U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE

WASHINGTON : 

For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Publishing Office

Internet: bookstore.gpo.gov Phone: toll free (866) 512–1800; DC area (202) 512–1800

Fax: (202) 512–2104 Mail: Stop IDCC, Washington, DC 20402–0001

26–289 2017

ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING 

HEARING 

BEFORE THE

COMMITTEE ON SMALL BUSINESS 

UNITED STATES 

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

ONE HUNDRED FIFTEENTH CONGRESS 

FIRST SESSION 

HEARING HELD 

FEBRUARY 1, 2017 

Small Business Committee Document Number 115–001 

Available via the GPO Website: www.fdsys.gov 

SBREP-219A with DISTILLER


Congress.#13
(II) 

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON SMALL BUSINESS 

STEVE CHABOT, Ohio, Chairman 

STEVE KING, Iowa 

BLAINE LUETKEMEYER, Missouri 

DAVE BRAT, Virginia 

AUMUA AMATA COLEMAN RADEWAGEN, American Samoa 

STEVE KNIGHT, California 

TRENT KELLY, Mississippi 

ROD BLUM, Iowa 

JAMES COMER, Kentucky 

JENNIFFER GONZA ́ LEZ-COLO ́ N, Puerto Rico 

DON BACON, Nebraska 

BRIAN FITZPATRICK, Pennsylvania 

ROGER MARSHALL, Kansas 

VACANT 

NYDIA VELA ́ ZQUEZ, New York, Ranking Member 

DWIGHT EVANS, Pennsylvania 

STEPHANIE MURPHY, Florida 

AL LAWSON, JR., Florida 

YVETTE CLARK, New York 

JUDY CHU, California 

ALMA ADAMS, North Carolina 

ADRIANO ESPAILLAT, New York 

BRAD SCHNEIDER, Illinois 

VACANT 

KEVIN FITZPATRICK, Majority Staff Director 

JAN OLIVER, Majority Deputy Staff Director and Chief Counsel 

ADAM MINEHARDT, Staff Director 

SBREP-219A with DISTILLER

(III) 

C O N T E N T S 

OPENING STATEMENTS 

Page 

Hon. Steve Chabot ................................................................................................... 1 

Hon. Nydia Vela ́zquez ............................................................................................. 3 

APPENDIX 

Additional Material for the Record: 

Authorization and Oversight Plan of the Committee on Small Business 

for the One Hundred Fifteenth Congress ................................................... 8 

Rules and Procedures Adopted by the Committee on Small Business ........ 15 

SBREP-219A with DISTILLER

SBREP-219A with DISTILLER

(1) 

ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING 

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2017 

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, 

COMMITTEE ON SMALL BUSINESS, 

Washington, DC. 

The Committee met, pursuant to call, at 11:04 a.m., in Room 

2360, Rayburn House Office Building, Hon. Steve Chabot [Chairman of the Committee] presiding. 

Present: Representatives Chabot, King, Luetkemeyer, Brat, 

Radewagen, Knight, Kelly, Blum, Comer, Gonza ́lez-Colo ́n, Bacon, 

Marshall, Vela ́zquez, Evans, Murphy, and Lawson. 

Chairman CHABOT. The Committee will come to order. 

Good morning. We want to welcome everybody here, both Members and those in the audience, and those tens of people at home 

that are watching this. I call the Committee on Small Business organizational meeting to order. We want to welcome all the returning and new members of the Committee. 

Before introducing the new Republican members, I would like to 

take a moment to recognize the Ranking Democratic Member, Congresswoman Nydia Vela ́zquez, with whom I have served for many 

years, with one of us in the chair and the other being Ranking 

Member over a number of years, and sometimes she is in the chair 

and sometimes I am the chair, and we go back and forth. But hopefully, it will be this way for a while. We don’t agree on that I am 

sure. But we have an excellent working relationship, and I know 

that we will continue to build on this Committee’s strong bipartisan record of accomplishment for entrepreneurs. 

We are open to working with our Democratic colleagues on 

amendments to bills and anything that they think that we can improve the atmosphere and climate for small business in this country. 

There are six new Republican Members of the Committee. Rod 

Blum, now in his second term in Congress, was the CEO of a small 

software company before his election. He is fired up to join this 

Committee and put that practical experience to work, and we are 

happy to have him. 

The other five new Members are freshmen. James Comer served 

as a Kentucky State Legislator, where he had quite a reputation 

for tackling government waste. Having also run his family’s farm 

in south central Kentucky, I know he has got a passion for rural 

economic development. We welcome him as well. 

Don Bacon has just started his second tour of duty, you might 

say, in public service. He recently retired from the Air Force as a 

Brigadier General. And the people of Nebraska decided not to let 

SBREP-219A with DISTILLER

2 

him enjoy his retirement. They sent him here, and we are glad 

they did. 

Mr. BACON. Thank you, sir. 

Chairman CHABOT. So we welcome you, Don. 

Is Brian here? 

Mr. MARSHALL. He is not. 

Chairman CHABOT. Okay. I think he got held up in another 

Committee. Well, I will say some nice things about him. You can 

all tell him I said nice things. Brian Fitzpatrick is from Pennsylvania. He also served our country as an FBI agent and as a special 

assistant U.S. attorney. Brian and I—well, I will go into the rest 

a little later. 

Jenniffer Gonza ́lez—is it Colo ́n? Say it for me. 

Miss GONZA ́ LEZ-COLO ́ N. Gonza ́lez-Colo ́n. 

Chairman CHABOT. Gonza ́lez-Colo ́n. Okay. Thank you. —is 

from Puerto Rico, was one of the nation’s youngest elected statehouse members, but she didn’t stop there. Her colleagues valued 

her leadership so much that they made her Speaker of the House 

at the ripe old age of 32. I believe she has an incredibly bright future here in Congress, and we are honored she is starting out here 

with us. We are going to count on her leadership, just as the people 

of Puerto Rico certainly did, as they obviously also do with our 

Ranking Member, Ms. Vela ́zquez. 

Dr. Roger Marshall joins us from the first district of Kansas. Dr. 

Marshall is well home back home, since he has delivered more than 

5,000 babies in his career as an OB/GYN. As a physician, his practice is a small business. And that experience is going to be helpful 

to us as we take a closer look at healthcare solutions in the upcoming weeks and months. We welcome you here, Doctor. 

Mr. MARSHALL. Thank you. 

Chairman CHABOT. The very diverse backgrounds and constituencies of our freshmen Members will add to the experience and expertise of our returning Members in making sure we deliver a better way for America’s small businesses. 

I would like to welcome back the members who served on the 

Committee during the 114th Congress, and many in previous Congresses as well. My friend and fellow Judiciary member, Steve 

King from Iowa, we are on the Judiciary Committee together and 

have served many years together, and he is a really good friend. 

Blaine Luetkemeyer from Missouri, Dave Brat from Virginia, 

Amata Radewagen from American Samoa, Steve Knight from California, and Trent Kelly from Mississippi, all returning members. 

And finally, I would like to announce the Vice Chair of the Committee and the Subcommittee chairs for the 115th Congress. We 

are pleased that Blaine Luetkemeyer is willing and able to continue serving as the Vice Chair of the Committee in the 115th Congress. He really did a great job in the last Congress. He has been 

a hard-working, very hard-working member of this Committee for 

a long time. Very insightful in the questions that he has asked witnesses over the years. I had an opportunity to observe that. He 

brings a great deal to this Committee. 

We are also grateful to Amata Radewagen for continuing her 

work as Chair of our Subcommittee on Health and Technology. I 

am looking forward to seeing Dave Brat put his background as an 

SBREP-219A with DISTILLER

3 

economist to work as Chair of the Subcommittee on Economic 

Growth, Tax, and Capital Access. Steve Knight will continue his 

hard work on contracting reform that he was involved in in the last 

Congress in his new role as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Contracting and Workforce. Trent Kelly is bringing his years of experience as a District Attorney and a leader in the Army National 

Guard to his work as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Investigations, Oversight, and Regulations. In addition, Rod Blum will bring 

his expertise as a tech entrepreneur and representative of a great 

many Iowa farmers as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Energy, and Trade. 

