[House Report 117-661]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]


                                                      Union Calendar No. 480


117th Congress  }                                                {  Report
                       HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES                
2d Session      }                                                {  117-661
_______________________________________________________________________

                                     

                                                 


                        REPORT ON THE ACTIVITIES

                                 of the

                      COMMITTEE ON SMALL BUSINESS

                             117TH CONGRESS





 December 21, 2022.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on 
            the State of the Union and ordered to be printed
            
            
            
            
                           ______

             U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE 
50-120                 WASHINGTON : 2023
 
             
            
            
            
            
                         LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL

                              ----------                              

                          House of Representatives,
                               Committee on Small Business,
                                 Washington, DC, December 21, 2022.
Hon. Cheryl L. Johnson,
Clerk, House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
    Dear Madam Clerk: In accordance with clause 1(d) of rule XI 
of the Rules of the House of Representatives, I respectfully 
submit the activities report of the Committee on Small Business 
for the 117th Congress.
            Sincerely,
                                        Nydia M. Velazquez,
                                                        Chairwoman.
                            C O N T E N T S

                               __________
                                                                   Page
Committee Jurisdiction and Special Oversight Function............     1
Rules of the Committee on Small Business.........................     1
Membership and Organization......................................    15
Authorization and Oversight Plan.................................    17
Legislative Activities...........................................    26
Oversight Summary................................................    43
Part A--Full Committee Hearings..................................    43
Part B--Subcommittee Hearings....................................    63
Part C--Waste, Fraud, Abuse, and Mismanagement...................    93
Part D--Implementation of the Oversight Plan.....................    97





                                                 Union Calendar No. 480
                                                 
117th Congress  }                                              {   Report
                         HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
 2d Session     }                                              {  117-661

======================================================================



 
  REPORT ON THE ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE ON SMALL BUSINESS FOR THE 
                             117TH CONGRESS

                                _______
                                

 December 21, 2022.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on 
            the State of the Union and ordered to be printed

                                _______
                                

  Ms. Velazquez, from the Committee on Small Business, submitted the 
                               following

                              R E P O R T

    Clause 1(d) of rule XI of the Rules of the House of 
Representatives for the 117th Congress requires that each 
standing committee, not later than January 2nd of each odd-
numbered year, submit to the House a report on the activities 
of that Committee, including separate sections summarizing the 
legislative and oversight activities of that Committee.

COMMITTEE JURISDICTION AND SPECIAL OVERSIGHT FUNCTION

    Clause 1(q) of rule X of the Rules of the House of 
Representatives sets forth the jurisdiction of the Committee on 
Small Business as follows:
    (1) Assistance to and protection of small business, 
including financial aid, regulatory flexibility, and paperwork 
reduction.
    (2) Participation of small-business enterprises in Federal 
procurement and Government contracts.
    In addition, clause 3(l) of rule X of the Rules of the 
House of Representatives provides that the Committee on Small 
Business shall study and investigate on a continuing basis the 
problems of all types of small business.

RULES OF THE COMMITTEE ON SMALL BUSINESS

                         1. GENERAL PROVISIONS

    (A) Rules of the Committee. The Rules of the House of 
Representatives are the rules of the Committee on Small 
Business (``Committee'') to the extent applicable and are 
incorporated by reference.
    (B) Appointments by the Chair. Pursuant to the Rules of the 
House, the Chair shall designate a Member of the Committee 
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.

                   2. REFERRAL OF BILLS BY THE CHAIR

    (A) 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. SUBCOMMITTEES

    (A) Generally. Each Subcommittee of the Committee is 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. The Chair and Ranking 
Member of the Committee are ex officio Members of all 
Subcommittees for the purpose of any meeting conducted by a 
Subcommittee.
    (B) The Committee shall be organized into the following 
five subcommittees:
          (1) Subcommittee on Underserved, Agricultural, and 
        Rural Business Development
          This Subcommittee (which will consist of six (6) 
        Democratic Members and five (5) Republican Members) 
        will address policies that enhance underserved 
        communities and rural economic growth, increasing 
        America's energy independence and ensuring that 
        America's small businesses can compete effectively in a 
        global marketplace.
           Oversight of a broad array of policies 
        affecting underserved businesses, including minority, 
        women, immigrant, veteran, and rural owners.
           Oversight of the Small Business 
        Administration's outreach and structure as it pertains 
        to increasing assistance to underserved and rural 
        businesses and entrepreneurs.
           Oversight of agricultural policies.
           Oversight of trade policies and issues 
        affecting small firms related to trade agreements.
           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 
        particular emphasis on agencies that provide direct 
        assistance to small businesses, such as: the Small 
        Business Administration's (SBA) Office of International 
        Trade, the Department of Commerce's United States 
        Export Assistance Centers, the Department of 
        Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service, and the 
        Export-Import Bank.
           Oversight of infringement of intellectual 
        property rights by foreign competition.
           Examine the implementation and effectiveness 
        of government programs designed to assist underserved, 
        rural, and agricultural businesses impacted by the 
        pandemic.
          (2) Subcommittee on Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and 
        Workforce Development
          This Subcommittee (which will consist of six (6) 
        Democratic Members and five (5) Republican Members) 
        will address how innovation promotes 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. 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 SBA entrepreneurial development 
        programs, including Small Business Development Centers, 
        Women's Business Centers, Veteran Business Outreach 
        Centers, and SCORE.
           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.
           Analyze workforce issues, including but not 
        limited to health care, retirement, and labor 
        challenges facing small businesses.
           Examination 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.
           Oversight of the Small Business Innovation 
        Research program.
           Oversight of the Small Business Technology 
        Transfer program.
           Investigate the state of the nation's 
        entrepreneurship, the challenges they face, and steps 
        to strengthen entrepreneurship, including startups, 
        solopreneurs, self-employed, and microbusinesses.
           Examine programs and efforts designed to 
        assist both small employers and their workers 
        throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
          (3) Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax, and Capital 
        Access
          This Subcommittee (which will consist of six (6) 
        Democratic Members and five (5) Republican 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, microloans, 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.
           Analyze efforts to address challenges for 
        the unbanked and underbanked business community and 
        steps to increase capital access.
           Investigate the implementation and efficacy 
        of programs related to supporting the business 
        community and nonprofits throughout the COVID-19 
        pandemic, including but not limited to the Paycheck 
        Protection Program, the Economic Injury Disaster Loan 
        program, and other SBA programs.
          (4) Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and 
        Regulations
          This Subcommittee (which will consist of six (6) 
        Democratic Members and five (5) Republican 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 and effectiveness of the 
        Regulatory Flexibility Act.
           Oversight of the Office of Information and 
        Regulatory Affairs at the Office of Management and 
        Budget.
           Use of the Congressional Review Act.
           Transparency of the federal rulemaking 
        process as required by the Administrative Procedure and 
        Data Quality Acts.
           Evaluating the Paperwork Reduction Act.
           Investigate all programs relating to the 
        COVID-19 pandemic and their impact on the business and 
        nonprofit community and their employees.
          (5) Subcommittee on Contracting and Infrastructure
          This Subcommittee (which will consist of six (6) 
        Democratic Members and five (5) Republican Members) 
        will assess the federal procurement system, including 
        those programs designed specifically to enhance 
        participation by small businesses in providing goods 
        and services to the federal government. The 
        Subcommittee will review the broad scope of 
        opportunities available to small businesses for 
        rebuilding and modernizing the nations' infrastructure.
           Oversight of government-wide procurement 
        practices and programs affecting small businesses.
           Oversight of federal 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 prospective contractors through SBA 
        personnel, Offices of Small and Disadvantaged Business 
        Utilization, and Procurement Technical Assistance 
        Centers.
           The SBA Surety Bond Guarantee program.
           General oversight of programs available to 
        small businesses in modernizing and strengthening the 
        nation's infrastructure.
           Explore challenges small contractors and 
        businesses face caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and 
        remedial steps to assist them.
           Address steps the federal government have 
        taken or can take to strengthen the supply chain and 
        create more federal procurement opportunities for small 
        business concerns.
    (C) 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.
    (D) Hearing Time and Date. 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 
of the Committee.

                           4. 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.
    (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 of the 
Committee shall decide.
    (C) Subcommittee Staff. There shall be no separate staff 
assigned to Subcommittees. The Chair and Ranking Minority 
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 3, supra.

