Small Business Administration Rural Performance Report Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the leadership of our Ranking Member Velazquez and our esteemed Chairman Williams. It is, indeed, a pleasure to be on this committee. There are many Members here today who are on the Small Business Committee and are making a difference for America in every piece of legislation we pass.

I rise today to speak on the Small Business Administration Rural Performance Report Act, a bill that we introduced to support our rural small businesses.

These businesses are essential to rural America, providing over 54 percent of employment in rural communities and counties. This bill would help us understand how the Small Business Administration is really helping them succeed.

The bill requires two reports. First, it would give us insight into the Office of Rural Affairs, ensuring that they are providing the proper help to rural businesses.

We are all aware of the crucial role that these businesses play in our economy, yet the support that they offer is often unknown to small business owners. At a hearing just last summer, several small business owners, including Jennifer Cassaday, a constituent of mine who owns Byrd's Pecan Delights in Adrian, Missouri, came here to testify that she didn't even know that the Office of Rural Affairs existed.

Mr. Speaker, this bill would change that. It demands clear, detailed reports on the Office of Rural Affairs and its efforts to aid these businesses and people like Jennifer.

Are they providing the right assistance? Are the resources and information reaching those who need it the most?

It is time we had solid answers. This bill would provide them.

Mr. Speaker, the second part of this report requires a review of a memorandum of understanding between the SBA and the Department of Agriculture. This Trump-era MOU was a recognition that ag goes hand in hand with rural small businesses.

Supporting this bill means that we are committed to making sure that our rural entrepreneurs have the support they need in a timely fashion. We are standing up for the underrepresented, ensuring our rural small businesses are not left behind in America. We are promoting the accountability and oversight needed to support the backbone of our economy.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to vote for transparency, responsibility, and the success of our rural small business owners.

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