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78–456 2013

ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING 

MEETING 

BEFORE THE

COMMITTEE ON SMALL BUSINESS 

UNITED STATES 

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

ONE HUNDRED THIRTEENTH CONGRESS 

FIRST SESSION 

MEETING HELD 

JANUARY 23, 2013 

Small Business Committee Document Number 113–001 

Available via the GPO Website: www.fdsys.gov 

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congress.#13
(II) 

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON SMALL BUSINESS 

SAM GRAVES, Missouri, Chairman 

STEVE CHABOT, Ohio 

STEVE KING, Iowa 

MIKE COFFMAN, Colorado 

BLAINE LUETKEMEYER, Missouri 

MICK MULVANEY, South Carolina 

SCOTT TIPTON, Colorado 

JAIME HERRERA BEUTLER, Washington 

RICHARD HANNA, New York 

TIM HUELSKAMP, Kansas 

DAVID SCHWEIKERT, Arizona 

KERRY BENTIVOLIO, Michigan 

CHRIS COLLINS, New York 

TOM RICE, South Carolina 

NYDIA VELA ́ ZQUEZ, New York, Ranking Member 

YVETTE CLARKE, New York 

JUDY CHU, California 

JANICE HAHN, California 

DONALD PAYNE, JR., New Jersey 

GRACE MENG, New York 

BRAD SCHNEIDER, Illinois 

RON BARBER, Arizona 

ANN MCLANE KUSTER, New Hampshire 

PATRICK MURPHY, Florida 

LORI SALLEY, Staff Director 

PAUL SASS, Deputy Staff Director 

BARRY PINELES, Chief Counsel 

MICHAEL DAY, Minority Staff Director 

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(III) 

C O N T E N T S 

OPENING STATEMENTS 

Page 

Hon. Sam Graves ..................................................................................................... 1 

Hon. Nydia Vela ́zquez ............................................................................................. 2 

APPENDIX 

Committee Oversight Plan for the 113th Congress .............................................. 7 

Committee Rules and Procedures for the 113th Congress ................................... 14 

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(1) 

ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING 

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2013 

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, 

COMMITTEE ON SMALL BUSINESS, 

Washington, DC. 

The Committee met, pursuant to call, at 1:40 p.m., in Room 

2360, Rayburn House Office Building, Hon. Sam Graves [Chairman 

of the Committee] presiding. 

Present: Representatives Graves, Chabot, Coffman, Luetkemeyer, 

Mulvaney, Tipton, Hanna, Huelskamp, Schweikert, Bentivolio, Collins, Rice, Vela ́zquez, Clarke, Payne, Meng, Schneider, and Murphy. 

Chairman GRAVES. We have a quorum, so we will call this hearing to order. 

I would like to welcome everybody to the Small Business Committee organizational meeting. And I want to welcome all returning 

Members and some new Members, obviously, of the Committee. I 

know you are very excited to dive in and get to work. 

Before introducing the Republican Members, I would like to take 

a moment to thank Ranking Member Vela ́zquez for her dedication 

and hard work, obviously, on behalf of all small businesses. 

Ranking Member Vela ́zquez, I want to continue that cordial 

working environment that we established in the 112th Congress 

and before that, for that matter, too. 

There are five new Republican Members on the committee and 

one former member who has obviously seen the light and come 

back to us, and I would like to introduce those Members. 

Mr. Huelskamp is a rancher from Kansas with a Ph.D. from 

American University. 

We have Mr. Schweikert, who has a long history of public service 

in Arizona, in addition to being a small-business owner. 

Our returning member that I mentioned earlier is a fellow Missourian, Mr. Luetkemeyer, who is a farmer, and he has been in the 

banking and insurance industry. 

Three of the new Members are freshmen: Mr. Bentivolio, a 

rancher from Michigan; Mr. Collins, who is a small-business owner 

and Erie County executive; and Mr. Rice, who started his own tax 

law firm in Myrtle Beach and served on the Horry County Council. 

And I expect that the experience that we have in a lot of our 

Members as small-business owners is going to be very significant 

and add a lot of value to the committee as we work to develop policies which will enable small businesses to expand and create jobs. 