                              5. MEETINGS

    (A) Regular Meetings. The regular meeting day 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.
    (B) Additional Meetings. 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, cl. 2(c) 
of the rules of the House. At least 3 days' notice, pursuant to 
rule XI, cl. 2(g)(3)(A), of such an additional meeting shall be 
given unless the Chair, with the concurrence of the Ranking 
Minority Member, determines that there is good cause to call 
the meeting on less notice or upon a vote by a majority of the 
Committee (a quorum being present). Announcements of the 
meeting shall be published promptly in the Daily Digest and 
made publicly available in electronic form.
    (C) Business to be Considered. The determination of the 
business to be considered at each meeting shall be made by the 
Chair subject to limitations set forth in House rule XI, cl. 
2(c).
    (D) Meeting Materials. 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.
    (E) Special and Emergency Meetings. The rules for notice 
and meetings as set forth in rule 5 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, shall apply to such meetings.

                 6. NOTICE AND ANNOUNCEMENT OF HEARINGS

    (A) 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 seven (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.
    (B) Exception. The Chair, with the concurrence of the 
Ranking Minority Member, or upon a vote by the majority of the 
Committee (a quorum being present), may authorize a hearing to 
commence on less than 7 days' notice.
    (C) Witness Lists. Unless the Chair determines 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 of the hearing.
    (D) Hearing Material. 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 of the 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 16 of the 
Committee's Rules.

              7. 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 of legislation, 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.
    (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 
determine 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, degrade, 
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 (if the 
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.
    (C) Participation in Subcommittee Hearings. 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.
    (D) Non-Participatory Attendance by Other Members of the 
House. No Member of the 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 subject of investigation, to close its 
hearing to Members by the same procedures designated to close 
hearings to the public.
    (E) Procedure to Participate. Members of Congress who are 
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. Such Member may not 
vote on any matter; be counted for the purpose of establishing 
a quorum; participate in questioning a witness under the 5-
Minute rule, unless permitted to do so by the Chair in 
consultation with the Ranking Minority Member; raise points of 
order; or offer amendments or motions.
    (F) Audio and Video Coverage. 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. 
Operation and use of any Committee internet broadcast system 
shall be fair and nonpartisan, and in accordance with clauses 4 
(b) and (f) of House rule XI and all other applicable rules of 
the Committee and the House.

                              8. WITNESSES

    (A) Number of Witnesses. 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.
    (B) Witnesses Selected by the Minority. 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.
    (C) Small Business Week Exception. 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 community in conjunction 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.
    (D) Statement of Witnesses.
          (1) Insofar as is practicable, each witness who is to 
        appear before the Committee or Subcommittee shall file 
        an electronic copy of the written 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 25 copies of the 
        written testimony by the commencement of the hearing. 
        The Chair may waive the requirement by the witness 
        providing 25 copies in which case the Committee or 
        Subcommittee shall provide the 25 copies.
          (2) Each witness shall limit his or her oral 
        presentation to a five-minute summary of the written 
        testimony, unless the Chair in consultation with the 
        Ranking Minority Member extends this time period.
          (3) Insofar as is practicable, 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 background 
        information pertinent to their testimony.
    (E) Witness Disclosure. 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, as well as the amount 
and country of origin of any payment or contract related to the 
subject of the hearing originating with a foreign government. 
Such information shall be posted on the Committee website 
within 24 hours after the witness appeared at the hearing.
    (F) Failure to Comply. The failure to provide the materials 
set forth by the deadlines set forth in these rules may be 
grounds for excluding both the oral and written testimony of 
the witness unless waived by the Chair of the Committee or 
Subcommittee.
    (G) Public Access to Witness Materials. 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.
    (H) Questioning of Witnesses. Except when the Committee 
adopts a motion pursuant to subdivisions (B) and (C) of clause 
2(i)(2) of rule XI of the Rules of the House, Committee Members 
may question witnesses only when they have been recognized by 
the Chair for that purpose. 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 the Member identified 
in the motion for more than five minutes as set forth in rule 
XI, cl. 2(j)(B). No Member may be recognized for a second 
period of interrogation, subject to the 5-minute rule, until 
each Member present, who wishes to be recognized, has been 
recognized at least once.
    (I) Order of Questioning.
          (1) Full Committee Hearings. The Chair of the 
        Committee shall commence questioning followed by the 
        Ranking Minority Member. Thereafter, questioning shall 
        alternate between the Majority and Minority Members. 
        Before the gavel has been struck, or in the case of 
        Members arriving simultaneously, the order of 
        questioning shall be based on seniority among Members 
        of his or her own party. After the gavel has been 
        struck, Members first to arrive shall have priority 
        over Members of his or her own party. Members of 
        Congress who are not Members of the Committee, if 
        allowed by the Chair, may be recognized for questioning 
        of witnesses but only after all Committee Members have 
        first been recognized.
          (2) Subcommittee Hearings. The Chair of the 
        Subcommittee shall commence questioning followed by the 
        Ranking Minority Member of the Subcommittee. 
        Thereafter, questioning shall alternate between the 
        Majority and Minority Members of the Subcommittee. 
        Before the gavel has been struck, or in the case of 
        Subcommittee Members arriving simultaneously, the order 
        of questioning shall be based on seniority among 
        Members of his or her own party. After the gavel has 
        been struck, Subcommittee Members first to arrive shall 
        have priority over Subcommittee Members of his or her 
        own party. Members of the Full Committee who are not 
        members of the Subcommittee and are granted permission 
        to participate pursuant to committee rule 7(C), may be 
        recognized for questioning only after all Subcommittee 
        Members have first been recognized. The order of 
        questioning for Members of the Full Committee who are 
        not members of the Subcommittee shall be based on full 
        committee seniority. Members of Congress who are not 
        Members of the Subcommittee, if allowed by the Chair, 
        may be recognized for questioning of witnesses but only 
        after all Subcommittee Members and Full Committee 
        Members have first been recognized.
    (J) Consideration of Ratio. 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.

                               9. QUORUM

    (A) Determining a Quorum. A quorum, for purposes of 
reporting a measure or recommendation, shall be a majority of 
the Committee Members.
    (B) Quorum for a Hearing. 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 or the assigned hearing 
room in Washington, DC, a quorum shall be deemed to be present 
if the Chair of the Committee or Subcommittee is present.

                            10. RECORD VOTES

    (A) When Provided. A record vote of the Committee shall be 
provided on any question before the Committee upon the request 
of any Member of the Committee. A record of the vote of each 
Member of the Committee 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.
    (B) Proxy Voting. No vote by any Member of the Committee 
with respect to any measure or matter may be cast by proxy.
    (C) Public Access to Record Votes. 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.

                             11. SUBPOENAS

    (A) Authorization and Issuance. 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 documents, 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 Minority Member of 
the Committee.
    (B) Issuance During Congressional Recess. The Chair may 
issue a subpoena, in consultation with the Ranking Minority 
Member, when the House is out of session for more than three 
legislative days.

                      12. AMENDMENTS DURING MARKUP

    (A) Availability of Amendments. 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.
    (B) Drafting and Filing of Amendments. For amendments to be 
accepted during markup, there is no requirement that the 
amendments be filed prior to commencement of the markup or 
prepared with the assistance of the Office of Legislative 
Counsel. Even though it is not necessary, Members seeking to 
amend legislation during markup should draft amendments with 
the assistance of the Office of Legislative Counsel and consult 
with the Chair or Ranking Minority Member's staff (as 
appropriate) in the preparation of such amendments.

                    13. POSTPONEMENT OF PROCEEDINGS

    (A) When Postponement is Permissible. 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 or 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 5 of these rules.
    (B) Resumption of Proceedings. 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.

                         14. COMMITTEE RECORDS

    (A) 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 of the 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.
    (B) Transcripts. 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.
    (C) Availability of Records. 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, 
cal. 3(b)(3) or cal. 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.
    (D) Publishing and Posting of Records. The Committee Rules 
shall be made publicly available in electronic form and 
published in the Congressional Record not later than 60 days 
after the Chair of the Committee is elected in each odd-
numbered year.

                         15. COMMITTEE WEBSITE

    The Chair shall maintain an official Committee web site 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 web site for the same purpose, including 
communicating information about the activities of the Minority 
to Committee Members and other Members of the House.

