| Weekly Update from Sam |
| Dear Friends,
Our small business contracting reform legislation passed the full House of Representatives this afternoon as part of the National Defense Authorization Act. Today’s development is a significant step in our efforts to ensure that small businesses have greater opportunities to compete in the federal procurement system. About 90 percent of the businesses who bid on contracts are small companies, however, the government only awards about 20 percent of the work to small firms. A change to the system is definitely needed.
These reforms reflect the work of the Small Business Committee, which held 10 hearings and 2 markups on these issues, and the Armed Services Committee’s own efforts to improve the Pentagon’s relationship with small contractors. Over 20 trade associations have offered their support for these changes, as well. Now, the National Defense Authorization Act and our contracting provisions move on to the Senate for consideration. Be sure to contact your Senator to voice your support for these reforms.
Also, next week is the 49th annual National Small Business Week, a time to recognize the contributions of small businesses to the economic well-being of America. It is an appropriate time to take a moment to assess the health of our nation’s small companies, as well as evaluate the state of entrepreneurship. Without strong small business growth, America will not be able to make a full economic recovery or continue to lead the world in innovation.
Members of the House Small Business Committee will celebrate small companies by holding small business forums and listening sessions in their Congressional districts across America, like many did last year. To keep up-to-date on the activities of the Committee next week, visit our website.
Sam Graves
Chairman
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Latest Committee Action
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On Wednesday, in honor of World Trade Month, the Committee held a hearing to examine the U.S. trade strategy and the challenges that small businesses face when they want to enter the global marketplace. The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) testified on the status of current trade negotiations and Administration efforts to open new markets for United States goods and services. The Committee focused on the changing trade landscape that includes the new free trade agreements with Colombia, South Korea and Panama, and the efforts to help small businesses participate in exporting. The hearing was held a week after Chairman Graves and Subcommittee Chairman Scott Tipton introduced legislation to help small firms engage in trade by simplifying the maze of federal export promotion agencies.
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Notable Op-Ed
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What Small Business Is The Next Facebook?
By Chairman Graves
Thursday, May 17, 2012
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News From Washington
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On Wednesday, the House passed the Violence Against Women Act (H.R. 4970), by a vote of 222-205. This legislation provides $660 million in funding over five years for programs that provide protection for victims of domestic violence, community violence prevention, and legal aid for survivors of violence. Since its enactment in 1994, the Violence Against Women Act has helped many women escape abuse and enabled them to seek help through victim services programs. In addition to providing funding, this reauthorization strengthens penalties for sexual assault and abuse and increases accountability of grant recipients.
As mentioned above, the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 4310), which is comprehensive legislation that authorizes funding levels for the Department of Defense and the national security programs of the Department of Energy. The bill authorizes $554 billion for national defense and $88.5 billion for Overseas Contingencies Operations, consistent with the budget resolution the House passed last month. In addition to providing funding for the Armed Forces, this year’s bill reforms the way the Defense Department interacts with the private sector, opening more opportunities for small businesses, increasing competition, and spurring innovation. About 70 percent of all federal procurement is done by the Department of Defense. The legislation’s procurement reforms draw on the work of the Small Business Committee and the Armed Services Committee's Panel on Business Challenges within the Defense Industry led by Reps Bill Shuster (R-PA) and Rick Larsen (D-WA). The bill passed by a vote of 218-199.
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| May 18, 2012 |
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