Small Business Advocacy Improvements Act of 2022

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6454) to clarify the primary functions and duties of the Office of Advocacy of the Small Business Administration, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6454, the Small Business Advocacy Improvements Act of 2022.

Established in 1976, SBA's Office of Advocacy is the independent voice for small businesses within the Federal Government. The office oversees the enforcement of the Regulatory Flexibility Act and is a source for statistics and research on matters pertaining to small businesses. Over the years, the Office of Advocacy's responsibilities have expanded, and participation in international regulatory cooperation and trade initiatives that impact small businesses is becoming increasingly important.

H.R. 6454 makes it clear that the Office of Advocacy has the authority to examine international economic data and represent small businesses in international discussions, particularly in trade negotiations.

I thank the ranking member and Mr. Carter for their bipartisan work on this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, SBA's Office of Advocacy works to ensure that small business interests are heard at all levels of government because, too often, their voices are drowned out by larger companies with sophisticated legal departments and armies of lobbyists.

Now as the world becomes more and more connected, participating in the global economy is vital to small businesses' success. In order to do that, they need a strong voice advocating on their behalf. H.R. 6454 will allow the office to advocate on behalf of small businesses in international discussions, trade negotiations, and examine international economic data.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes,'' and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6454, the Small Business Advocacy Improvements Act of 2022.

The Nation's regulatory environment directly impacts small businesses and America's entrepreneurs. With limited resources and staff, small business owners are often wearing many hats throughout the entire workday, including ensuring compliance with all Federal regulations. Now more than ever, small businesses, entrepreneurs, and startups need a strong advocate in Washington supporting them when it comes to regulations.

My bill, which was favorably reported out of committee by a voice vote, will improve and enhance the Office of Advocacy. H.R. 6454 will ensure the office is able to speak on international and trade matters.

In addition to passing out of committee earlier this year, this legislation also passed the House floor by voice vote in the 116th Congress. Congress has the ability to structurally enhance an executive branch office that

operates independently and reinforce it on behalf of small businesses.

I thank my colleague, Representative Troy Carter from Louisiana, for working with me in a bipartisan manner to improve the SBA's Office of Advocacy. I also thank the chair for helping bring this legislation forward.

Mr. Speaker, I recommend a ``yes'' vote on this bill that puts America's small businesses first.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned earlier, the Nation is getting ready to celebrate National Small Business Week. This will be a time to honor and recognize Main Street USA. Additionally, it will be a time to hear from them about what is impacting their operations and what Congress can do to further support them.

The five small business bills before us today take steps to enhance and support programs at the Small Business Administration, which is the sole Federal agency that was created to assist the Nation's smallest firms.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chair for working in a bipartisan manner to advance all these bills. I urge a ``yes'' vote on all of them, including H.R. 6454, and I yield back balance of my time.