           16. ACCESS TO CLASSIFIED OR SENSITIVE INFORMATION

    (A) 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 necessary 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.
    (B) Procedures Governing Availability. 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:
          (1) Only Members of the House of Representatives and 
        specifically designated Committee staff of the 
        Committee on Small Business may have access to such 
        information.
          (2) Members who desire to read materials that are in 
        possession of the Committee shall notify the Clerk of 
        the Committee in writing.
          (3) 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.
          (4) If the 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 
        be required to sign an access information sheet 
        acknowledging such access and that the individual has 
        read and understands the procedures under which access 
        is being granted.
          (5) Material provided for review under this rule 
        shall not be removed from a specified room within the 
        Committee offices.
          (6) Individuals reviewing materials under this rule 
        shall make certain that the materials are returned to 
        the proper custodian.
          (7) No reproductions or recordings may be made of any 
        portion of such materials.
          (8) 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.
          (9) 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.
          (10) These procedures only address access to 
        information the Committee or Subcommittee deems to be 
        sensitive enough to require special treatment.
          (11) 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 independent 
        agency shall prevail unless affirmatively changed by 
        the Committee or Subcommittee involved, after 
        consultation with the Executive Branch or independent 
        agency.
          (12) Other materials in the possession of the 
        Committee are to be handled in the accordance with 
        normal practices and traditions of the Committee.

                          17. 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.

                   18. 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 of the 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.

                         19. BUDGET AND TRAVEL

    (A) Allocation of Budget. From the amount provided to the 
Committee in the primary expense resolution adopted by the 
House of Representatives in the 117th 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.
    (B) Authorization of Travel. 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 of the 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.

                      MEMBERSHIP AND ORGANIZATION

                      Committee on Small Business
                             (Ratio: 15-12)
                 Nydia Velazquez, New York, Chairwoman

Republicans                          Democrats
Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03), Ranking Member Golden (ME-02)
Roger Williams (TX-25) Vice Ranking Member Crow (CO-06)
Pete Stauber (MN-08)                 Sharice Davids (KS-03)
Dan Meuser (PA-09)                   Kweisi Mfume (MD-07)
Claudia Tenney (NY-22)               Dean Phillips (MN-03)
Andrew Garbarino (NY-02)             Marie Newman (IL-03)
Young Kim (CA-39)                    Carolyn Bourdeaux (GA-07)
Beth Van Duyne (TX-24)               Troy Carter (LA-02)
Byron Donalds (FL-19)                Judy Chu (CA-27)
Maria Salazar (FL-27)                Dwight Evans (PA-03)
Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05)             Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06)
Mike Flood (NE-01)                   Andy Kim (NJ-03)
                                     Angie Craig (MN-02)
                                     Scott Peters (CA-52)

----------
May 12, 2021--Mr. Scott Peters, California, resigned from the 
Committee.
May 12, 2021--Mr. Troy Carter, Louisiana, was appointed to the 
Committee, H. Res. 384.
May 25, 2022--Mr. Antonio Delgado, New York, resignation from Congress, 
Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 90.
February 17, 2022--Mr. Jim Hagedorn, Minnesota, served on the Committee 
until he passed away.
June 14, 2022--Mr. Scott Peters, California, was appointed to the 
Committee, H. Res. 1173.
July 12, 2022--Mr. Mike Flood, Nebraska, was appointed to the 
Committee, H. Res. 1225.

                        SUBCOMMITTEE MEMBERSHIPS
     Subcommittee on Underserved, Agricultural, and Rural Business 
                              Development
                     Jared Golden, Maine, Chairman

Claudia Tenney, New York             Troy Carter, Louisiana
Roger Williams, Texas                Scott Peters, California
Pete Stauber, Minnesota
Maria Salazar, Florida
Mike Flood, Nebraska

Subcommittee on Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Workforce Development
                     Jason Crow, Colorado, Chairman

Young Kim, California                Carolyn Bourdeaux, Georgia
Roger Williams, Texas                Chrissy Houlahan, Pennsylvania
Claudia Tenney, New York             Sharice Davids, Kansas
Andrew Garbarino, New York           Dean Phillips, Minnesota
Maria Salazar, Florida               Marie Newman, Illinois

        Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax, and Capital Access

                   Sharice Davids, Kansas, Chairwoman

Dan Meuser, Pennsylvania             Marie Newman, Illinois
Andrew Garbarino, New York           Judy Chu, California
Young Kim, California                Dwight Evans, Pennsylvania
Beth Van Duyne, Texas                Andy Kim, New Jersey
Byron Donalds, Florida               Carolyn Bourdeaux, Georgia

       Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations
                   Dean Phillips, Minnesota, Chairman

Beth Van Duyne, Texas                Angie Craig, Minnesota
Dan Meuser, Pennsylvania             Kweisi Mfume, Maryland
Byron Donalds, Florida               Judy Chu, California
Scott Fitzgerald, Wisconsin          Dwight Evans, Pennsylvania
Mike Flood, Nebraska                 Sharice Davids, Kansas

             Subcommittee on Contracting and Infrastructure
                    Kweisi Mfume, Maryland, Chairman

Maria Salazar, Florida               Jared Golden, Maine
Pete Stauber, Minnesota              Andy Kim, New Jersey
Dan Meuser, Pennsylvania             Marie Newman, Illinois
Scott Fitzgerald, Wisconsin          Troy Carter, Louisiana
Mike Flood, Nebraska

                    AUTHORIZATION AND OVERSIGHT PLAN

    Ms. Velazquez, Chair of the Committee on Small Business, 
submitted to the Committee on Oversight and Reform and the 
Committee on House Administration the following:

                                 REPORT

    Rule X, cl. 2(d)(1) of the 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 Oversight and Reform and House Administration not later than 
March 1 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.

              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.
           Effectiveness of the capital access programs 
        to assist and create jobs in underserved businesses, 
        including minority, women, immigrant, veteran, and 
        rural owners.
           Effectiveness of the Small Business 
        Administration's outreach and structure as it pertains 
        to increasing assistance to underserved and rural 
        businesses and entrepreneurs.
           Whether lenders are meeting their goals to 
        lend to small businesses and create jobs.
           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.
           Whether SBA rules, regulations, and guidance 
        result in transparent and reasoned decision making with 
        respect to capital access programs.
           Assessment of credit-scoring algorithms as a 
        replacement for individual credit assessment by SBA and 
        its lending partners.
           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 and rebuild communities.
           Review the recent change by SBA for fee 
        waivers and the impact moving from a dollar limitation 
        to a geographic determination will have on small 
        businesses.
           Efficacy and duplication of federal capital 
        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.
           Study the need to enhance the 7(a) and 
        Certified Development Company programs so that they are 
        more effective in reaching borrowers unable to secure 
        conventional loans.
           Analyze the Microloan program with the 
        intent of making it more affordable for borrowers and 
        reducing barriers to its growth.
           Examine methods to enhance equity financing 
        to meet the needs of small business borrowers wherein 
        debt financing is not appropriate and how SBA programs 
        may be used to increase equity financing.
           Continued examination of the Paycheck 
        Protection Program (PPP), EIDL Advance program, debt 
        relief, and other small business programs established 
        by Pub. L. No. 116-136, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, 
        and Economic Security (CARES) Act, in providing 
        emergency simulative capital to small businesses.
           Implementation of program clarifications and 
        enhancements made to PPP, EIDL, Microloan, 504/CDC, and 
        other SBA programs, including debt relief and fee 
        reductions established by Pub. L. No. 116-260, the 
        Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, to provide 
        simulative capital to small businesses to retain and 
        create jobs.
           Continued examination of the Small Business 
        Lending Fund and State Small Business Credit Initiative 
        established by Pub. L. No. 111-240, the Small Business 
        Jobs Act of 2010, in creating jobs and providing 
        capital to small businesses.
           Implementation of crowdfunding and other 
        provisions of the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act, 
        Pub. L. No. 112-106.
           Continued oversight and analysis of the role 
        that the SBA secondary market plays in small business 
        finance and the effectiveness of changes made by SBA to 
        the pooling program established in the Federal Register 
        Notice of October 16, 2017.
           Review and oversight into the Master Reserve 
        Fund at SBA.
           Implementation of program clarifications 
        made to encourage more cooperative and employee stock 
        ownership plan lending through SBA programs established 
        by the Main Street Employee Ownership Act of 2018, 
        passed into law by the John S. McCain National Defense 
        Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019, Pub. L. No. 
        115-232.
           Implementation of changes made to increase 
        oversight of the 7(a) loan program established by Pub. 
        L. No. 115-189, the Small Business 7(a) Lending 
        Oversight Reform Act of 2018.
           Examination of the Express Bridge Loan pilot 
        program for disaster recovery lending for small 
        businesses and its performance after recent disasters, 
        such as Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria and numerous 
        wildfires.
           Investigate franchising contracts to learn 
        how SBA loans are being utilized, default rates, and 
        whether small business owners are being harmed in case 
        improvements in the SBA franchise directory can be 
        made.
           The effectiveness of SBA in minimizing risk 
        to the taxpayer in the SBA capital access programs.
    In performing oversight, the Committee will focus 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 OF SBA 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 
subsequent to the filing of this Report:
           Examining effectiveness of SBA 
        entrepreneurial development programs in creating jobs 
        at startups and traditional firms.
           Examining effectiveness of enhancements to 
        SBA entrepreneurial development programs established by 
        Pub. L. No. 116-136, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and 
        Economic Security (CARES) Act and Pub. L. No. 116-260, 
        the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, in assisting 
        small businesses access to federal pandemic support 
        resources.
           Suggesting methods for enhancing 
        coordination among federal agencies in aiding 
        entrepreneurs, including, but not limited to, 
        businesses located in underserved areas, such as rural 
        and low-income communities and those seeking to provide 
        goods and services in the federal procurement 
        marketplace.
           Enhancing the efficacy and utilization of 
        the Manufacturing Extension Partnership at the 
        Department of Commerce, including developments in 
        renewable energy.