I also would like to welcome back the Members who served on 

the committee during the 112th Congress: Mr. Chabot from Ohio; 

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Mr. King from Iowa; Mr. Coffman from Colorado; Mr. Mulvaney 

from South Carolina; Mr. Tipton from Colorado; Ms. Herrera 

Beutler from Washington; and Mr. Hanna from New York. 

And I now yield to Ranking Member Vela ́zquez for introduction 

of her Members. 

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

And I just would like to thank you for the work that we have 

done in the past. I am looking forward to work with you. As I have 

mentioned, and I have said it repeatedly, there is no Republican or 

Democratic approach when it comes to dealing with small-business 

needs. And I am looking forward to having a productive legislative 

session. 

We have, Mr. Chairman, an exceptional roster of Democratic 

Members joining the committee this Congress. They hail from 

across the country and bring a diverse set of experiences that will 

prove helpful as the committee moves forward. 

Returning Members such as Representative Yvette Clarke from 

New York. She is a fellow New Yorker and Brooklyn native, and 

I am proud to have her returning to the committee. In previous 

Congresses, she has been an important voice on the committee for 

female and minority entrepreneurs. 

Also returning, Ms. Judy Chu from California. Last Congress, 

she served as the ranking Democrat of the Contracting and Workforce Subcommittee. In that role, she has helped spearhead many 

of the Committee’s efforts to improve the procurement process for 

small businesses. 

Representative Janice Hahn from California, also returning to 

the committee. She has been a champion of green technology. She 

has already been an important voice on the Committee, and I am 

pleased to welcome her back. 

New Members: Representative Donald Payne, Jr., from New Jersey. Mr. Payne comes from Newark, New Jersey. This is his first 

term on the Committee. As a former city council member, I am 

sure he has been involved in local economic development issues, 

and I look forward to hearing about his experiences. 

Ms. Grace Meng from New York, our next addition to the Committee, is not only coming from New York but she is a dear friend. 

Grace Meng joins us from New York’s Sixth Congressional District, 

which is next to my district and located in Queens. While in the 

State Assembly, Ms. Meng made helping small-business owners 

achieve their American dream a top priority, and I am pleased that 

she is joining us. 

Mr. Brad Schneider from Illinois joins us, from outside Chicago, 

Illinois. As someone who previously consulted for family-owned 

businesses, I am sure that he will be an asset to the Committee, 

and I look forward to hearing his views. 

Also joining us, Representative Ron Barber from Arizona. He 

comes from Tucson, Arizona. He himself is a small-business owner. 

Together, he and his wife run Toy Traders/Stork’s Nest, which specializes in selling and trading used toys. I am sure his real work 

experience will benefit the Committee. 

And we have Representative Ann McLane Kuster from New 

Hampshire. Like many Committee Members, she, too, has a background starting and running her own business. 

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And joining us also is Mr. Patrick Murphy from Florida. Having 

spent time both in the accounting field and in running his family’s 

construction business, I am certain he, too, will bring valuable experience to the Committee. 

I am pleased to see our returning Members of the Committee, as 

well as our new additions. Welcome to all of you, and I thank you 

for being here. 

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 

Chairman GRAVES. Thank you, Ranking Member. 

Although we do have some policy differences, I firmly believe 

that there are many issues on which we are going to find a lot of 

common ground that is going to help small businesses by eliminating unnecessary programs and regulations, reducing redundancies in government, and, by far, ensuring that the Small Business Administration carries out policies that are dictated by Congress rather than devising its own that a lot of times are expensive, 

untested experiments to assist entrepreneurs. 

I believe that the rules package and the oversight plan under 

consideration today is going to lay the groundwork for finding those 

areas that we have in common while maintaining the highest levels 

of civility when we discuss our differences. 

And with that, I will yield to Ranking Member Vela ́zquez for her 

opening statement. 

Ms. VELA ́ ZQUEZ. Thank you, Chairman Graves. 

As our Nation’s economic recovery continues, this should be a 

busy and productive time for the Committee. We all know the vital 

role entrepreneurs play in the broader economy. In that regard, the 

work of this Committee in fostering an environment where small 

businesses can flourish is critical. Small businesses remain a cornerstone of our economy, and we will do whatever it takes to support them. 

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

years, small firms are the innovators and drivers of economic 

progress. During tough economic times, entrepreneurship is also 

important in giving dislocated workers opportunities to go into 

business for themselves and support their families. 