And I would now like to yield to the Ranking Member, Ms. 

Vela ́zquez, to make a statement or introduce her Members. 

Ms. VELA ́ ZQUEZ. Sure. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 

I want to first welcome all returning and new Members on both 

sides of the aisle and take a moment to introduce the Democratic 

members of the committee. We have new Members, and are still 

waiting for some other appointments to the committee. 

First, Dwight Evans of Pennsylvania. Mr. Evans is new to Congress this term. He previously served in the Pennsylvania House 

of Representatives for over 35 years, where he was the chair of the 

Appropriations Committee for two decades. He also serves on the 

House Committee on Agriculture. 

Stephanie Murphy of Florida, is new to Congress. This is her 

first term. She previously worked at the U.S. Department of Defense, was a businesswoman and a college instructor. She also 

serves on the House Armed Services Committee. 

Mr. Al Lawson of Florida is new to Congress. He previously 

served in the Florida House of Representatives and the Florida 

Senate. He also serves on the House Committee on Agriculture. 

So I look forward to working with all of you. 

Some of the other members are at other Committee hearings. 

They will be coming in late. As soon as they make it, I will introduce them. 

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 

Chairman CHABOT. Thank you very much. 

Ms. VELA ́ ZQUEZ. I yield back. 

Chairman CHABOT. Thank you. 

There are over 28 million small businesses in America. While the 

members of this Committee will inevitably have policy differences, 

all of us have a common goal: To make sure that our small businesses grow and create the critical jobs that America needs. There 

are numerous issues where we can find common ground to make 

government more efficient and ensure that the Small Business Administration carries out the will of Congress. I believe that the 

Rules Package and Authorization and Oversight Plan will lay the 

groundwork for finding those areas that we have in common, while 

maintaining the highest levels of bipartisan for which this Committee is known. 

And I would now like to yield to the Ranking Member for the 

purpose of making an opening statement. 

Ms. VELA ́ ZQUEZ. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 

Small businesses continue making vital contributions to our 

economy, and we will do whatever it takes to support them. By the 

SBREP-219A with DISTILLER

4 

way, this may be the only committee in Congress that works in a 

bipartisan matter. And I hope that we will continue doing that. I 

always say that there is no Republican or Democratic approach 

when we deal with small businesses. 

Generating nearly two-thirds of net new jobs over the last 15 

years, small firms are the innovators and drivers of economic 

progress. Entrepreneurship also serves as the backbone of our nation’s economy, enabling individuals to pursue their dreams and become financially self-sufficient. 

As we move forward, we must make sure that small businesses 

are given the resources and protections they need to prosper. As 

has been said in the past, both Republicans and Democrats want 

and need small firms to succeed and create jobs in our communities. I look forward to continuing this tradition during the 115th 

Congress. 

Mr. Chairman, I yield back. 

Chairman CHABOT. Thank you. The gentlelady yields back. 

I would like to thank both the Majority and Minority staffs for 

their work and cooperation in putting together the Rules Package 

that we are considering here this morning. 

There are no substantive changes from the Rules adopted in the 

last Congress, the 114th Congress. The Rules have simply been reordered and labeled with subheadings to make it easier for Members and staff to consult and follow the appropriate rules. In consideration of time demands of Members, we will continue to apply 

the 5-minute rule on questioning of witnesses to the Chair and 

Ranking Member. This worked well during the 114th Congress, 

and I expect that we will continue to be able to accommodate the 

needs of all Members in questioning witnesses. 

I would now like to recognize the Ranking Member, Ms. 

Vela ́zquez, for any remarks that she may have relative to the Rules 

Package. 

Ms. VELA ́ ZQUEZ. Thank you. 

Our committee’s Rules are not only a vital institutional requirement, but they also set clear parameters for how we operate. More 

importantly, they contain protections ensuring that all points of 

view are considered. It is important for Members on both sides of 

the aisle to know that, in most regards, these rules are the rules 

I used when I was Chair of the committee, and I believe it is a testament to the Chairman’s willingness to work in a bipartisan way. 

In this day and age, when too many try to stack the rules in 

their favor, it is refreshing that this committee does not have to be 

concerned about such distractions. A committee that is run openly 

and fairly is a committee that works and can best achieve its objective. It is my hope that the Rules we consider today will make this 

happen. Through their adoption, we will start the 115th Congress 

in a way that permits us to work across the aisle, and equally important, to solve the problems facing our nation’s small businesses. 

With that, I yield back, Mr. Chairman. 

Chairman CHABOT. Thank you. The gentlelady yields back. 

Are there any other Members who would like to have time to 

speak relative to the rules package? 

Okay. If not, the Committee now moves to consideration of the 

rules package. The clerk will read the title of the document. 

SBREP-219A with DISTILLER

5 

The CLERK. Rules and procedures adopted by the Committee—— 

Chairman CHABOT. I ask unanimous consent that the rules 

package be considered as read and open for amendment in its entirety. 

Does any Member seek recognition for the purpose of offering an 

amendment? 

Seeing no amendments, the question is on adopting the rules. All 

those in favor, say aye. 

Any opposed, say no. 

In the opinion of the Chair, the ayes have it. The ayes have it. 

The Rules for the Small Business Committee in the 115th Congress 

are adopted. The staff is authorized to make technical and grammatical changes. 

Today’s second order of business is to consider the Committee’s 

Authorization and Oversight Plan. This plan represents the agenda 

for the Committee during the 115th Congress. I want to thank the 

Ranking Member, Ms. Vela ́zquez, for her input on the Authorization and Oversight plan, and her staff and our staff as well. 

The plan is similar to the Oversight Plan adopted in the 114th 

Congress, with an emphasis on a close and thorough examination 

of all the SBA programs. In addition, this plan reflects the Committee’s broad oversight authority under the Rules of the House to investigate, really, any problem affecting small business. 

The House Rules for the 115th Congress require each House 

Committee to include in its Authorization and Oversight Plan any 

unauthorized programs or agencies within that Committee’s jurisdiction that have received funding in the past fiscal year. In the 

case of permanent authorizations, each Committee must list the 

programs that have not received a comprehensive review in the 

prior three Congresses. 

This Committee has been diligent about aggressive and bipartisan oversight of programs within its jurisdiction. In reviewing the 

SBA programs, we have found none that meet the tests set forward 

in the new House Rules. In the 115th Congress, we will continue 

the vigorous oversight that this Committee undertook in the 114th, 

including our ongoing examinations of the SBA 7(a) loan and the 

HUBZone programs. And we are obviously looking to our new Subcommittee Chairman, Mr. Kelly, for distinguishing himself in that 

oversight. 

At this point, I would yield to the Ranking Member, Ms. 

Vela ́zquez, for any comments that she may have on the Authorization and Oversight Plan. 

Ms. VELA ́ ZQUEZ. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 

The Oversight Plan sets forth a policy framework for our work 

this Congress. And the Chairman is to be commended on producing 

a thoughtful document. The plan calls for the robust oversight of 

the SBA and other federal small business initiatives, a long tradition that this committee takes seriously. 

In the past, we have investigated the SBA’s disaster and contracting programs, which has yielded positive changes. These are 

but two examples of the benefits that congressional oversight can 

provide. It also identifies several programs for review and possible 

termination. In this context, the committee has forged a bipartisan 

SBREP-219A with DISTILLER

6 

consensus opposing the SBA continued creation of unauthorized 

pilot programs. Diverting scarce taxpayer dollars away from proven 

programs can open the door to fraud, waste, and abuse, something 

we are all working to minimize. On the flip side, there are statutorily authorized programs that need more support. One such program is the Women’s Procurement Program, which sets aside contracts for women-owned small businesses. Unfortunately, it continues to languish and is underutilized. 

But, while the Agency finds millions annually for its pet projects, 

it neglects important programs like this. In this regard, I look forward to working with my colleagues to examine how the agency is 

establishing its priorities. 