          OVERSIGHT OF FEDERAL GOVERNMENT 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 including the 8(a), HUBZone, service-disabled 
        veteran, women-owned contracting, and Small Business 
        Innovation Research programs.
           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 of SBA 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).
           Examining effectiveness of 8(a) small 
        business federal procurement extension established by 
        Pub. L. No. 116-260, the Consolidated Appropriations 
        Act, 2021.
           Implementation and efficacy of changes made 
        in small business federal procurement programs arising 
        from the enactment of the National Defense 
        Authorization Acts for FYs 2012-2021.
           Examination of the 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 federally-funded technology.
           Implementation and efficacy of changes made 
        to the Small Business Innovation Research program 
        arising from the enactment of the John S. McCain 
        National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 
        2019, Pub. L. No. 115-232.
           Implementation and efficacy of changes made 
        to the HUBZone program arising from the enactment of 
        the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 
        2018, Pub. L. No. 115-91.
           Implementation and efficacy of changes made 
        to small business programs from enactment of the 
        William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense 
        Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021. Pub. L. No. 
        116-283.
           Monitor the migration of the veteran 
        certification program from the Department of Veterans 
        Affairs to the Small Business Administration.
           Examine the effects on the supply chain as 
        they relate to the pandemic and analyze the impact 
        relief programs have had on small government 
        contractors.
    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 of the SBA.
           Whether agency employees in the field are 
        empowered to assist small businesses.
           Organizational structure of the agency to 
        ensure it is meeting its mission, prevent duplication 
        of offices, modernize the agency to meet the needs of 
        the business community, particularly underserved and 
        rural entrepreneurs.
           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.
           Review the agency's cooperative agreements, 
        partnerships and co-sponsorships.
           Continue to assess the adequacy of the 
        agency's budgetary requests, financial management, and 
        reporting goals.
           Agency personnel capabilities to properly 
        manage loan defaults to maximize recovery of 
        collateral.
           Whether SBA improperly utilizes statutory 
        authority to create untested initiatives and the 
        procedures by which the agency develops such programs.
           Monitor the agency's spending and efforts as 
        it relates to the pandemic response and fully account 
        for COVID-19-provided appropriations.
           Review the SBA's technology and data systems 
        in an effort to modernize, strengthen, and improve 
        interoperability between platforms.
           Assess the agency's efforts to secure their 
        networks and data systems.
    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.

         OVERSIGHT OF FEDERAL REGULATORY AND PAPERWORK BURDENS

    The Committee will conduct hearings and investigations into 
burdensome federal rules, reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements affecting small businesses 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:
           Examine agency compliance with the 
        Regulatory Flexibility Act and Paperwork Reduction Act.
           Oversee, to the extent relevant, the work of 
        the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs at the 
        Office of Management and Budget and the Chief Counsel 
        for Advocacy at the Small Business Administration to 
        ensure that they are fulfilling their mission to 
        advocate vigorously on behalf of America's small 
        business owners in regulatory matters at federal 
        agencies.
           Assess whether small businesses are provided 
        sufficient compliance assistance, including small 
        entity compliance guides issued by agencies as mandated 
        by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness 
        Act.
           Evaluate the need to amend and further 
        strengthen the Regulatory Flexibility Act and the 
        Paperwork Reduction Act to improve agency compliance 
        with the laws and ensure that small businesses are not 
        unnecessarily burdened by regulations.

                    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 and 
        proposed rules 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.
           Impact of the tax reform law, Pub. L. No. 
        115-97, on small business tax liabilities and 
        compliance and its harm to economic growth and job 
        creation.
           Examining effectiveness of small business 
        tax provisions established by Pub. L. No. 116-136, the 
        Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) 
        Act and Pub. L. No. 116-260, the Consolidated 
        Appropriations Act, 2021.
           Efficiencies at 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.
           Investigate incentives that may be used to 
        support the growth of the micro-entrepreneur.
           Analyze tax code restructuring to enhance 
        the ability of small businesses to offer retirement 
        benefits through lowering their costs.

                    OVERSIGHT OF HEALTH CARE POLICY

           The Committee will conduct hearings and 
        investigations into federal health care policy (such as 
        Medicare and Medicaid), as well as matters brought to 
        the attention of the Committee subsequent to the filing 
        of this Report:
           The availability of health insurance to 
        small businesses and their employees.
           Implementation and efficacy of changes made 
        to health care policy through various laws enacted 
        throughout the 116th Congress, including but not 
        limited to the tax reform law, Pub. L. No. 115-97.
           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 
renewable energy 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:
           Innovations developed by small businesses 
        that create greater reliance on renewable and clean 
        energy.
           Federal policies that increase dependence on 
        renewable and clean energy and decrease energy costs.
           Policies needed to incentivize production of 
        renewable and clean energy in the United States.
           Examination of commercialization of research 
        in renewable and clean energy.
           Investigate methods to increase energy 
        efficiency and improve resource conservation practices 
        for small businesses.
           Federal initiatives to streamline business 
        operations and reduce energy costs for small firms.
    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, including the 
development of renewable and clean energy products.

          OVERSIGHT OF TRADE AND INTELLECTUAL 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 Report:
           Impact of free trade agreements to increase 
        exports by American small businesses.
           Oversight of SBA's Office of International 
        Trade and the agency's efforts to promote small 
        business exports.
           Examination of the impact of illicit actions 
        by foreign entities on small businesses and whether the 
        federal government is doing enough to protect their 
        interests.
           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 innovations of American entrepreneurs.
           Efforts to increase exports by small 
        businesses.
           Whether the United States Trade 
        Representative and Department of Commerce sufficiently 
        protect the interests of small businesses in the 
        negotiation of free trade agreements.
           Whether the United States Trade 
        Representative takes positions at the World Trade 
        Organization that sufficiently promote the interests of 
        American small businesses.
           Measure the performance of federal trade 
        programs, which seek to reduce small firms' costs of 
        expanding into international markets, including those 
        administered by the SBA, Departments of Commerce and 
        Agriculture, the Export-Import Bank, and the Overseas 
        Private Investment Corporation.
           Evaluate the implementation of the National 
        Export Promotion Strategy, particularly its focus on 
        small businesses.
           Examine efforts methods to increase the 
        representation of small business interests in the 
        negotiation of new trade agreements and enforcement of 
        existing agreements and treaties.
           Evaluate the availability and quality of 
        data measuring the contributions to the nation's trade 
        performance by small businesses, including information 
        gathered by the Department of Commerce and the United 
        States Trade Representative.
           Assess current trade duties and tariffs, 
        both domestic and foreign, to evaluate their impact on 
        American small businesses, economic growth, and job 
        creation.
           Conduct analysis on the importance of 
        intellectual property rights to underserved 
        entrepreneurs and how best to increase their 
        representation of such rights.

                    OVERSIGHT OF AGRICULTURE POLICY

    The Committee will conduct hearings and investigations into 
agriculture policies 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:
           Examine the impact of federal policies on 
        family farms, ranchers, and rural small businesses, 
        including changes made by the 2018 Farm Bill.
           Evaluate the impact of access to capital 
        issues facing rural areas, farmers and agribusinesses.
           Analyze the extent to which SBA programs and 
        United States Department of Agriculture programs 
        overlap and how they can better coordinate to provide 
        better services and streamlines assistance to the 
        agriculture community.
           Oversee federal activities to spur economic 
        development in rural communities.
           Examine ways in which the federal government 
        can enhance the use of next-generation technologies in 
        small agriculture businesses.
           Examine efforts to expand small farm, 
        producer, and ranch operations and encourage more 
        women, minorities, young people, and other non-
        traditional owners to start and invest in small 
        agricultural ventures.
           Investigate the federal government's 
        response to agricultural business needs during the 
        pandemic to ensure such firms receive the necessary 
        assistance to continue operations.