As we move forward, Mr. Chairman, we must make sure that 

small businesses are given the resources they need to prosper. And 

I look forward to continuing our efforts on behalf of small entrepreneurs during the 113th Congress. 

I yield back. 

Chairman GRAVES. We will move into the rules package. And I 

want to thank the minority and majority staffs for their hard work 

and cooperation in putting this package together. And I will highlight some of the changes in the rules that I think are going to provide some greater transparency. 

The rules package for the 112th Congress created a lot of transparency and protected the rights of the minority. And in order to 

maintain that transparency and cohesiveness, the rules package for 

the 113th Congress does not diverge from the rules that were used 

in the 112th Congress except for two ways: The rules reduce the 

number of testimony copies required by the witnesses. And the second thing is the size of the subcommittees is going to shrink to six 

Republican and four Democratic Members. However, we will still 

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maintain the ability of any member to attend any subcommittee 

hearing as long as they just request to do so. 

And now I would recognize Ranking Member Vela ́zquez for any 

remarks on the rules. 

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

Our committee rules determine how the committee operates. 

More importantly, by laying out a fair process, they help ensure 

that all points of view are considered. 

On this Committee, we have Members all across the country, 

representing our largest cities, rural areas, small towns, and everything in between. By taking an inclusive approach, the Committee 

benefits from hearing the different perspectives of all Members, regardless of party affiliation or ideology. Ultimately, this results in 

not just a fairer process, but also a better, stronger legislative product. 

A Committee that is run openly and fairly is a Committee that 

works. It is my hope that the rules we consider today will make 

that happen. Through their adoption, we will kick off the new Congress with a sense of comity and bipartisanship, which I hope to 

see sustained moving forward. 

I yield back. 

Chairman GRAVES. Are there any other Members who wish to be 

recognized for a statement on the rules package? 

Seeing none, the Committee now moves to consideration of the 

rules package. 

The clerk will please read the title of the document. 

The CLERK. ‘‘Rules and Procedures Adopted by the Committee on 

Small Business, United States House of Representatives, 113th 

Congress.’’ 

Chairman GRAVES. I would 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 none, the question is on adopting the rules. 

All those in favor, say ‘‘aye.’’ 

All those opposed, ‘‘no.’’ 

In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it. The rules for the 

Small Business Committee in the 113th Congress are adopted. And 

the staff is authorized to make any technical and grammatical 

changes. 

Now we will move to the oversight plan, which is the second 

order of business. The plan represents the agenda for the committee during the 113th Congress. And I want to thank Ranking 

Member Vela ́zquez again for her input into the oversight plan. 

I believe the plan adopted in the 112th Congress was comprehensive, and it enabled the Committee to focus on ensuring that the 

government does not hinder the ability of small businesses to create jobs. And as a result, the oversight plan prepared for the 113th 

Congress is similar to the one adopted in the 112th. 

Despite its overall similarity, there are a few key additions to the 

plan which we are considering today. The primary additions are 

oversight of legislation enacted in the 112th Congress that affects 

small businesses, including changes to the Small Business Innovatjames on DSK6SPTVN1PROD with HEARING

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tive Research Program, government contracting programs overseen 

by the SBA, and improved capital access for entrepreneurs associated with the implementation of the Jumpstart Our Business 

Startups Act. 

At this point, I would yield to Ranking Member Vela ́zquez for 

any comments she might have. 

Ms. VELA ́ ZQUEZ. Well, I would like to commend the chair for producing a thoughtful document. 

The plan calls for greater oversight of the Small Business Administration and, in particular, its contracting and lending initiatives. 

In the past, this Committee has vigorously investigated fraud in 

the SBA’s contracting programs. We know that when unscrupulous 

actors misuse these initiatives, legitimate small businesses lose out 

on Federal procurement contracting. In that regard, it is vital that 

the Committee continue exposing fraud, waste, and abuse in these 

initiatives. 

In recent years, the Committee has been vigilant in examining 

the SBA disaster assistance efforts. Thanks to our work, Congress 

passed and the SBA is implementing reforms to improve these programs. In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, I hope we keep a close eye 

on how well these programs function. 

