Congressman Johnson Named to House Small Business Committee
CONGRESSMAN JOHNSON NAMED TO HOUSE SMALL BUSINESS COMMITTEE
In an unusual but welcome move, Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA) has been named to a third committee -- the U.S. House Small Business Committee, by Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The Congressman, already a member of the House Judiciary Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, will serve under Chairwoman Nydia M. Velázquez ( D- NY), the first Hispanic woman to serve as Chair or Ranking Member of a full committee. Johnson attends his first Small Business Committee hearing today.
"I lobbied hard for this seat so that I could help impact the small businesses at home in the 4th District and those across America whose needs have been overlooked in favor of corporate giants," said Johnson. "Securing a seat on the Small Business Committee is especially important because entrepreneurs are the backbone of our country. Small businesses create jobs that Americans need, yet they are saddled with tax burdens which put them at a disadvantage."
The Small Business Committee has oversight of the Small Business Administration (SBA), and its $200 billion in contracting, business development and associated capital programs. The Committee also reviews legislative measures that impact small businesses. Recently, the 110 th Congress adopted a new rules package which focused on ethics reform and fiscal responsibility. The Committee's jurisdiction was extended to include review of all legislation that could impact small businesses such as with farming and health care.
"For too long now, the needs of our entrepreneurs have been an afterthought, but recent actions demonstrate that the needs of our nation's entrepreneurs are a top priority for the 110 th Congress," said Chairwoman Velázquez.
Johnson, formerly a business owner, said he understands the challenges confronting entrepreneurs and appreciates the Committee's new direction. "In years past, legislation for small business has been confined to the Small Business Administration (SBA) and that is where entrepreneurs were directed for help. I am encouraged that this Congress -- this Committee, will look beyond tradition to other initiatives and opportunities throughout government."
The Small Business Subcommittees include: Finance and Tax; Contracting and Technology; Regulations, Healthcare and Trade; Rural and Urban Entrepreneurship, Investigations and Oversight.
http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/ga04_johnson/2007_01_30_smallbiz.html