             OVERSIGHT OF TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION POLICY

    The Committee will conduct hearings and investigations into 
technology and telecommunications policies 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:
           Examine the impact of federal policies on 
        broadband deployment, particularly in underserved 
        areas.
           Investigate the economic benefits of 
        increasing the speed of broadband and proposals for 
        funding the Universal Service Fund.
           Examine the cost and benefits of proposed 
        reforms to the United States patent system and their 
        impact on small innovators.
           Evaluate the need to increase IP education 
        and services to underserved innovators.
           Monitor efforts to assist small businesses 
        in cybersecurity hygiene and evaluate the role the SBA 
        has in the process to collect and disseminate 
        information and educate small businesses.
           Assess the current government-wide 
        initiative to ensure small technology firms have 
        adequate contracting opportunities while also 
        protecting government systems through rigorous 
        cybersecurity requirements.
           Examine ways in which the federal government 
        can enhance the use of next-generation technologies in 
        small agriculture businesses.
           Investigate and strengthen the vulnerability 
        of small business cybersecurity and its impact on the 
        broader federal government's ability to protect itself 
        against cyberattacks and breaches.

             OVERSIGHT OF VETERANS' ENTREPRENEURSHIP POLICY

    The Committee will conduct hearings and investigations into 
veterans' policies 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:
           Examine how current entrepreneurial and 
        capital assistance programs are accommodating the 
        growing veteran population.
           Review federal actions to assist veteran 
        entrepreneurs and ensure they are consistent with 
        federal small business policy.
           Evaluate the effectiveness of federal 
        programs that seek to improve veterans' access to 
        markets and training by implementing and monitoring 
        enhanced programmatic data collection.
           Assess whether the federal government is 
        sufficiently coordinating activities and allocating 
        resources appropriately with regard to veteran 
        entrepreneurship activities and initiatives.
           Monitor the transition of federal 
        entrepreneurial programs from the Department of 
        Veterans' Affairs to the SBA.

                OVERSIGHT OF LABOR AND WORKFORCE POLICY

    The Committee will conduct hearings and investigations into 
labor and workforce policies 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:
           Review federal actions to assist employers 
        in workforce training and analyze ways to meet the 
        growing need for more skilled workers.
           Study the effectiveness of efforts to 
        encourage more underserved workers to enter fields 
        where skilled labor is needed.
           Evaluate the role immigration policy plays 
        in assisting small businesses meet their workforce 
        needs and whether the existing visa system should be 
        reformed.
           Investigate policies to encourage more 
        participation in labor market through initiatives that 
        can be offered by small businesses, such as increased 
        minimum wages, paid sick leave, paid parental leave, 
        and flexible work arrangements.
           Study the role student loan debt plays in 
        entrepreneurship and methods to address the crisis.

                         LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES

    Clause 1(d) of rule XI of the Rules of the House of 
Representatives requires that each standing committee, no later 
than January 2 of each odd-numbered year, submit to the House a 
report on the activities of that committee, including a 
separate section summarizing the legislative activities of that 
committee.

                          A. Business Meetings

    On February 4, 2021, the Committee held an organizational 
meeting to appoint Chairs and Ranking Members of the five 
subcommittees and adopt Committee Rules.
    On February 10, 2021, the Committee held a markup on the 
Committee Print (Providing for reconciliation pursuant to S. 
Con. Res. 5, the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal 
Year 2021).
    On Thursday July 29, 2021, the Committee held a markup on 
H.R. 4256, the Investing in Main Street Act of 2021, H.R. 4481, 
the Small Business 7(a) Loan Agent Transparency Act, H.R. 4531, 
the 7(a) Loan Agent Oversight Act, H.R. 3469, the Veteran 
Entrepreneurship Training Act of 2021, H.R. 3462, the SBA Cyber 
Awareness Act, H.R. 4515, the Small Business Development Center 
Cyber Training Act of 2021, and H.R. 4513, the Small Business 
Advanced Cybersecurity Enhancements Act of 2021.
    On Thursday, September 9, 2021, the Committee held a markup 
on the Committee Print (Providing for reconciliation pursuant 
to S. Con. Res. 14, the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for 
Fiscal Year 2022).
    On February 3, 2022, the Committee held a markup on H.R. 
6445, the Small Business Development Centers Improvement Act of 
2022, H.R. 6441, the Women's Business Centers Improvement Act 
of 2022, H.R. 6450, the SCORE for Small Business Act of 2022, 
H.R. 4877, the One Stop Shop for Small Business Compliance Act 
of 2021, and H.R. 6454, the Small Business Advocacy 
Improvements Act of 2022.
    On Wednesday, May 11, 2022, the Committee held a markup on 
H.R. 7352, the PPP and Bank Fraud Enforcement Harmonization Act 
of 2022, H.R. 7334, the COVID-19 EIDL Fraud Statute of 
Limitations Act of 2022, H.R. 7622, the Small Business 
Workforce Pipeline Act of 2022, H.R. 7664, the Supporting Small 
Business and Career and Technical Education Act of 2022, H.R. 
7670, the Women-Owned Small Business program Transparency Act, 
H.R. 5879, the Hubzone Price Evaluation Preference 
Clarification Act of 2021, and H.R. 7694, the Strengthening 
Subcontracting for Small Businesses Act of 2022.
    On Wednesday, September 21, 2022, the Committee held a 
markup on H. Res. 1298, Of inquiry directing the Secretary of 
Treasury to transmit certain documents to the House of 
Representatives relating to the role of the Department of 
Treasury in the Paycheck Protection Program of the Small 
Business Administration and H.R. 8844, the STEP Improvement Act 
of 2022.

                             B. Legislation


                    AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT OF 2021

                               H.R. 1319

Summary

    H.R. 1319 provides additional relief to address the 
continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy, 
public health, state and local governments, individuals, and 
businesses. Title V outlines the small business policies in the 
bill.
    This title, as reported from the Committee, provides relief 
for small businesses throughout the country adversely impacted 
by the COVID-19 pandemic. It provides financial assistance in 
the form of grants and forgivable loans to the hardest hit 
small businesses and non-profits, strengthening outreach and 
education to small firms located in hard to reach and 
underserved areas. It also provides additional administrative 
funding to the SBA to ensure swift and strong implementation 
and oversight of these efforts. More specifically, the title 
would provide:
           $7.25 billion for expanded eligibility of 
        small nonprofits and internet publishing organizations 
        for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
          $ 15 billion for adding more funds to the 
        Targeted Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Advance 
        program and addresses any potential funding shortfalls 
        to ensure that remaining eligible businesses can access 
        the $10,000 grant.
           $25 billion for the creation and 
        implementation of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund to 
        allow SBA to make grants to eligible restaurants for 
        specified costs such as payroll, operational expenses, 
        and paid sick leave.
           $175 million to establish a Community 
        Navigator Pilot Program designed to strengthen outreach 
        and education to small businesses, particularly 
        underserved firms, that were unable access relief 
        programs.
           $1.25 billion for the Shuttered Venue 
        Operators Grant program, including a set aside for 
        technical assistance to help eligible entities apply 
        for grants.
           $840 million for administrative costs to 
        prevent, prepare and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, 
        including expenses related to PPP, aid to venues, and 
        grants to restaurants.
           $460 million for the Economic Injury 
        Disaster Loan program, of which $70 million is for the 
        cost of direct loans and $390 million is for 
        administrative costs.
           $25 million for SBA's Office of Inspector 
        General for oversight, to remain available until 
        expended.