The Majority also cites the need to evaluate trade policies. With 

President Trump’s more protectionist view on trade, it is critical to 

understand how small businesses will be affected by such changes, 

as well as their views on the heightened tensions with major trading partners such as Mexico. U.S. businesses sold nearly $240 billion worth of products to Mexico in 2015, making it the second largest export market for American companies. Many small retailers 

and restaurants also rely on imports from Mexico. In this regard, 

I look forward to the committee’s examination of how closing or reducing U.S. access to the Mexico market will impact America’s 

small businesses. 

In addition, I am glad that the Majority has stated in their Oversight Plan that it will consider ways to enhance the utilization of 

the Manufacturing Extension Partnership at the Department of 

Commerce. This is especially important given that President 

Trump has stated he wants to abolish it. 

Similarly, I am also heartened with the Majority’s focus on renewable energy, which has been a bipartisan issue for this committee for as long as I can remember. I am hopeful our committee 

will continue advancing policies and programs important to small 

businesses. 

Finally, regulatory burden is an important issue, and we must 

continue our work in this area. We need to understand how we can 

make the regulatory process friendlier to small businesses without 

undermining essential safeguards that many of these rules provide. 

We have heard it before, but small businesses need to be a priority 

when it comes to these issues, not an afterthought. 

I look forward to examining these matters this year and continuing to work with Chairman Chabot and the rest of the committee’s Members on both sides of the aisle. Whether it is the SBA or 

matters of importance to small businesses, Congress needs a clear 

agenda for assisting them. It is paramount that we start addressing these issues quickly. By doing so, we have the potential to truly 

help create new jobs and move the economy forward. With that, I 

urge my colleagues to approve this Oversight Plan. 

I yield back, Mr. Chairman. 

Chairman CHABOT. Thank you. The gentlelady yields back. 

Are there any other Members who wish to be recognized for the 

purpose of making a statement on the Authorization and Oversight 

Plan? 

SBREP-219A with DISTILLER

7 

Okay. If not, the Committee now moves to consideration of the 

Authorization and Oversight Plan. The clerk will read the title of 

the document. 

The CLERK. Authorization and Oversight Plan—— 

Chairman CHABOT. I ask unanimous consent that the Authorization and Oversight Plan be considered as read and open for 

amendment in its entirety. 

Does any Member seek recognition for the purpose of offering an 

amendment? 

If not, seeing no amendments, the question is on adopting the 

Authorization and Oversight Package. All those in favor, say aye. 

All opposed, say no. 

The ayes have it. In the opinion of the Chair, the ayes it. The 

ayes have it. The Authorization and Oversight Plan for the Small 

Business Committee in the 115th Congress is adopted. And Committee staff is authorized to make technical and grammatical 

changes to the Authorization and Oversight Plan. 

And Mr. Fitzpatrick is not here yet, is he? Either Fitzpatrick, because actually the Staff Director of this Committee had back surgery recently. So we appreciate your prayers, condolences, and 

hope he gets well and gets back here. But we have another 

Fitzpatrick that is in Committee. My crack staff had noted that he 

went to LaSalle University, and they were going to mention that 

I went to the real LaSalle, and that is LaSalle High School in Cincinnati, Ohio. Very humorous thing. I was going to say you are welcome to the Committee anyway, and that would have gone into the 

ether. He didn’t hear it, but you just did. So anyway, great humor 

by my staff. 

I think all our business is complete. So I want to thank everyone 

for participating today, and we look forward to working with all of 

you. 

If there is no further business to come before the Committee, we 

are adjourned. Thank you very much. 

[Whereupon, at 11:25 a.m., the Committee was adjourned.] 

SBREP-219A with DISTILLER

8 

A P P E N D I X 

SBREP-219A with DISTILLER


Insert offset folio 8 here 26289.001

AUTHORIZATION AND OVERSIGHT PLAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON SMALL BUSINESS FOR 

THE 

ONE HUNDRED FIFTEENTH CONGRESS 

Mr. Chabot, from the Committee on Small Business, submitted to the Committee on Oversight 

and Government Refonn, the Committee on House Administration and the Committee on 

Appropriations the following 

REPORT 

Rule X, cl. 2(d)(l) of the Rules of the House requires each standing Committee to adopt an 

authorization and oversight plan for the two-year period of the Congress and to submit the plan 

to the Committees on Govemment Refonn and House Administration not later than February 15 

of the first session of the Congress. Under Rule X, the Committee has oversight authority to 

investigate and examine any matter affecting small business. This Report reflects that broad 

oversight jurisdiction. 

Pursuant to Rule X, cl. 2(d)(l)(F), this Plan also includes proposals to cut or eliminate programs 

that are inefficient, duplicative, outdated, or more appropriately administered by State or local 

governments. 

House Rule X, cl. 2(d)(2) requires that committee oversight plans include a list of programs or 

agencies within each committee's jurisdiction with lapsed authorizations that received funding in 

the prior fiscal year, or a program or agency with a pennanent authorization which has not been 

subject to review by the Committee in the prior three Congresses. The Committee has found no 

Small Business Administration (SBA) programs that fit these parameters. Rule X, cl. 2( d)(2) 

also requires a description of the programs or agencies to be authorized in the current Congress 

or the next Congress, and any oversight to support the authorization of those programs or 

agencies, and recommendations for moving such programs or agencies from mandatory funding 

to discretionary appropriations where appropriate. The Committee may consider refonns and 

improvements to various SBA programs as noted throughout this Authorization and Oversight 

Plan, including the need for SBA to create appropriate metrics to measure efficacy. 

Oversight of Federal Capital Access Programs 

The Committee will conduct hearings and investigations of SBA and other federal agencies that 

provide capital to America's entrepreneurs that may include any or all of the following, as well 

as matters brought to the attention of the Committee subsequent to the filing of this Report: 

Effectiveness of the capital access programs to generate jobs in the fastest growing small 

businesses. 

• Whether lenders are meeting their goals to lend to small businesses and create jobs. 

Risk to the taxpayers of the capital access programs. 

• Adequacy ofSBA oversight of its lending partners to ensure that federal taxpayers are 

properly protected. 
9 

SBREP-219A with DISTILLER


Insert offset folio 9 here 26289.002

• Capabilities of the SBA infonnation technology to manage the loan portfolio. 

• Whether SBA rules, regulations and guidance result in transparent and reasoned decision 

making with respect to capital access programs. 

• Assessment of credit-scoring algorithms as a replacement for individual credit assessment 

by SBA and its lending partners. 

• The exercise of discretion by SBA to create pilot programs and the risk they pose to the 

taxpayer and whether such authority should be curtailed or eliminated. 

• Whether SBA disaster loan program and its oversight ensures that small businesses are 

able to revive and rebuild communities without unduly placing the federal taxpayer at 

risk. 

• Efficacy and duplication offederal capital access programs offered by the Department of 

Agriculture to small businesses in mral areas. 

• Utilization by small businesses of export capital programs at the Export-hnport Bank and 

the Overseas Private Investment Corporation. 

• Continued examination of the Small Business Lending Fund and State Small Business 

Credit Initiative established by Pub. L. No. 111-240, the Small Business Jobs Act of 

2010, in creating jobs and providing capital to small businesses. 

• Impact of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Refonn and Consumer Protection Act, Pub. L. No. 

111-203, on small business access to capital. 

• Implementation of crowdfunding and other provisions of the Jumpstart Our Business 

Startups Act, Pub. L. No. 112-106. 

In performing oversight, the Committee will focus on risky aspects of financial assistance 

programs including, but not limited to, commercial real estate refinancing, premier certified 

lenders, participating security small business investment companies, small business lending 

companies, express lenders, and loan programs utilizing simplified lending applications. 

Oversight ofSBA and Other Federal Entrepreneurial Development Programs 

The Committee will conduct heruings and investigations into the SBA programs that provide 

training and advice to small businesses that may include any or all of the following, as well as 

matters brought to the attention of the Committee subsequent to the filing of this Report: 

• Examining effectiveness ofSBA entrepreneurial development programs, including 

programs for veterans, in creating jobs at startups and traditional firms. 