The oversight plan delineates several programs for review and 

possible termination. Our past work has revealed that there are 

agency programs that are duplicative and an unwise use of taxpayers’ dollars. It has always been a part of our core responsibility 

to carefully examine such instances and consider alternative options as well as their elimination. This is central to why I have always advocated for a 2-year authorization period for the Small 

Business Administration and its programs. Congress should be regularly seeking feedback from agencies and evaluating what is 

working and what is not. 

Collaborating with my colleagues on these matters and making 

the SBA more efficient must remain a top priority for this panel. 

This Committee has often served as a voice for entrepreneurs on 

Capitol Hill during these larger policy debates, and it is my hope 

that we will continue playing that vital role. 

Again, I commend the chairman on the development of this oversight plan. And I yield back. 

Chairman GRAVES. Thanks, Nydia. 

Are there any other Members who wish to be heard on the oversight plan? 

Seeing none, the Committee now moves for the consideration of 

the oversight plan. 

The clerk will please read the title of the document. 

The CLERK. ‘‘Oversight Plan of the Committee on Small Business 

for the One Hundred Thirteenth Congress.’’ 

Chairman GRAVES. I would ask unanimous consent that the 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? 

Seeing no amendments, the question is on adopting the oversight 

package. 

All those in favor, say ‘‘aye.’’ 

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All those opposed, ‘‘no.’’ 

In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it. The oversight plan 

for the Small Business Committee in the 113th Congress is adopted. Committee staff is authorized to make any technical and grammatical changes to the plan. 

I would like to thank everybody for being here today and look 

forward to working with you. 

And with that, the meeting of the Committee on Small Business 

is adjourned. 

[Whereupon, at 1:53 p.m., the subcommittee was adjourned.] 

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OVERSIGHT PLAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON SMALL BUSINESS FOR THE 

ONE HUNDRED THIRTEENTH CONGRESS 

January 23, 2013, Approved by the Committee on Small Business 

Mr. Graves, from the Committee on Small Business, submitted to the Committee on 

Oversight and Government Reform and the Committee on House Administration the 

following 

REPORT 

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

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

Committees on Government Reform 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)(1)(F), this oversight plan also includes proposals to cut or 

eliminate programs that are inefficient, duplicative, outdated, or more appropriately 

administered by State or local governments. 

Oversight of Federal Capital Access Programs 

The Committee will conduct hearings and investigations into Small Business 

Administration (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 and if those risks are not 

reasonable, then elimination of those programs. 

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

are properly protected. 

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

• Appropriateness of ad hoc guidance documents in regulating lenders and 

borrowers. 

• 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 to rebuild communities without unduly placing the 

federal taxpayer at risk. 
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• Efficacy and duplication of federal capilal access programs offered by the 

Department of Agriculture to small businesses in rural areas. 

• Utilization by small businesses of export capital programs at the Export-Import 

Bank and the Overseas Private Investment Corporation. 

• Results of the Small Busincss Lending Fund and State Small Business Credit 

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

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

• Impact of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform 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 tocus on particularly 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 hearings 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 subsequcnt to the 

filing of this Report: 

• Examining effectiveness ofSBA entrepreneurial development programs in 

creating jobs. 

• Determining whether certain programs 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 thosc secking to provide goods and services in the 

fcderal procurement marketplace. 

• Enhancing the efficacy and utilization of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership 

at the Department of Commerce. 

• Recommending improvements in assistance to small businesses that participate in 

the production of value-added agricultural products. 

• Increasing effectiveness of technical assistance provided to small businesses 

involved in the production of renewable and non-renewable energy sources. 

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Oversight of Federal Govemf!1~nt 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 inclnding the 8(a), HUBZone, service-disabled 

veteran, women-owned contracting, and Small Business Innovation Research. 

• Effectiveness of SBA 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 ofSBA 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 do provide the good or service internally (i.e., 

government insourcing). 

• Implementation and efticacy of changes made in small business federal 

procurement programs arising from the enactment of the National Defense 

Authorization Act for FY 2013, Pub. L. No. 112-239. 

• Examination ofthe 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 federallyfunded 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 of SBA 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 brought to the 

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

• The appropriate mission ofthe SBA. 

• Whether agency employees in the field are empowered to assist small businesses. 
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• Duplication of offices and missions at SBA headquarters. 