Legislative History

    In the 116th Congress, the Committee on Small Business and 
its Subcommittee held many hearings and forums on a wide 
variety of subjects relevant to pandemic aid programs, 
including the following hearings:
           The Impact of Coronavirus on America's Small 
        Businesses (March 10, 2020)
           Member Day Hearing on COVID-19 Response and 
        Recovery: Committee on Small Business (April 23, 2020)
           Update from the Small Business 
        Administration's Resource Partners on the 
        Implementation of the CARES Act (May 7, 2020)
           A Conversation with SBA Paycheck Protection 
        Program Lenders (May 13, 2020)
           First Look: SBA Office of Inspector General 
        Preliminary Paycheck Protection Program Report (May 15, 
        2020)
           The Effects of COVID-19 on Rural Economies 
        (May 20, 2020)
           Business Interruption Coverage: Are 
        Policyholders Being Left Behind? (May 21, 2020)
           Small Business Priorities for the Next Phase 
        of Recovery: How to Leverage the Small Business 
        Development Center Network (May 28, 2020)
           The Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program: A 
        View from Main Street (June 10, 2020)
           Paycheck Protection Program: Loan 
        Forgiveness and Other Challenges (June 17, 2020)
           An Overview of the Dynamic Between the 
        Defense Production Act and Small Contractors (June 24, 
        2020)
           The Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program: 
        Status Update from the Administration (July 1, 2020)
           Supply Chain Resiliency (July 2, 2020)
           Long-Lasting Solutions for a Small Business 
        Recovery (July 15, 2020)
           Putting America Back to Work: The Role of 
        Workforce Development and Small Business Rehiring (July 
        16, 2020)
           Oversight of the Small Business 
        Administration and Department of Treasury Pandemic 
        Programs (July 17, 2020)
           21st Century SBA: An Analysis of SBA's 
        Technology Systems (July 22, 2020)
           Kick Starting Entrepreneurship and Main 
        Street Economic Recovery (September 10, 2020)
           Paycheck Protection Program: An Examination 
        of Loan Forgiveness, SBA Legacy Systems, and inaccurate 
        Data (September 24, 2020)
           A Review of PPP Forgiveness (September 25, 
        2020)
           Taking Care of Business: How Childcare is 
        Important for Regional Economies (September 30, 2020)
           Preventing Fraud and Abuse of PPP and EIDL: 
        An Update with the SBA Office of Inspector General and 
        the Government Accountability Office (October 1, 2020)
    On February 4, 2021, the Committee on Small Business held a 
hearing on the State of the Small Business Economy in the Era 
of COVID-19. Committee members heard how the pandemic relief 
programs were helping small employers and what additional steps 
the federal government could take to strengthen small business 
resiliency.
    On February 10, 2021, the Committee approved its 
recommendations for the small business policies provided in the 
American Rescue Plan (Committee Print: providing for 
reconciliation pursuant to S. Con. Res. 5, the Concurrent 
Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2021). H.R. 1319, 
which included the Committee's recommendations, was introduced 
on February 24, 2021, by Representative John Yarmuth (D-KY). 
The bill passed the House on February 27, 2021, by a vote of 
219 to 212 (Roll Call No. 49). H.R. 1319 was received in the 
Senate and read twice. On March 6, 2021, the bill passed the 
Senate with an amendment by a vote of 50-49 (Record Vote No. 
110). On March 10, 2021, the House voted 220 to 211 to approve 
the bill as amended by the Senate (Roll Call No. 72). The bill 
was signed into law by President Biden on March 11, 2021 (Pub. 
L. No. 117-2).

                        SBA CYBER AWARENESS ACT

                               H.R. 3462

Summary

    H.R. 3462, requires the SBA to issue annual reports 
assessing its information technology (IT) and cybersecurity 
infrastructure and notify Congress and affected parties of 
cyber incidents when they occur. Specifically, the bill would 
require SBA to issue annual reports, which must include the 
following information: (1) an assessment of SBA's IT and 
cybersecurity infrastructure; (2) its strategy to improve 
cybersecurity protections; (3) a detailed account of any IT 
equipment of SBA that was manufactured by an entity with a 
principal place of business in the People's Republic of China; 
and 4) an account of any cybersecurity risk or incident 
occurring within the two years preceding the date the report is 
submitted, and SBA's actions to remediate the cybersecurity 
risk or incident.
    In addition, if a cybersecurity risk or incident occurred, 
SBA is instructed to notify the House and Senate small business 
committees (committees) within 7 days. And within 30 days 
notify the individuals and small business concerns affected by 
the cybersecurity risk or incident and submit a report 
summarizing how the cybersecurity risk or incident occurred and 
how many parties were affected to the committees.

Legislative History

    H.R. 3462 was introduced on May 21, 2021, by 
Representatives Jason Crow (D-CO) and Young Kim (R-CA). The 
bill was reported by the Committee on Small Business on October 
12, 2021, and passed the House on November 2, 2021, under 
Suspension of the Rules, by a vote of 423 to 0 (Roll Call No. 
350). H.R. 3462 was received in the Senate and read twice and 
referred to the Committee on Small Business and 
Entrepreneurship on November 3, 2021. On February 17, 2022, the 
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship reported H.R. 
3462, without amendment, and the bill was placed on the Senate 
Legislative Calendar under General Orders (Calendar No. 281). 
On September 28, 2022, the measure passed the Senate with an 
amendment in the nature of a substitute and was sent to the 
House the following day. On December 6, 2022, the House 
concurred with the Senate amendment to the measure, and H.R 
3462 was approved by a vote of 417-0 (Roll no. 506). The bill 
was signed into law by President Biden on December 21, 2022.

             VETERAN ENTREPRENEURSHIP TRAINING ACT OF 2021

                               H.R. 3469

Summary

    H.R. 3469 would codify for five years the Boots to Business 
program. The Boots to Business program is a two day, in person, 
entrepreneurship program offered by the Small Business 
Administration (SBA) as part of the Department of Defense's 
Transition Assistance program (TAP). Transitioning service 
members and their spouses are eligible to receive counseling 
and training services related to self-employment, including a 
presentation regarding self-employment and ownership of a small 
business concern, an online self-study course focused on 
entrepreneurship, an in-person classroom introducing self-
employment and ownership, and an in-depth training regarding 
the creation of a business plan. To carry out the program, the 
bill allows the Administrator to make grants to Veteran 
Business Outreach Centers and also make the program materials 
available to both the Department of Defense and the Secretary 
of Veterans Affairs. Lastly, H.R. 3469 requires SBA to submit 
an annual report evaluating the performance and effectiveness 
of the program to the Senate Committee on Small Business and 
Entrepreneurship and the House Committee on Small Business.

Legislative History

    H.R. 3469 was introduced on May 21, 2021, by 
Representatives Bradley Scott Schneider (D-IL) and Roger 
Williams (R-TX). The bill was reported from the Small Business 
Committee on October 12, 2021, and passed the House on November 
2, 2021, under Suspension of the Rules, by a vote of 418 to 2 
(Roll Call No. 348). H.R. 3469 was received in the Senate and 
read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and 
Entrepreneurship on November 3, 2021.

                  INVESTING IN MAIN STREET ACT OF 2021

                               H.R. 4256

Summary

    H.R. 4256 amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 
to authorize certain banking entities to invest up to 15% of 
their capital and surplus in one or more small business 
investment companies (SBICs) or any entity established to 
invest solely in SBICs, subject to approval of the appropriate 
federal banking agency. Specifically, the bill would allow 
certain banks and savings associations to increase the amount 
that they invest in SBICs.

Legislative History

    H.R. 4256 was introduced on June 30, 2021, by 
Representatives Judy Chu (D-CA) and Andrew Garbarino (R-NY). 
The bill was reported by the Small Business Committee on 
October 12, 2021, and passed the House on November 2, 2021, 
under Suspension of the Rules, by a vote of 413 to 10 (Roll 
Call No. 349). H.R. 4256 was received in the Senate and read 
twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and 
Urban Affairs on November 3, 2021.

            SMALL BUSINESS 7(A) LOAN AGENT TRANSPARENCY ACT

                               H.R. 4481

Summary

    H.R. 4481 requires the SBA to conduct oversight of 7(a) 
loan agents by establishing a registration system with unique 
identifiers for 7(a) agents to help the Office of Credit Risk 
Management (OCRM) track and evaluate the performance of 7(a) 
loans generated through loan agent activity. H.R. 4481 also 
enhances OCRM's and SBA Lender Oversight Committee's 
enforcement authority with respect to loan agents.

Legislative History

    H.R. 4481 was introduced on July 16, 2021, by 
Representatives Dean Phillips (D-MN) and Daniel Meuser (R-PA). 
The bill was reported by the Small Business Committee on 
October 12, 2022, and passed the House on November 2, 2021, 
under Suspension of the Rules, by a vote of 407 to 9 (Roll Call 
No. 351). H.R. 4481 was received in the Senate and read twice 
and referred to the Committee on Small Business and 
Entrepreneurship.

     SMALL BUSINESS ADVANCED CYBERSECURITY ENHANCEMENTS ACT OF 2021

                               H.R. 4513

Summary

    H.R. 4513 requires the SBA to establish a central small 
business cybersecurity assistance unit within the SBA and a 
regional cybersecurity-assistance unit within each Small 
Business Development Center (SBDC). These units would allow 
small businesses to communicate cyber threats and defensive 
measures with the federal government and prohibit any cause of 
action against a small business for such communication. The 
national cybersecurity and communications integration center 
shall have access to all cyber threat indicators or defensive 
measures within the central, national, and regional small 
cybersecurity assistance units.
    In addition, SBA would be required to seek input from the 
Office of Advocacy to ensure that any policies and procedures 
adopted do not add regulatory burdens onto small business 
concerns but leverage resources and relationships to assist 
small business concerns in improving cybersecurity practices.