• Determining whether certain progrruns should be eliminated as a result of their 

ineffectiveness or duplication of programs provided by other agencies or by the private 

sector. 

• Suggesting methods for enhancing coordination among federal agencies in providing 

assistance to entrepreneurs, including, but not limited to, businesses located in rural areas 

and those seeking to provide goods and services in the federal procurement marketplace. 

• Enhancing the efficacy and utilization of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership at the 

Department of Commerce, including developments in renewable energy. 

• Recommending improvements in assistru1ce to small businesses in rural areas, including 

those involved in agriculture, forestry, and energy production. 

2 
10 

SBREP-219A with DISTILLER


Insert offset folio 10 here 26289.003

Oversight of Federal Government Contracting Matters 

The Committee will conduct hearings and investigations into the federal procurement system that 

may include any or all of the following, as well as matters brought to the attention of the 

Committee subsequent to the filing of this Report: 

• Whether fraud or other problems exist in the federal government contracting programs 

overseen by the SBA including the 8(a), HUBZone, service-disabled veteran, womenowned contracting, and Small Business Innovation Research programs. 

• Effectiveness ofSBA contracting programs to increase participation by small businesses 

in federal procurement. 

• Effectiveness of federal agency protections against contract bundling and consolidation. 

• The accuracy and utility of SBA size standards and federal procurement databases. 

• Operation and effectiveness of federal agency assistance provided to small businesses 

interested in federal procurement, including that provided by the SBA, Offices of Small 

and Disadvantaged Business Utilization and Procurement Technical Assistance Centers. 

• Development of federal acquisition policies and whether small businesses have 

sufficiently effective voice in development of such policies. 

• Cost-effectiveness of outsourcing government work to private enterprise rather than 

expanding the government to provide the good or service internally (i.e., government 

insourcing). 

• Implementation and efficacy of changes made in small business federal procurement 

programs arising from the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Acts for FY s 

2012-2016. 

• Examination of the Small Business Innovation Research Program as modified by the 

National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2012, Pub. L. No. 112-81, including, but not 

limited to, increased efforts at commercializing federally-funded technology. 

In performing oversight, the Committee will focus its efforts on uncovering abuse and misuse of 

the small business designation to obtain federal government contracts. 

Oversight ofSBA Management 

The Committee will conduct the hearings and investigations into the management of the SBA 

that may include any or all of the following, as well as matters bronght to the attention of the 

Committee subsequent to the filing of this Report: 

• The appropriate mission of the SBA. 

• Whether agency employees in the field are empowered to assist small businesses. 

• Duplication of offices and missions at SBA headquarters. 

• Effectiveness of personnel management to ensure that employees are rewarded for 

assisting small businesses. 

• Capabilities ofSBA employees to provide proper assistance to small business owners. 

• Agency personnel capabilities to properly manage loan defaults to maximize recovery of 

collateral. 

3 
11 

SBREP-219A with DISTILLER


Insert offset folio 11 here 26289.004

• Whether SBA improperly utilizes statutory authority to create untested initiatives and the 

procedures by which the agency develops such programs. 

In carrying out this oversight, the Committee will focus particularly on streamlining and 

reorganizing of the agency's operations to provide maximum assistance to small business 

owners. Offices that primarily provide assistance or advice to headquarters staff that do not 

promote the interests of small businesses or protect the federal government as a guarantor of 

loans will be recommended for cuts or elimination. For some potential offices that the 

Committee will examine, refer to the section titled "Reductions in Programs and Spending." 

Oversight of Federal Regulatory and Paperwork Burdens 

The Committee will conduct hearings and investigations into unnecessary, burdensome, and 

duplicative federal rules, reporting and recordkeeping requirements affecting small businesses 

that may include any or all of the following, as well as matters brought to the attention of the 

Committee subsequent to the filing of this Report: 

• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. 

• Consumer Safety Products Commission. 

• Department of Agriculture. 

• Department of Commerce. 

• Department of Energy, particularly the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable 

Energy. 

• Department of Health and Human Services, particularly the Centers for Medicare and 

Medicaid Services and Food and Drug Administration. 

• Department oflnterior, particularly the Bureau of Land Management and Fish and 

Wildlife Service. 

• Department of Homeland Security, particularly the Transportation Security 

Administration. 

• Department of Labor, particularly the Occupational Safety and Health Administration 

and the Wage and Hour Division. 

• Department of Transportation, particularly the Federal Aviation Administration and 

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. 

• Department of the Treasury, particularly the Internal Revenue Service. 

• Environmental Protection Agency. 

• Federal Communications Commission. 

• Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council and its constituent agencies. 

• Office of Management and Budget, particularly the Office of Federal Procurement 

Policy. 

• Secmities and Exchange Commission. 

The Committee will identify specific rules and regulations already issued or at the proposed rule 

stage to assess the impact on small businesses. In addition, the Committee will examine agency 

compliance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act and Paperwork Reduction Act. The Committee 

4 
12 

SBREP-219A with DISTILLER


Insert offset folio 12 here 26289.005

will pay close attention to the effect that regulations have on startups. Oversight of the 

regulatory process also will, to the extent relevant, examine the work of the Office of 

Infonnation and Regulatory Affairs at the Office of Management and Budget. Special attention 

will be paid to the work performed by the Chief Counsel for Advocacy at the Small Business 

Administration to ensure that Office is fulfilling its mission to advocate vigorously on behalf of 

America's small business owners in regulatory matters at federal agencies. Finally, this 

oversight will entail an examination of compliance by federal agencies with amendments to 

Executive Order 12,866 and memoranda on regulatory flexibility and regulatory compliance 

issued by the President on January 18,2011 and still in effect as of the approval of this Oversight 

Plan. 

Oversight of Federal Tax Policy 

The Committee will conduct hearings and investigations into the federal tax code, its impact on 

small business, and Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) collection of taxes that may include any or 

all of the following, as well as matters brought to the attention of the Committee subsequent to 

the filing of this Report: 

• Identification of tax code provisions and proposed mles that hinder the ability of small 

businesses to create jobs and recommendations for modifYing those provisions to boost 

small business job growth. 

• Examination of the stmctt1re of the tax code in order to simplify compliance for small 

businesses. 

• Assessment of the recordkeeping and reporting requirements associated with tax 

compliance and suggestions for reducing such burdens on small businesses. 

• Evaluation of the estate tax provisions to determine whether they inhibit the ability of 

successive generations to maintain successful job creating enterprises. 

• Efficiencies at the IRS that improve the interaction between the government and small 

business owners. 

• Inefficiencies at the IRS that force small businesses to divert capital from job growth to 

tax compliance. 

Oversight of Health Care Policy 

The Committee will conduct hearings and investigations into federal health care policy (such 

as Medicare and Medicaid) and the continued implementation of the Patient Protection and 

Affordable Care Act that may include any or all of the following, as well as matters brought 

to the attention of the Committee subsequent to the filing of this Report: 

• The cost of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to small businesses, including 

the self-employed. 

• The availability of health insurance in the federal marketplaces established by the Patient 

Protection and Affordable Care Act. 

• The impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Medicare and Medicaid on 

the ability of physicians, pharmacists, and allied health care providers to offer the best 

care possible to patients. 
13 

SBREP-219A with DISTILLER


Insert offset folio 13 here 26289.006

• The impact of state tort and insurance laws on the cost of medical care. 

• Examination of increases in efficiencies that will improve the provision of health care 

while reducing costs to small businesses that offer their workers health insurance. 

Oversight of Energy Policy 

The Committee will conduct hearings and investigations into energy policy to reduce the cost of 

energy and increase energy independence that may include any or all of the following, as well as 

matters brought to the attention ofthe Committee subsequent to the filing of this Report: 

• Innovations developed by small businesses that create greater energy independence. 

• Federal regulatory policies tl1at increase dependence on foreign sources of energy. 

• Policies needed to incentivize production of energy in the United States. 

• Examination of commercialization of research in renewable energy. 

• Federal regulations or policies that increase energy costs for amaH businesses. 

