[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 37 (Thursday, February 29, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E193]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            NATIVE AMERICAN ENTREPRENEURIAL OPPORTUNITY ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 28, 2024

  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 7102 
the ``Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act.''
  H.R. 7102 creates an Office of Native American Affairs (ONAA) within 
the Small Business Administration.
  I am a long-time member of the Congressional Native American Caucus 
as well as the Congressional Small Business Caucus.
  I understand the need for Native Americans to have an advocate within 
the Small Business Administration.
  The Native American business community as well as families would be 
positively impacted by the passage of H.R. 7102.
  This bill would draw attention to the resources that are available to 
tribal business owners through the (SBA) and oversee economic and 
entrepreneurial relationships with the Small Business Administration.
  The goal is to produce economic development within tribal communities 
by educating Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian Organizations about 
programs administered by other Federal agencies.
  The passing of H.R. 7102 would allow the Office of Native American 
Affairs to:
  Work with Indian tribes, Alaska Native corporations, Native Hawaiian 
Organizations, and small businesses owned by individuals who are 
members of those entities on entrepreneurial development, contracting 
and capital access programs to establish or expand their small business 
concerns and promote economic development in Indian Country.
  Formulating and promoting policies, and enhancing existing programs, 
so they better address the entrepreneurial, capital access, business 
development and contracting needs of tribes and Native businesses, 
including by collaborating with high-level officials of SBA and other 
federal agencies.
  In addition, the (ONAA) will be able to provide financial and other 
assistance directly to deploy training, counseling and other 
educational outreach, workshops, supplier events.
  Additional important assistance would include access to the SBA's 
entrepreneur and contracting programs to facilitate Native contractors' 
participation in SBA's various small business contracting programs, 
facilitating and improving access to SBA's various loan programs, loan 
guarantees, disaster assistance, and other capital access programs.
  Finally, ensuring tribal consultations are conducted to solicit input 
and facilitate discussion of potential modifications to SBA programs 
and procedures.
  It is imperative that H.R. 7102 is passed because Native Americans 
will have an advocate and the economic and entrepreneurial tools it 
needs to meet the needs of the communities they serve.

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