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

assisting small businesses. 

• Capabilities of SBA employees to provide proper assistance to small business 

owners. 

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 title "Reductions in 

Programs and Spending." 

Oversight of Federal Regulatorv 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 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: 

• Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. 

• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. 

• Consumer Safety Products Commission. 

• Department of Agriculture. 

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

Renewable Energy. 

• Department ofInterior, particularly the Bureau of Land Management and Minerals 

Management Service. 

• Department of Labor, particularly the Occupation Safety and Health 

Administration. 

• Department of Homeland Security, particularly the Transportation Security 

Administration. 

• Department of Transportation, particularly the Federal Aviation Administration 

and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. 

• Environmental Protection Agency. 

• Federal Communications Commission. 

• Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council and its constituent agencies. 

'. Food and Drug Administration. 

• Office of Federal Procurement Policy. 

• Securities 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. The Committee will pay 

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close attention to the effect that regulations have on the implementation of advanced 

technologies including, but not limited to, the deployment of broadband communications 

(either by wireline or wireless services) throughout the United States. Oversight of the 

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

Information 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 

United States 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 ofthis 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 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 structure 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 that 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. 

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• The impact of the Patient Protection and AITonlable Care A.,;t, MedicaTe and 

Medieaid on the ability of physicians, pharmacists, and allied health care 

providers to offer the best care possible to patients, 

• 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 mattcrs brought to the attention of the Committee subsequent to the 

filing of this Report: 

• Innovations developed by small busincsses that create greater energy 

independence. 

• Federal regulatory policies that increase dependence on foreign sources of encrgy. 

• 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 small 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. 

Oversight of Trade and Jntellectual 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 of the Committee 

subsequent to the filing of this RepOlt: 

• Impact of free trade agreements to increase exports by American small busincsses. 

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

property rights of small businesses by foreign competitors. 

• The impact of federal intellectual property policies, particularly patents and 

copyrights, to protect the i!lJlOvations of American entrepreneurs. 

• Eff0I1s to increase exp0l1s by small businesses. 

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

advanced technology innovations of small businesses. 

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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. 

• Patriot Express Loan Program overseen by the SBA. 

• Express Loan Program overseen by SBA. 

• Emerging Leaders Initiative started by SBA. 

• Clusters Program initiated by the SBA. 

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

• Drug-Free Workplace Program. 

• 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 as procurement center 

representatives, will provide a more effective agency at assisting small businesses 

generate growth. 

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Rules and Procedures 

Adopted by the 

Committee on Small Business 

United States House of Representatives 

113m Congress, 2013-14 

1. GENERAL PROVISIONS 

The Rules of the House of Representatives, in total (but especially with respect to the 

operations of committees Rule X, cl. 1 (q), d. 2, cl. 3(1), and Rule XI) are the rules of 

the Committee on Small Business to the extent applicable and are incorporated by 

reference. Each Subcommittee of the Committee on Small Business ("the 

Committee") is a part of the Committee and is subject to the authority and direction 

of the Committee, and to the rules of the House and the rules adopted herein to the 

extent applicable. 

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. DATE OF MEETING 

The regular meeting date 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. 

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, d. 2(c) of the rules 

of the House. 
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At least 3 days notice of such an additional meeting shall be given unless the Chair, 

with the concurrence ofthe Ranking Minority Member, determines that there is good 

cause to call the meeting on less notice or upon a vote by a majority ofthe 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 of the meeting 

shall be published promptly in the Daily Digest and made publicly available in 

electronic form. 

The determination of the business to be considered at each meeting shall be made by 

the Chair subject to limitations sct forth in House Rule XI, cl. 2(c). 

The Chair shall provide to each Member of the 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. 

The rules for notice and meetings as set forth in Rule 3 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, shail apply to such meetings. 

A record vote of the Committec shall be provided on any question bcfore the 

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

of each Member of the Committec 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 amend 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. 

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 amendment 

adopted thereto to be made publicly available in electronic form. 

4. Announcement of Hearings 

Public announcement of the 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 of the Committee's hearing. 

The Chair, with the concurrence of the Ranking Minority Member, or upon a vote by 

the majority of the Committee (a quorum bcing pre~ent), may authorize a hearing to 

commence on less than 7 calendar days notice. 