The primary thrust of the Committee's efforts will focus on efforts to use the innovation of 

America's entrepreneurs to fuel the drive for greater energy independence, including the 

development of renewable energy products. 

Oversight of Trade and Intellectual Property Policy 

The Committee will conduct hearings and investigations into international trade and intellectual 

property policies of America and its trading partners that may include any or all of the following, 

as well as matters brought to the attention offue Committee subsequent to the filing offuis 

Report: 

• Impact of free trade agreements to increase exp01is by American small businesses. 

• Oversight of SBA's Office ofintemational Trade and the agency's efforts to promote 

small business exports. 

• Examination of fue impact of illicit actions by foreign entities on small businesses and 

whether the federal government is doing enough to protect their interests. 

• Whether the federal government is doing enough to protect the intellectual property rights 

of small businesses by foreign competitors. 

• The impact offederal intellectual property policies, particularly patents and copyrights, to 

protect the innovations of American entrepreneurs. 

• Efforts to increase exports by small businesses. 

• Whether fue United States Trade Representative and Department of Co111111erce. 

sufficiently protect the interests of small businesses in the negotiation of free trade 

agreements. 

• Whether the United States Trade Representative takes positions at the World Trade 

Organization that sufficiently promote the interests of American small businesses. 

The focus of oversight will emphasize the best mechanisms to promote and protect advanced 

technology innovations of small businesses. 

6 
14 

SBREP-219A with DISTILLER


Insert offset folio 14 here 26289.007

Reductions in Programs and Spending 

In addition to the programs and policies already cited, the Committee will examine any and all 

offices and programs that fall within the Committee's legislative jurisdiction to find areas that 

could lead to reduction in the federal deficit. Some programs and offices may include: 

• State Small Business Credit Initiative operated by Department of Treasury. 

• Express Loan Program overseen by SBA. 

• Emerging Leaders Initiative started by SBA. 

• Clusters Program initiated by the SBA. 

• Innovation and Impact Fnnd Pilot Programs operated by the SBA. 

• SBA Office of Policy. 

• SBA Regional Administrators. 

• Office of Advocacy Regional Advocates. 

• SBA Deputy District Directors. 

• SBA Office of International Trade. 

• SBA Office of Native American Affairs. 

In particular, the Committee will assess whether reorganization and reassignment of employees 

to more critical functions at the SBA, such as positions in the Office of Government Contracting 

and Business Development will provide a more effective agency at helping small businesses to 

generate growth. 

I 

Programmatic Duplication 

The Committee notes that § 18 of the Small Business Act prohibits duplication of any effoti by 

the Small Business Administration if a program is already offered by another federal agency 

unless the Small Business Administration expressly authorizes the duplication. The Committee 

will continue to monitor the Small Business Administration for programs that duplicate the 

efforts of other federal agencies. 

7 
15 

SBREP-219A with DISTILLER


Insert offset folio 15 here 26289.008

Rules and Procedures 

Adopted by the 

Committee on Small Business 

United States House of Representatives 

1151

h Congress, 2017-18 

1. GENERAL PROVISIONS 

(A) Rules of the Committee. The Rules of the House of Representatives, in total (but 

especially with respect to the operations of committee., Rule X, cl. l(q), cl. 2, cl. 3(1) 

and Rule Xl), are the rules of the Committee on Small Business ("Committee") to the 

extent applicable and are incorporated by reference. 

(B) Appointments by the Chair. Pursuant to the Rules of the House, the Chair shall 

designate a Member of the Committee Majority to serve as Vice Chair of the 

Committee. The Vice Chair shall preside at any meeting or hearing during the 

temporary absence of the Chair. The Chair also reserves the right to designate a 

Member of the Committee Majority to serve as the Chair at a hearing or meeting. 

2. REFERRAL OF BILLS BY THE CHAIR 

The Chair will retain consideration of all legislation referred to the Committee by the 

Speaker. No action will be required of a Subcommittee before legislation is considered for 

report by the Committee. Subcommittee chairs, pursuant to the rules set out herein, may hold 

hearings on any bill referred to the Committee. 

3. SUBCOMMITTEES 

(A) Generally. Each Subcommittee of the Committee is part of the Committee and is 

subject to the authority and direction ofthe Committee, and to the Rules of the House 

and the rules adopted herein, to the extent applicable. The Chairman and Ranking 

Member of the Committee are ex officio Members of all Subcommittees for the 

purpose of any meeting conducted by a Subcommittee. 
16 

SBREP-219A with DISTILLER


Insert offset folio 16 here 26289.009

(B) The Committee shall be organized into the following five subcommittees: 

(I) Subcommittee on Agriculture, Energy, and Trade 

This Subcommittee (which will consist of six (6) Republican Members and four (4) 

Democratic Members) will address policies that enhance rural economic growth, 

increasing America's energy independence and ensuring that America's small 

businesses can compete effectively in a global marketplace. 

• Oversight of agricultural policies. 

• Oversight of environmental issues and regulations (including agencies such as 

the Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers). 

• Oversight of energy issues, including expansion of domestic resources, 

whether they are renewable or non-renewable. 

• Oversight of international trade policy with particular emphasis on agencies 

that provide direct assistance to small businesses, such as: the Small Business 

Administration's (SBA) Office ofintemational Trade, the Department of 

Commerce's United States Export Assistance Centers, the Department of 

Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service, and the Export-Import Bank. 

• Oversight of infringement of intellectual property rights by foreign 

competition. 

(2) Subcommittee on Health and Technology 

This Subcommittee (which will consist of six (6) Republican Members and four (4) 

Democratic Members) will address how health care policies may inhibit or promote 

economic growth and job creation by small businesses. In addition, the 

Subcommittee will examine small business job growth through the creation and 

adoption of advanced technologies. 

• Oversight of the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care 

Act. 

• Oversight of availability and affordability of health care coverage for small 

businesses. 

• Oversight of general technology issues, including intellectual property policy 

in the United States. 

• Oversight of United States telecommunications policies including, but not 

limited to, the National Broadband Plan and allocation of electromagnetic 

spectrum. 

• Oversight ofthe Small Business Innovation Research Program. 

• Oversight of the Small Business Technology Transfer Program. 

(3) Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax, and Capital Access 

This Subcommittee (which will consist of six (6) Republican Members and four (4) 

Democratic Members) will evaluate the operation of the financial markets in the 

2 
17 

SBREP-219A with DISTILLER


Insert offset folio 17 here 26289.010

United States and their ability to provide needed capital to small businesses. In 

addition, the Subcommittee will review federal programs, especially those overseen 

by the SBA, aimed at assisting entrepreneurs in obtaining needed capital. Since the 

tax policy plays an integral role in access to capital, this Committee also will examine 

the impact offederal tax policies on small businesses. 

• Oversight of capital access and financial markets. 

• Implementation of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer 

Protection Act. 

• SBA financial assistance programs, including guaranteed loans, microloans, 

certified development company loans, and small business investment 

companies. 

• Oversight of the Department of Agriculture business and industry guaranteed 

loan program. 

• Oversight of general tax policy affecting small businesses. 

• The management of the SBA disaster loan program. 

(4) Subcommittee on Investigations, Oversight, and Regulations 

This Subcommittee (which will consist of six (6) Republican Members and four ( 4) 

Democratic Members) will probe the efficient operation of govermnent programs that 

affect small businesses, including the SBA, and develop proposals to make them 

operate in a more cost-effective manner. This Subcommittee also will review the 

regulatory burdens imposed on small businesses and how those burdens may be 

alleviated. 

• Oversight of general issues affecting small businesses and federal agencies. 

• Oversight of the management of the SBA. 

• · Oversight of the SBA Inspector General. 

• Implementation of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. 

• Oversight of the Office of Infotmation and Regulatory Affairs at the Office of 

Management and Budget. 

• Use ofthe Congressional Review Act. 

• Transparency of the federal rulemaking process as required by the Administrative 

Procedure and Data Quality Acts. 

• Implementation of the Paperwork Reduction Act. 

