation to support the small business recovery.

I am proud of the work this Committee has been able to achieve on a bipartisan basis, such as the Paycheck Protection Program Extension Act, and I look forward to continuing our work together to empower small businesses and Main Street America in their recovery.

COVID-19 devastated small businesses and, through no fault of their own, many were forced to close their doors due to overreaching state and local shutdown measures and altered capacity restrictions.

As a response, Congress created numerous small business relief programs to provide much-needed assistance to Main Street USA. Many of these programs, like the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), have successfully assisted millions of small businesses, providing billions of dollars in assistance.

As small businesses continue to recover, we must ensure they return to operating independently. Prior to the pandemic, small businesses were reporting historic levels of optimism and confidence that resulted from President Trump’s pro-growth policies of a low tax environment combined with efficient and pragmatic regulations.

It remains clear that Congress has a lot of work ahead of us when it comes to the small business economy. Small businesses are currently facing labor shortages, rising costs of goods, inflation, and fears of increased taxes and burdensome government mandates.

From ensuring that the smallest firms can employ workers to providing necessary agency oversight to protect taxpayer dollars, I know we will be busy in the months and years ahead. 

Thank you to the Members who have joined us today. I look forward to our continued work to ensure our nation’s small business environment is rich with opportunities for growth.

Thank you, Madam Chair, and I yield back

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