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A. Witness Lists 

Unless the Chair detelTI1ines it is impracticable to do so, the Committee shall make a 

tentative witness list available at the time it makes the public announcement of the 

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

announcement of the hearing, such witness list 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 ofthe hearing. 

B. Material for the Hearing 

The Chair shall provide to all Members of the Committee, as soon as practicable after 

the announcement of the hearing, a memorandum explaining the subject matter ofthe 

hearing and any official reports 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 than 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 15 of the Committee's Rules. 

5. 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 defame, 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. 

The Chair and Ranking Minority Member are ex officio Members of all 

Subcommittees for the purpose of any meeting conducted by a Subcommittee. 

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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, detelmine 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, degradc, or incriminate any person or 

otherwise would violate any law or rule of the House; provided however, that the 

Committee or Subcommittee may by the same procedure also vote to close one 

subsequent day of hearings. Notwithstanding the requirements of the preceding 

sentence, a majority of those present (ifthe requisite number of Members are present 

under Committee rules for the purpose of taking testimony) may vote: (i) to close the 

hearing for the sole purpose of discussing whether 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. 

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. 

No Member ofthe 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 su~ject of investigation, to close its hearing to Members by the same 

procedures designated to close hearings to the public. 

Members of Congress who arc not Members of the Committee but would like to 

participate in a hearing shall notify the Chair and the Ranking Minority Member and 

submit a formal request no later than 24 hours before the commencement of the 

meeting or hearing. 

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. 

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6. Witnesses 

A. Statement of Witnesses 

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 of the hearing. In addition, 

the witness shall provide 50 copies of the testimony by the commencement of the 

hearing. The Chair may waive the requirement by the witness providing 50 copies in 

which case the Committee or Subcommittee shall provide the 50 copies. 

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 backgroWld information pertinent to their testimony. 

As required by Rule XI, cl. 2(g) of the Rules of the House, each non-governmental 

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. Such information shall be posted on the Committee within 24 hours 

after the witness appeared at the hearing. 

The failure to provide the materials set forth by the deadlines set forth in these rules 

may be groWlds for excluding both the oral and written testimony of the witness 

unless waived by the Chair of the Committee or Subcommittee. 

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. 

B. Number of Witnesses and Witnesses Selected by the Minority 

For any hearing conducted by the Committee or Subcommittee there shall be no more 

than four non-governmental witnesses of which the Ranking Minority Member of the 

Committee or Subcommittee (as appropriate) is entitled to select one witness for the 

hearing. 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 6(A) shall apply with equal force to witnesses 

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

The limitations set forth in the preceding paragraph shall not apply if the Committee 

holds a hearing to honor the work of the small business commWlity in conjunction 

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with the annual celebration of Small Business Week. Witness limitations for such a 

hearing shall be determined by the Chair in consultation with the Ranking Minority 

Member. 

C. Interrogation of Witnesses 

Except when the Committee adopts a motion pursuant to subdivisions (B) and (C) of 

clause 2(i)(2) of Rule XI ofthe Rules of the House, Committee Members may 

question witnesses only when they have been recognized by the Chair for that 

purpose. 

The Chair and Ranking Minority Member of the Committee or Subcommittee shall 

face no limitation on the length of the time that they may question a witness. After 

recognition by the Chair, other 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 hearing, the Chair of the Committee or Subcommittee may offer a motion to 

extend the questioning of a witness or witnesses by Members other than the Chair or 

Ranking Minority Member identified in the motion for more than five minutes as set 

fOl1h in Rule XI, cl. 2(j)(B). 

The Chair of the Committee or Subcommittee shall commence questioning followed 

by the Ranking Minority Member. Thereafter, questioning shall alternate between 

the majority and minority Members by the time in which the Member arrived at the 

hearing after the gavel has been struck to commence the hearing, with the first 

arriving having priority over Members of his or her party. If Members arrive 

simultaneously or are there prior to the gavel being struck to commence the hearing, 

order of questioning shall be based on seniority. 

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. 

7. Subpoenas 

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 document, as deemed necessary. Such subpoena shall be 

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

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

Member of the Committee. 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. 