(5) Subcommittee on Contracting and Workforce 

This Subcommittee (which will consist of six (6) Republican Members and four (4) 

Democratic Members) will assess the federal procurement system, including those 

programs designed specifically to enhance participation by small businesses in 

providing goods and services to the federal government. The Subcommittee will 

examine various programs designed to provide technical assistance to small 

businesses, whether specifically aimed at federal contractors or small businesses in 
18 

SBREP-219A with DISTILLER


Insert offset folio 18 here 26289.011

general. Finally, the Subcommittee will review the broad scope of workforce issues 

that affect the ability of small businesses to obtain and maintain qualified employees. 

• Oversight of govemment-wide procurement practices and programs affecting small 

businesses. 

• Oversight of federal procurement policies that inhibit or expand participation by 

small businesses in the federal contracting marketplace. 

• All contracting programs established by the Small Business Act, including 

HUBZone, S(a), Women-, and Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business 

Programs. 

• Technical assistance provided to federal contractors and perspective contractors 

through SBA personnel, Offices of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, 

and Procurement Technical Assistance Centers. 

• The SBA Surety Bond guarantee program. 

• Oversight of all federal policies that affect the workforce including, but not limited 

to, the roles of the Department of Labor and the National Labor Relations Board. 

• SBA entrepreneurial development and technical assistance programs unrelated to 

participation in the federal govemment contracting. 

(C) Powers and Duties of Subcommittees. Each Subcommittee is authorized to meet, hold 

hearings, receive evidence, and report to the Committee on any matters referred to it. 

Prior to the scheduling of any meeting or hearing of a Subcommittee, the Chair of the 

Subcommittee shall obtain the approval of the Chair of the Committee. 

(D) Hearing Time and Date. No hearing or meeting of a Subcommittee shall take place at 

the same time as the meeting or hearing of the full Committee or another 

Subcommittee, provided however, that the Subco111111ittee Chairs may hold field 

hearings that conflict with those held by other Subcommittees of the Committee. 

4. COMMITTEE STAFF 

(A) Majority Staff. The employees of the Committee, except those assigned to the 

Minority as provided below, shall be appointed and assigned, and may be removed by 

the Chair of the Committee. The Chair shall fix their remuneration and they shall be 

under the general supervision and direction of the Chair. 

(B) Minority Staff. The employees of the Committee assigned to the Minority shall be 

appointed and assigned, and their remuneration determined, as the Ranking Minority 

Member of the Committee shall decide. 

(C) Subcommittee Staff. There shall be no separate staff assigned to Subcommittees. 

The Chair and Ranking Minority Member shall endeavor to ensure that sufficient 

Committee staff is made available in order that each Subcommittee may carry out the 

responsibilities set forth in Rule 3, supra. 

4 
19 

SBREP-219A with DISTILLER


Insert offset folio 19 here 26289.012

5. MEETINGS 

(A) Regular Meeting Day. The regular meeting day of the Committee shall be the second 

Wednesday of every month when the House is in session. The Chair may dispense with 

the meeting of the Committee, if in the sole discretion of the Chair, there is no need for 

such meeting. 

(B) Additional Meetings. Additional meetings may be called as deemed necessary by the 

Chair or at the request of the majority Members of the Committee pursuant to Rule XI, 

cl. 2(c) of the rules of the House. At least 3 days' notice of such an additional meeting 

shall be given unless the Chair, with the concurrence of the Ranking Minority Member, 

determines that there is good cause to call the meeting on less notice or upon a vote by a 

majority of the Committee (a quorum being present). To the extent possible, the three 

days shall be counted from the 72 hours before the time of the meeting. Announcements 

ofthe meeting shall be published promptly in the Daily Digest and made publicly 

available in electronic form. 

(C) Business to be Considered. The detennination of the business to be considered at each 

meeting shall be made by the Chair subject to limitations set forth in House Rule XI, cl. 

2(c). 

(D) Meeting Materials. The Chair shall provide to each Member ofthe Committee, to the 

extent practicable, at least 48 hours in advance of a meeting, a copy of the bill, 

resolution, report or other item to be considered at the meeting, but no later than 24 hours 

before the meeting. Such material also shall be made available to the public at least 24 

hours in advance in electronic form. 

(E) Special and Emergency Meetings. The rules for notice and meetings as set forth in Rule 

5 of these Rules shall not apply to special and emergency meetings. Clause 2(c)(2) of 

Rule XI and clause 2(g)(3)(A) of Rule XI of the Rules of the House, as applicable, shall 

apply to such meetings. 

6. NOTICE AND ANNOUNCEMENT OF HEARINGS 

(A) Announcement of Hearings. Public announcement ofthe date, place and subject matter 

of any hearing to be conducted by the Committee shall be made no later than 7 calendar 

days before the commencement of the hearing. To the extent possible, the seven days 

shall be counted from 168 hours before the time ofthe Committee's hearing. 

(B) Exception. The Chair, with the concurrence of the Ranking Minority Member, or upon a 

vote by the majority of the Committee (a quorum being present), may authorize a hearing 

to commence on less than 7 days' notice. 

(C) Witness Lists. Unless the Chair determines it is impracticable to do so, the Committee 

shall make a tentative witness list available at the time it makes the public announcement 

5 
20 

SBREP-219A with DISTILLER


Insert offset folio 20 here 26289.013

of the hearing. If a tentative witness Jist is not made available at the time of the 

announcement of the hearing, such witness Jist shall be made available as soon as 

practicable after such announcement is made. A final witness list shall be issued by the 

Committee no later than 48 hours prior to the commencement of the hearing. 

(D) Hearing Material. The Chair shall provide to all Members of the Committee, as soon as 

practicable after the rumouncement of the hearing, a memorandum explaining the subject 

matter ofthe hearing and any official rep01is from departments and agencies on the 

subject matter of the hearing. Such material shall be made available to all Members of 

the Committee no later than 48 hours before the commencement of the hearing, unless 

the Chair, after consultation with the Ranking Minority Member, determines that certain 

reports from departments or agencies should not be made available prior to the 

commencement of the hearing. Material provided by the Chair to all Members, whether 

provided prior to or at the hearing, shall be placed on the Committee website no later thru1 

48 hours after the commencement of the hearing, unless such material contains sensitive 

or classified information, in which case such material shall be handled pursuant to Rule 

16 of the Committee's Rules. 

7. MEETINGS AND HEARINGS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 

(A) Meetings. Each meeting of the Committee or its Subcommittees for the transaction of 

business, including the markup oflegislation, shall be open to the public, including to 

radio, television, and still photography coverage, except as provided by House Rule XI, 

cl. 4. If the majority of Members of the Committee or Subcommittee present at the 

meeting determine by a recorded vote in open session that all or part of the remainder of 

the meeting on that day shall be closed to the public because the disclosure of matters to 

be considered would endanger national security, would compromise sensitive law 

enforcement information, or would tend to defrune, degrade, or incriminate any person or 

otherwise would violate any law or rule of the House; provided however, that no person 

other than Members of the Committee, and such congressional staff and such executive 

branch representatives they may authorize, shall be present in any meeting which has 

been closed to the public. 

(B) Hearings. Each hearing conducted by the Committee or its Subcommittees shall be open 

to the public, including radio, television and still photography coverage. If the majority 

of Members of the Committee or Subcommittee present at the hearing determine by a 

recorded vote in open session that all or part of the remainder of the hearing on that day 

shall be closed to the public because the disclosure of matters to be considered would 

endanger national security, would compromise sensitive law enforcement information, or 

would tend to defame, degrade, or incriminate any person or otherwise would violate any 

law or nile of the House; provided however, that the Committee or Subcommittee may by 

the same procedure also vote to close one subsequent day ofhearings. Notwithstru1ding 

the requirements ofthe preceding sentence, a majority of those present (if the requisite 

number of Members are present under Committee mles for the purpose of taking 

testimony) may vote: (i) to close the hearing for the sole purpose of discussing whether 

6 
21 

SBREP-219A with DISTILLER


Insert offset folio 21 here 26289.014

the testimony or evidence to be received would endanger the national security, would 

compromise sensitive law enforcement information, or violate Rule XI, cl. 2(k)(5) of the 

House or (ii) to close the hearing, as provided clause 2(k)(5) of Rule XI of the House. 

