Small Business Advocacy Improvements Act of 2025

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 832, the Small Business Advocacy Improvements Act of 2025.

The Office of Advocacy was established in 1976 to be an independent voice for small businesses within the Federal Government and is tasked with representing the views of small businesses before Congress, the White House, and other Federal agencies.

The office has regional advocates on the ground that provide outreach to small businesses, local chambers of commerce, and other associations to hear firsthand the concerns of small businesses. It works closely with Federal agencies to elevate these concerns throughout the rulemaking process.

Over the years, their work has saved small businesses billions in regulatory costs while still accomplishing the important goals of the regulations. However, their charter does not specifically state that they have the authority to represent the views and interests of small businesses before foreign governments and international entities.

As our economy has become increasingly more interconnected and more small businesses are tapping into international markets, it makes sense to give the office the authority to advocate on behalf of small businesses overseas.

The Office of Advocacy has proven to be a strong proponent for small businesses in the Federal Government and is well-poised to promote their views in the international regulatory arena.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Williams, Mr. Tran, Mr. Van Drew, and Ms. Goodlander for their bipartisan work on this bill.
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Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Goodlander).

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Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 832, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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