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8. Quorum 

A quorum, for purposes of reporting a measure or recommendation, shall be a 

majority of the Committee Members. 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 striking the gavel to commence the hearing. For hearings held by the 

Committee or a Subcommittee in a location other than the Committee's hearing room 

in Washington, DC, a quorum shall be deemed to present if the Chair of the 

Committee or Subcommittee is present. 

9. Amendments during Mark-Up 

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. 

For amendments to be accepted during mark-up, there is no requirement that the 

amendments be filed prior to commencement of the mark-up or prepared with the 

assistance of the Office of Legislative Counsel. Even though it is not necessary, 

Members seeking to amend legislation during mark-up should draft amendments with 

the assistance of the Office of Legislative Counsel and consult with the Chair or 

Ranking Member's staff (as appropriate) in the preparation of such amendments. 

10. Postponement of Proceedings 

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 

Of there are conflicts with Member schedules that make it unlikely a quorum 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 3 of these Rules. 

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. 

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11. Number and Jurisdiction of Subcommittees 

There will be five Subcommittees as follows: 

The 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 palticular emphasis on agencies 

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

Business Administration's (SBA) Office ofInternational Trade, the 

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

Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service, and the ExportImport Bank. 

• Oversight of infringement of intellectual property rights by foreign 

competition. 

The Subcommittee on Health and Technology 

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

Democratic Members) will address how healthcare 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. 

• The Small Business Innovation Research Program. 

• Small Business Technology Transfer Program. 

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The 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 

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 of federal 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, micro loans, 

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. 

The 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 government 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 ofInformation and Regulatory Affairs at the Office of 

Management and Budget. 

• Use of the Congressional Review Act. 

• Tnmsparency of the federal rulemaking process as required by the 

Administrative Procedure and Data Quality Acts. 

• Implementation of the Paperwork Reduction Act. 

The 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 

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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 

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 government-wide procurement practices and programs affecting 

small businesses. 

• Oversight offederal 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, 8(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 government contracting. 

12. 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. 

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 Subcommittee Chairs may hold field hearings that conflict with 

those held by other Subcommittees ofthe Committee. 

13. 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. 

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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 ofthe 

Committee shall decide. 

C. Subcommittee Staff 

There shall be no separate staff assigned to Subcommittees. The Chair and Ranking 

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 11, 

supra. 

14. Records 

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 ofthe 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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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15. Access to Classified or Sensitive Information 

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 nccessary 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. 

The procedures to be followed in granting access to those hearings, records, data, 

charts, and files of the Committee which involve classified information or 

information deemed to be sensitive shall be as follows: 

(A) Only Members of the House of Representatives and specifically designated 

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

information. 

(B) Members who desire to read materials that are in possession of the Committec 

shall notify the Clerk of the Committee in writing. 

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

the circumstances surrounding access to the information, without revealing the 

material examined. 

(D) lfthe 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 information, individuals will bc required to sign an 

access information sheet acknowledging such access and that the individual has 

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

(E) Material provided for review under this rule shall not be removed from a 

specified room within the Committee offices. 

(F) Individuals reviewing materials under this rule shall make certain that the 

, materials are returned to the proper custodian. 

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

(H) 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. 

(I) When not being examined in the manner described herein, such information will 

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

(1) These procedures only address access to information the Committee or 

Subcommittee deems to be sensitive enough to require special treatment. 

(K) 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 determined by the Executive Branch or 

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independent agency shall prevail unless affirmatively changed by the Committee 

or Subcommittee involved, after consultation with the Executive Branch or 

independent agency. 

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

accordance with normal practices and traditions of the Committee. 

16. 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. 

17. 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 ofthe 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. 

18. Budget and Travel 

From the amount provided to the Committee in the ~rimary expense resolution 

adopted by the House of Representatives in the 113t Congress, the Chair, after 

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

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

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

expenses. 

The Chair may authorize 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 Minority 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 ofthe 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. Prior approval shall 

not be required of Minority Staff traveling to participate in a deposition, authorized 

by the Chair in rule 16 of these Rules ofan individual located outside of Washington, 

DC metropolitan area. 

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19. 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 infOlmation about the activities of the 

Minority to Committee Members and other Members of the House. 

20. Vice Chair 

Pursuant to the Rules of the House, the Chair shall designate a Member of the 

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. 

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