(C) Participation in Subcommittee Hearings. The Chair and Ranking Minority Member are ex 

officio Members of all Subcommittees for any hearing conducted by a Subcommittee. 

Members of the Committee who wish to participate in a hearing of the Subcommittee to 

which they are not Members shall make such request to the Chair and the Ranking 

Minority Member of the Subcommittee at the commencement of the hearing. The Chair, 

after consultation with the Ranking Minority Member of the Subcommittee, shall grant 

such request. 

(D) Non-Participatory Attendance by Other Members ofthe House. No Member of the House 

may be excluded from non-participatory attendance at any hearing of the Committee or 

any Subcommittee, unless the House of Representatives shall by majority vote authorize 

the Committee or Subcommittees, for purposes of a particular subject of investigation, to 

close its hearing to Members by the same procedures designated to close hearings to the 

public. 

(E) Procedure to Participate. Members of Congress who are not Members ofthe Committee 

but would like to participate in a heming shall notifY the Chair and the Ranking Minority 

Member and submit a fonnal request no later than 24 hours before the commencement of 

the meeting or hearing. 

(F) Audio and Video Coverage. To the maximum extent practicable, the Committee shall 

provide audio and video coverage of each hearing or meeting for the transaction of 

business in a manner that allows the public to easily listen and view the proceedings and 

shall maintain the recordings of such coverage in a manner easily accessible to the public. 

8. WITNESSES 

(A) Number of Witnesses. For any hearing conducted by the Committee or Subcommittee 

there shall be no more than four non-govemmental witnesses of which the Ranking 

Minority Member of the Committee or Subcommittee (as appropriate) is entitled to select 

one witness for the hearing. 

(B) Witnesses Selected by the Minority. Witnesses selected by the Ranking Minority 

Member of the Committee or Subcommittee shall be invited to testifY by the Chair of the 

Committee or Subcommittee (as appropriate). Rule 8(D) shall apply with equal force to 

witnesses selected by the Ranking Minority Member of the Committee or Subcommittee. 

(C) Small Business Week Exception. The limitations set forth in the preceding paragraph 

shall not apply ifthe Committee holds a hearing to honor the work of the small business 

community in conjunction with the annual celebration of Small Business Week. Witness 

7 
22 

SBREP-219A with DISTILLER


Insert offset folio 22 here 26289.015

limitations for such a hearing shall be determined by the Chair in consultation with the 

Ranking Min01ity Member. 

(D) Statement of Witnesses. 

(1) Each witness who is to appear before the Committee or Subcommittee shall file an 

electronic copy of the testimony with the Committee and the Ranking Minority Member 

no later than 48 hours before the commencement ofthe hearing. In addition, the witness 

shall provide 25 copies of the testimony by the commencement of the hearing. The Chair 

may waive the requirement by the witness providing 25 copies in which case the 

Committee or Subcommittee shall provide the 25 copies. 

(2) Each non-governmental witness shall provide to the Committee and the Ranking 

Minority Member, no later than 48 hours before the commencement of the hearing, a 

curriculum vitae or other statement describing their education, employment, professional 

affiliation or other background information pertinent to their testimony. 

(E) Witness Disclosure. As required by Rule XI, cl. 2(g) of the Rules of the House, each nongovernmental witness before the commencement of the hearing shall file with the Chair a 

disclosure form detailing any contracts or grants that the witness has with the federal 

government, as well as the amount and country of origin of any payment or contract 

related to the subject of the hearing originating with a foreign government. In addition, 

each non-govermnental witness shall file with the Committee Chair a disclosure form 

detailing any payments or contracts received from a foreign government if such payments 

or contracts are related in any manner to the subject matter of a hearing. Such 

information shall be posted on the Committee website within 24 hours after the witness 

appeared at the hearing. 

(F) Failure to Comply. The failure to provide the materials set forth by the deadlines set forth 

in these rules may be grounds for excluding both the oral and written testimony of the 

witness unless waived by the Chair of the Committee or Subcommittee. 

(G) Public Access to Witness Materials. The Committee will provide public access to printed 

materials, including the testimony of witnesses in electronic form on the Committee's 

website no later than 24 hours after the hearing is adjourned. Supplemental material 

provided after the hearing adjourns shall be placed on the Committee website no later 

than 24 hours after receipt of such material. 

(H) Questioning of Witnesses. Except when the Committee adopts a motion pursuant to 

subdivisions (B) and (C) of clause 2(i)(2) of Rule XI of the Rules of the House, 

Committee Members may question witnesses only when they have been recognized by 

the Chair for that purpose. Members shall have the opportunity, as set forth in Rule XI, 

cl. 2 (j) of the Rules of the House, to question each witness on the panel for a period not 

to exceed five minutes. For any heating, the Chair of the Committee or Subcommittee 

may offer a motion to extend the questioning of a witness or witnesses by the Member 

identified in the motion for more than five minutes as set forth in Rule XI, cl. 2G)(B). 
23 

SBREP-219A with DISTILLER


Insert offset folio 23 here 26289.016

(I) Order of Questioning. The Chair of the Committee or Subcommittee shall commence 

questioning followed by the Ranking Min01ity Member. Thereafter, questioning shall 

alternate between the majority and minority Members. Before the gavel has been struck, 

or in the case of Members arriving simultaneously, the order of questioning shall be 

based on seniority among Members of his or her own party. After the gavel has been 

shuck, Members first to arrive shall have priority over Members of his or her own party. 

(J) Consideration of Ratio. In recognizing Members to question witnesses, the Chair may 

take into consideration the ratio of majority and minority Members present in such a 

manner as to not disadvantage the Members of either party. 

9. QUORUM 

(A) Determining a Quorum. A quomm, for purposes of reporting a measure or 

recommendation, shall be a majority of the Committee Members. 

(B) Quorum for a Hearing. For purposes of taking testimony or receiving evidence, a quorum 

shall be one Member from the Majority and one Member from the Minority. The Chair 

of the Committee or Subcommittee shall exercise reasonable comity by waiting for the 

Ranking Minority Member even if a quorum is present before shiking the gavel to 

commence the heating. For hearings held by the Committee or a Subcommittee in a 

location other than the Committee's hearing room in Washington, DC, a quomm shall be 

deemed to be present if the Chair of the Committee or Subcommittee is present. 

10. RECORD VOTES 

(A) When Provided. A record vote of the Committee shall be provided on any question 

before the Committee upon the request of any Member of the Committee. A record of 

the vote of each Member of the Committee on a matter before the Committee shall be 

available in electronic form within 48 hours of such record vote, and, with respect to any 

roll call vote on any motion to atnend or report, shall be included in the report of the 

Committee showing the total number of votes cast for and against and the names of those 

Members voting for and against. 

(B) Public Access to Record Votes. The Chair of the Committee shall, not later than 24 hours 

after consideration of a bill, resolution, report or other item, cause the text of the reported 

item and any atnendment adopted thereto to be made publicly available in electronic 

form. 

9 
24 

SBREP-219A with DISTILLER


Insert offset folio 24 here 26289.017

11. SUBPOENAS 

(A) Authorization and Issuance. A subpoena may be authorized and issued by the Committee 

in the conduct of any investigation or series of investigations or activities to require the 

attendance and testimony of such witness and the production of such books, records, 

correspondence, memoranda, papers and documents, as deemed necessary. Such 

subpoena shall be authorized by a majority of the full Committee. The requirement that 

the authorization of a subpoena requires a majority vote may be waived by the Ranking 

Minority Member of the Committee. 

(B) Issuance Dming Congressional Recess. The Chair may issue a subpoena, in consultation 

with the Ranking Minority Member, when the House is out for session for more than 

three legislative days. 

12. AMENDMENTS DURING MARKUP 

(A) A vail ability of Amendments. Any amendment offered to any pending legislation before 

the Committee must be made available in written form by any Member of the Committee. 

