WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House Committee on Small Business is holding a full committee markup on seven bills.

Chairman Roger Williams’ opening statement as prepared for delivery:

Today, we will mark up seven important bills that support small businesses across the country.

These bills reflect our commitment to equipping entrepreneurs with the tools they need to innovate, grow, and compete in our ever-evolving economy. From expanding access to artificial intelligence resources, strengthening oversight, removing outdated barriers to capital, and tackling burdensome regulations, each of these bills will support Main Street America in a meaningful way.

As Chairman, I am proud of the work being done in this Committee to support the Administration’s efforts and ensure that small businesses remain at the forefront of the American economy.

These bills represent this Committee’s bipartisan commitment to fostering an environment where small businesses can grow, innovate, and invest in their communities.

Several of the bills we are considering today focus on the transformative role of artificial intelligence and ensure that small businesses have access to resources and training to help them utilize AI.

Our bills today will also bring greater accountability and oversight into the SBA 504 loan program and improve access to SBA lending by all types of industries.

We will also consider a bill that would finally bring SBA microlending to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. I appreciate the Ranking Member and the Committee staff who have supported the Committee’s effort over the years on this issue.

Another bill will require the SBA to implement requirements from the Fiscal Year 2019 NDAA to provide information and outreach about employee ownership for small businesses.

And finally, we will consider a bill that empowers small businesses to report burdensome regulations by codifying the SBA Office of Advocacy’s Red Tape Hotline.

I’m proud of the continued bipartisan efforts that have resulted in today’s markup. These efforts have led to the passage of 18 small business bills out of the House this year, which now await Senate consideration.

I look forward to working with my colleagues so we can continue to pass meaningful legislation that empowers small businesses and strengthens our communities.

With that, I look forward to today’s markup and yield to the distinguished Ranking Member from New York, Ms. Velázquez for her opening remarks.

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