Legislative History

    H.R. 4513 was introduced on July 19, 2021, by 
Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL), Chairwoman Nydia Velazquez 
(D-NY), and Representatives Steve Chabot (R-OH) and Chrissy 
Houlahan (D-PA). On October 12, 2021, the Committee on Small 
Business reported H.R. 4513, without amendment, and the bill 
was placed on the Union Calendar (Calendar No. 102).

      SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER CYBER TRAINING ACT OF 2021

                               H.R. 4515

Summary

    H.R. 4515 requires the SBA to establish a cyber counseling 
certification program for certifying at least 5 or 10% of the 
total number of employees of lead SBDCs to provide free 
cybersecurity training to small businesses. In addition, the 
SBA would be required to reimburse SBDCs for costs related to 
the certification program, up to $350,000.

Legislative History

    H.R. 4515 was introduced on July 19, 2021, by 
Representatives Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), Dwight Evans (D-PA), 
Steve Chabot (R-OH), and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA). The bill was 
reported the Small Business Committee on October 12, 2021, and 
passed the House on November 2, 2021, under Suspension of the 
Rules, by a vote of 409 to 14 (Roll Call No. 353). H.R. 4515 
was received in the Senate and read twice and referred to the 
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship on November 3, 
2021. The Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee 
reported a similar bill on May 25, 2022, and the Senate 
approved S. 1687 on September 28, 2022 by a voice vote. On 
December 6, 2022, the House of Representatives approved S. 
1687, as amended by a vote of 380-46. On December 14, 2022, the 
Senate agreed to the House amendment to S. 1687 by unanimous 
consent.

                     7(A) LOAN AGENT OVERSIGHT ACT

                               H.R. 4531

Summary

    H.R. 4531 requires the SBA's Office of Credit Risk 
Management (OCRM) to submit an annual report to Congress 
regarding the performance and risk associated with 7(a) loans 
generated by loan agents, who provide fee-based referral and 
loan application services. The report must include: (1) the 
number and type of agents assisting applicants for 7(a) loans; 
(2) the number of fraudulent loans made for which an applicant 
used the services for a 7(a) agent; and (3) the number and 
aggregate dollar value of referral fees paid to 7(a) agents).

Legislative History

    H.R. 4531 was introduced on July 19, 2021, by 
Representatives Daniel Meuser (R-PA) Dean Phillips (D-MN). The 
bill was reported by the Small Business Committee on October 
12, 2021, and passed the House on November 2, 2021, under 
Suspension of the Rules, by a vote of 411 to 9 (Roll Call No. 
352). H.R. 4531 was received in the Senate and read twice and 
referred to the Committee on Small Business and 
Entrepreneurship on November 3, 2021.

                    INFLATION REDUCTION ACT OF 2022

                               H.R. 5376

Summary

    H.R. 5376 provides for deficit reduction through corporate 
tax reform, an excise tax on the repurchase of corporate stock, 
and funding the Internal Revenue Service and improving taxpayer 
compliance. It also includes prescription drug pricing reform 
by lowering prices through drug price negotiation, providing 
prescription drug inflation rebates, including maximum out-of-
pocket cap for Medicare beneficiaries, and delaying the 
implementation of prescription drug rebate rule.
    Additionally, there are specific provisions for Affordable 
Care Act subsidies, investments in energy security and clean 
energy incentives, rural development and agricultural credit 
with the Rural Energy for America program, and funding for the 
Department of Housing and Urban Development for loans and 
grants. Funding is also provided for coastal and tribal 
communities to address climate change, the Department of Energy 
for programs regarding energy rebates and efficiency, emergency 
response and preparedness, natural resource matters, and the 
renewable fuel program through the Environmental Protection 
Agency.

Legislative History

    On September 9, 2021, the Committee approved its small 
business policy recommendations for H.R. 5376 (Committee Print: 
providing for reconciliation pursuant to S. Con. Res. 14, the 
Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2022). H.R. 
5376, which included the Committee's recommendations, was 
introduced on September 27, 2021, by Representative John 
Yarmuth (D-KY). The bill passed the House on November 19, 2021, 
by a vote of 220 to 213 (Roll Call No. 385). H.R. 5376 was 
received in the Senate and read twice. On August 7, 2022, the 
bill passed the Senate with an amendment by a vote of 51-50 
(Record Vote No. 325). The Senate's amendment to H.R. 5376 
removed the small business policy recommendations approved by 
the Committee. On August 12, 2022, the House voted 220 to 207 
to approve the bill as amended by the Senate (Roll Call No. 
420). The bill was signed into law President Joe Biden on 
August 16, 2022 (Pub. L. No. 117-169).

        ONE STOP SHOP FOR SMALL BUSINESS COMPLIANCE ACT OF 2021

                               H.R. 4877

Summary

    H.R. 4877 requires the Small Business and Agriculture 
Regulatory Enforcement Ombudsman to create a centralized 
website with hyperlinks to the small business compliance guides 
for each federal agency and contact information for individuals 
who can assist small entities with each guide. In addition, the 
bill would require the Ombudsman to include an assessment of 
federal agency compliance with Section 212 of the Small 
Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996.

Legislative History

    H.R. 4877 was introduced on July 30, 2021, by 
Representatives Antonio Delgado (D-NY) and Beth Van Duyne (R-
TX). The bill was reported by the Small Business Committee on 
March 7, 2022, and passed by the House on April 26, 2022, under 
Suspension of the Rules, by a voice note. H.R. 4877 was 
received in the Senate and read twice and referred to the 
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship on April 27, 
2022. On September 28, 2022, the bill passed the Senate without 
amendment by voice vote. The bill was signed into law by 
President Biden on October 10, 2022 (Pub. L. 117-118).

            WOMEN'S BUSINESS CENTERS IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2022

                               H.R. 6441

Summary

    H.R. 6441 strengthens the Women's Business Center program 
(WBCs) to ensure that women entrepreneurs across the country 
have access to free or low-cost counseling and training 
services. The bill extends the authorization for the program 
for four years, through Fiscal Year 2025, increasing the 
authorization level to $31.5 million per year. The bill would 
raise the cap on individual center grants from $150,000 to 
$300,000, establish an accreditation program to improve the 
quality of services provided by centers, recognize the 
Association of Women's Business Centers and improve 
coordination between the Association and SBA, and enhance SBA's 
Office of Women's Business Ownership.

Legislative History

    H.R. 6441 was introduced on January 20, 2022, by 
Representatives Sharice Davids (D-KS) and Claudia Tenney (R-
NY). The bill was reported by the Small Business Committee on 
March 7, 2022, and passed the House on April 26, 2022, under 
Suspension of the Rules, by a voice note. H.R. 6441 was 
received in the Senate and read twice and referred to the 
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship on April 27, 
2022.

       SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTERS IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2022

                               H.R. 6445

Summary

    H.R. 6445 modernizes the Small Business Development Center 
network to enable SBDCs to deliver management and technical 
assistance to small businesses through their nationwide network 
of 62 lead centers, and more than 900 sub-centers. The bill 
extends the authorization for four years, through Fiscal Year 
2025, increasing the authorization level to $175 million per 
year. The bill allows SBDCs to advertise and market its 
services, collect fees for partnership activities, and update 
its operations. The bill also requires a comprehensive annual 
report to measure the effectiveness of the program and its 
services.

Legislative History

    H.R. 6445 was introduced on January 20, 2022, by 
Representatives Jared Golden (D-ME) and the late Jim Hagedorn 
(R-MN). The bill was reported by the Small Business Committee 
on March 8, 2022, and passed the House on April 26, 2022, under 
Suspension of the Rules, by a voice note. H.R. 6445 was 
received in the Senate and read twice and referred to the 
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship on April 27, 
2022.

                  SCORE FOR SMALL BUSINESS ACT OF 2022

                               H.R. 6450

Summary

    H.R. 6450 provides oversight of SCORE, the nation's largest 
network of volunteer expert business mentors. The bill 
authorizes the program for two years, through Fiscal Year 2023, 
increasing the authorization level to $13.5 million per year. 
The bill requires the organization to align salaries and 
performance awards with federal standards, devise policies to 
protect whistleblowers, and promote diversity by recruiting 
diverse volunteers for each chapter of the program and provides 
services to rural and underserved communities. In addition, the 
SBA is required to submit an annual report on the performance 
and effectiveness of the SCORE program to the Senate Committee 
on Small Business and Entrepreneurship and the House Committee 
on Small Business.

