Helping Small Businesses Thrive

Statement

Dear Neighbors,

Small businesses are a fundamental part of our economy. They fuel technological innovation, invest in local communities and drive employment opportunities for hardworking Americans. During this National Small Business Week, we must recommit to harnessing the ingenuity of American small business owners by giving them the tools they need to thrive. I'd like to take a moment to tell you about the work I'm doing to meet that goal and support small businesses.

As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I play a role in writing the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), critical legislation that sets policy for the Pentagon.

This year I was proud to have 13 of my proposals accepted in the Fiscal Year 2016 NDAA during Committee consideration. Among these provisions were four amendments that I introduced with former Small Business Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) that will help make it easier for small businesses to compete for government contracts. These proposals will provide greater accountability for senior agency executives who are responsible for overseeing small business subcontracting, remove barriers to capital for small businesses, improve training for small business advocates and allow more small businesses to compete for federal construction contracts. These amendments all passed the Armed Services Committee unanimously. Representative Graves and I will introduce another amendment during consideration of the NDAA on the House Floor next week to increase small business contracting goals for the Department of Defense.

I also believe we have an obligation to promote the growth of small businesses owned by Veterans. Those who defended our great country deserve to have access to the resources they need for their businesses to grow and succeed. That is why last week, I introduced the Veterans Small Business Enhancement Act with Congressman Paul Cook (R-CA). The bill would allow eligible, Veteran-owned small businesses to select and receive excess federal property that agencies do not need, like computers, office furniture, agricultural tools and construction equipment. This bill will not only give Veteran entrepreneurs an extra opportunity to succeed and grow their businesses, but will also save taxpayer money.

As a member of the House Small Business Caucus, I firmly believe Congress should be doing everything it can to create an environment that allows small businesses to invest, grow and create jobs and I think these common sense ideas are a good start.

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