If such amendment is not available in written form when requested, the Chair shall allow 

an appropriate period for the provision thereof and may adjourn the markup to provide 

sufficient time for the provision of such written amendment. Such period or adjournment 

shall not prejudice the offering of such amendment. 

(B) Drafting and Filing of Amendments. For an1endments to be accepted during markup, 

there is no requirement that the amendments be filed prior to commencement of the 

markup or prepared with the assistance of the Office of Legislative Counsel. Even 

though it is not necessary, Members seeking to amend legislation during markup should 

draft amendments with the assistance of the Office of Legislative Counsel and consult 

with the Chair or Ranking Minority Member's staff (as appropriate) in the preparation of 

such amendments. 

13. POSTPONEMENT OF PROCEEDINGS 

(A) When Postponement is Pennissible. The Chair, in consultation with the Ranking 

Minority Member, may postpone further proceedings when a record vote is ordered on 

the question of approving any measure or matter or adopting an amendment. The Chair 

may resume postponed proceedings, but no later than 24 hours after such postponement, 

unless the House is not in session or there are conflicts with Member schedules that make 

it unlikely a quon1m will be present to conduct business on the postponed proceeding. In 

such cases, the Chair will consult with Members to set a time as early as possible to 

resume proceedings but in no event later than the next meeting date as set forth in Rule 5 

of these Rules. 

10 
25 

SBREP-219A with DISTILLER


Insert offset folio 25 here 26289.018

(B) Resumption of Proceedings. When proceedings resume on a postponed question, 

notwithstanding any intervening order for the previous question, an underlying 

proposition shall remain subject to further debate or amendment to the same extent as 

when the question was postponed. 

14. COMMITTEE RECORDS 

(A) The Committee shall keep a complete record of all actions, which shall include a record 

of the votes on any question on which a recorded vote is demanded. The result of any 

vote by the Committee, or if applicable by a Subcommittee, including a voice vote shall 

be posted on the Committee's website within 24 hours after the vote has been taken. 

Such record shall include a description of the amendment, motion, order, or other 

proposition, the name of the Member voting for and against such amendment, motion, 

order, or other proposition, and the names of Members present but not voting. For any 

amendment, motion, order, or other proposition decided by voice vote, the record shall 

include a description and whether the voice vote was in favor or against. 

(B) Transcripts. The Committee shall keep a complete record of all Committee and 

Subcommittee activity which, in the case of a meeting or hearing transcript, shall include 

a substantially verbatim account of the remarks actually made during the proceedings 

subject only to technical, grammatical, and typographical corrections authorized by the 

person making the remarks. 

(C) Availability of Records. The records of the Committee at the National Archives and 

Records Administration shall be made available in accordance with Rule VII of the Rules 

of the House. The Chair of the Committee shall notifY the Ranking Member of the 

Committee of any decision, pursuant to Rule VII, cl. 3(b )(3) or cl. 4 (b), to withhold a 

record otherwise available, and the matter shall be presented to the Committee for a 

determination of the written request of any Member of the Committee. 

(D)Publishing and Posting of Records. The Committee Rules shall be made publicly 

available in electronic form and published in the Congressional Record not later than 30 

days after the Chair of the Committee is elected in each odd-numbered year. 

15. COMMITTEE WEBSITE 

The Chair shall maintain an official Committee website for the purpose of furthering the 

Committee's legislative and oversight responsibilities, including communicating information 

about Committee's activities to Committee Members and other Members of the House. The 

Ranking Minority Member may maintain a similar website for the same purpose, including 

communicating information about the activities of the Minority to Committee Members and 

other Members of the House. 

11 
26 

SBREP-219A with DISTILLER


Insert offset folio 26 here 26289.019

16. ACCESS TO CLASSIFIED OR SENSITIVE INFORMATION 

(A) Access to classified or sensitive information supplied to the Committee or 

Subcommittees and attendance at closed sessions of the Committee or a Subcommittee 

shall be limited to Members and necessary Committee staff and stenographic reporters 

who have appropriate security clearance when the Chair determines that such access or 

attendance is essential to the functioning of the Committee or one of its Subcommittees. 

(B) Procedures Governing Availability. The procedures to be followed in granting access to 

those hearings, records, data, charts, and files of the Committee which involve classified 

infonnation or infonnation deemed to be sensitive shall be as follows: 

(I) 

(II) 

(II) 

(III) 

(IV) 

(V) 

(VI) 

(VII) 

(VIII) 

(IX) 

(X) 

Only Members of the House of Representatives and specifically designated 

Committee staff of the Committee on Small Business may have access to such 

information. 

Members who desire to read materials that are in possession of the Committee 

shall notify the Clerk of the Committee in writing. 

The Clerk of the Committee will maintain an accurate access log, which identifies 

the circumstances smrounding access to the information, without revealing the 

material examined. 

If the material desired to be reviewed is material which the Committee or 

Subcommittee deems to be sensitive enough to require special handling, before 

receiving access to such infonnation, individuals will be required to sign an 

access infmmation sheet acknowledging such access and that the individual has 

read and understands the procedures under which access is being granted. 

Material provided for review under this rule shall not be removed from a specified 

room within the Committee offices. 

Individuals reviewing materials under this rule shall make certain that the 

materials are returned to the proper custodian. 

No reproductions or recordings may be made of any portion of such materials. 

The contents of such information shall not be divulged to any person in any way, 

form, shape, or manner and shall not be discussed with any person who has not 

received the information in the manner authorized by the rules of the Committee. 

When not being examined in the manner described herein, such infonnation will 

be kept in secure safes or locked file cabinets within the Committee offices. 

These procedures only address access to information the Committee or 

Subcommittee deems to be sensitive enough to require special treatment 

If a Member of the House of Representatives believes that certain sensitive 

information should not be restricted as to dissemination or use, the Member may 

petition the Committee or Subcommittee to so rule. With respect to information 

and materials provided to the Committee by the Executive Branch or an 

independent agency as that term is defined in 44 U.S.C. § 3502, the classification 

of information and materials as detennined by the Executive Branch or 

independent agency shall prevail unless affirmatively changed by the Committee 

or Subcommittee involved, after consultation with the Executive Branch or 

independent agency. 

12 
27 

Æ 

SBREP-219A with DISTILLER


Insert offset folio 27 here 26289.020

(XI) Other materials in the possession of the Committee are to be handled in the 

accordance with normal practices and traditions of the Committee. 

17. OTHER PROCEDURES 

The Chair of the Committee may establish such other procedures and take such actions as 

may be necessary to carry out the foregoing rules or to facilitate the effective operation of the 

Committee. 

18. AMENDMENTS TO COMMITTEE RULES 

The rules of the Committee may be modified, amended or repealed by a majority vote of the 

Members, at a meeting specifically called for such purpose, but only if written notice of the 

proposed change or changes has been provided to each Member of the Committee at least 72 

hours prior to the time of the meeting of the Committee to consider such change or changes. 

19. BUDGET AND TRAVEL 

(A) Allocation of Budget. From the amount provided to the Committee in the primary 

expense resolution adopted by the House of Representatives in the 1151

h Congress, the 

Chair, after consultation with the Ranking Minority Member, shall designate one-third of 

the budget under the direction ofthe Ranking Minority Member for the purposes of 

minotity staff, travel expenses of minority staff and Members, and minority office 

expenses. 

(B) Authorization of Travel. The Chair may authotize travel in connection with activities or 

subject matters under the legislative or oversight jurisdiction of the Committee as set 

forth in Rule X of the Rules of the House. The Ranking Minotity Member may authorize 

travel for any Minority Member or staff of the minority in connection with activities or 

subject matters under the Committee's jurisdiction as set forth in Rule X of the Rules of 

the House. Before such travel, there shall be submitted to the Chair of the Committee in 

writing the following at least seven (7) calendar days prior specifying: a) the purpose of 

the travel; b) the dates during which the travel is to occur; c) the names of the states or 

countries to be visited and the length of time spent in each; and d) the names of Members 

and staff of the Committee participating in such travel. 

13