Legislative History

    H.R. 6450 was introduced on January 20, 2022, by 
Representatives Young Kim (R-CA) and Angie Craig (D-MN). The 
bill was reported by the Small Business Committee on March 7, 
2022, and passed the House on April 26, 2022, under Suspension 
of the Rules, by a voice vote. H.R. 6450 was received in the 
Senate and read twice and referred to the Committee on Small 
Business and Entrepreneurship on April 27, 2022.

            SMALL BUSINESS ADVOCACY IMPROVEMENTS ACT OF 2022

                               H.R. 6454

Summary

    H.R. 6454 expands and clarifies the primary functions and 
additional duties of the Office of Advocacy, which include 
examining the role of small businesses in the international 
economy. Also, the Office would be required to represent the 
views and interests of small business before foreign 
governments and international entities.

Legislative History

    H.R. 6454 was introduced on January 20, 2022, by Ranking 
Member Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO) and Representative Troy Carter 
(D-LA). The bill was reported by the Small Business Committee 
on March 7, 2022, and passed the House on April 26, 2022, under 
Suspension of the Rules, by a voice note. H.R. 6454 was 
received in the Senate and read twice and referred to the 
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship on April 27, 
2022

 RELIEF FOR RESTAURANTS AND OTHER HARD HIT SMALL BUSINESSES ACT OF 2022

                               H.R. 3807

Summary

    H.R. 3807 replenishes the Restaurant Revitalization Fund 
and creates a separate industry neutral relief program for 
small businesses that were hard-hit by the pandemic. In the 
American Rescue Plan, Congress provided $28.6 billion for the 
Restaurant Revitalization Fund, which provided relief to more 
than 100,000 establishments nationwide. However, more than 
278,000 applications were filed, requesting a total of $72.2 
billion. The bill provides $42 billion to replenish the 
Restaurant Revitalization Fund, allowing the SBA to process the 
applications and award grants to the more than 150,000 eligible 
entities that originally applied for funding.
    The bill provides $13 billion for the newly established 
Hard Hit Industries Award program. The program offers grants to 
small businesses who have suffered a pandemic-related revenue 
loss of 40%. Funds may be used for expenses including mortgage, 
rent, utility payments, and payroll. The priority must be those 
who have experienced a loss of at least 80% and the second 
priority must be those that experienced a loss of at least 60%. 
The Restaurant Revitalization Fund and the Hard-Hit Industries 
Award program will be funded by monies reclaimed, seized, or 
returned to the Federal government, primarily from bad actors 
attempting to defraud the programs.
    The bill also extends to March 11, 2023, the timeline for 
which Shuttered Venue Operators Grant recipients can use grant 
funds to cover their expenses.

Legislative History

    H.R. 3807 was introduced on June 11, 2021, by 
Representatives Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Brian Fitzpatrick 
(R-PA) and referred to the Small Business Committee. The House 
passed the House on April 7, 2022, by a vote of 223 to 203 
(Roll Call No. 123). On May 25, 2022, the bill was read the 
second time and placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under 
General Orders (Calendar No. 387).

         COVID-19 EIDL FRAUD STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS ACT OF 2022

                               H.R. 7334

Summary

    H.R. 7334 establishes a 10-year statute of limitations for 
criminal charges and civil enforcement against borrowers who 
engage in fraud in all COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan 
programs.

Legislative History

    H.R. 7334 was introduced on March 31, 2022, by Ranking 
Member Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO) and Chairwoman Nydia Velazquez 
(D-NY). The bill was reported by the Small Business Committee 
on May 17, 2022, and passed the House on June 8, 2022, under 
Suspension of the Rules, by a vote of 416 to 3 (Roll Call No. 
247). The bill passed the Senate without amendment by voice 
vote on July 28, 2022. On August 5, 2022, H.R. 7334 was signed 
into law by President Biden (Pub. L. No. 117-165).

        PPP AND BANK FRAUD ENFORCEMENT HARMONIZATION ACT OF 2022

                               H.R. 7352

Summary

    H.R. 7352 establishes a 10-year statute of limitations for 
criminal charges and civil enforcement against borrowers who 
engage in fraud in the Paycheck Protection Program loan.

Legislative History

    H.R. 7352 was introduced on March 31, 2022, by Chairwoman 
Nydia Velazquez (D-NY) and Ranking Member Blaine Luetkemeyer 
(R-MO). The bill was reported by the Small Business Committee 
on May 17, 2022, and passed the House on June 8, 2022, under 
Suspension of the Rules, by a vote of 421 to 0 (Roll Call No. 
246). The bill passed the Senate without amendment by voice 
vote on July 28, 2022. On August 5, 2022, H.R. 7352 was signed 
into law by President Biden (Pub. L. No. 117-166).

             SMALL BUSINESS WORKFORCE PIPELINE ACT OF 2022

                               H.R. 7622

Summary

    H.R. 7622 requires SBA to add work-based learning and 
apprenticeship program assistance to the list of services that 
must be provided by small business development centers. The SBA 
must provide information and assistance to small business 
concerns, including disseminating relevant information from the 
Department of Labor and other Federal agencies on how to 
establish and improve work-based learning opportunities, 
apprenticeship programs, pre-apprenticeship programs, and job 
training programs.

Legislative History

    H.R. 7622 was introduced on April 28, 2022, by 
Representatives Jason Crow (D-CO) and Scott Fitzgerald (R-WI). 
The bill was reported by the Small Business Committee and 
passed the House on June 8, 2022, under Suspension of the 
Rules, by a vote of 368 to 52 (Roll Call No. 249). H.R. 7622 
was received in the Senate and read twice and referred to the 
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship on June 9, 
2022.

  SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESS AND CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION ACT OF 
                                  2022

                               H.R. 7664

Summary

    H.R. 7664 directs SBDCs and WBCs to provide support to 
small businesses looking to use career and technical education 
programs to meet hiring needs and help recent graduates start 
small businesses.

Legislative History

    H.R. 7664 was introduced on May 3, 2022, by Representatives 
Roger Williams (R-TX) and Marie Newman (D-IL). The bill was 
reported by the Small Business Committee and passed the House 
on June 8, 2022, under Suspension of the Rules, by a vote of 
399 to 18 (Roll Call No. 250). H.R. 7664 was received in the 
Senate and read twice and referred to the Committee on Small 
Business and Entrepreneurship on June 9, 2022.

                     WOSB PROGRAM TRANSPARENCY ACT

                               H.R. 7670

Summary

    H.R. 7670 requires SBA to submit an annual report to the 
Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship and the 
House Committee on Small Business on the Women-Owned Small 
Business Federal Contracting program. Specifically, the report 
should include detailed information pertaining to the amount of 
contracting dollars awarded through the program, the number of 
certifications being issued, the amount of program examinations 
being conducted, the number of companies being decertified, and 
the number of contracts incorrectly awarded under industries or 
NAICS codes ineligible to the program, as well as any actions 
taken by SBA to properly train agency personnel.

Legislative History

    H.R. 7670 was introduced on May 6, 2022, by Representatives 
Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and Claudia Tenney (R-NY). The bill was 
reported by the Small Business Committee on May 17, 2022, and 
passed by the House on June 8, 2022, under Suspension of the 
Rules, by a vote of 402 to 19 (Roll Call No. 251). H.R. 7670 
was received in the Senate and read twice and referred to the 
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship on June 9, 
2022,

      STRENGTHENING SUBCONTRACTING FOR SMALL BUSINESS ACT OF 2022

                               H.R. 7694

Summary

    H.R. 7694 requires federal agencies to consider prior 
compliance with subcontracting plans when evaluating offers for 
contracts.

Legislative History

    H.R. 7694 was introduced on May 10, 2022, by 
Representatives Pete Stauber (R-MN) and Kweisi Mfume (D-MD). 
The bill was approved by the Small Business Committee on May 
17, 2022, and passed the House on June 8, 2022, under 
Suspension of the Rules by a vote of 411 to 11 (Roll Call No. 
252). H.R. 7694 was received in the Senate and read twice and 
referred to the Committee on Small Business and 
Entrepreneurship on June 9, 2022.

     HUBZONE PRICE EVALUATION PREFERENCE CLARIFICATION ACT OF 2021

                               H.R. 5879

Summary

    H.R. 5879 clarifies that the HUBZone price evaluation 
preference applies to orders.

Legislative History

    H.R. 5879 was introduced on November 4, 2021, by 
Representatives Marie Newman (D-IL) and Maria Elvira Salazar 
(R-FL). The bill was reported by the Small Business Committee 
on May 17, 2022, and passed the House on June 8, 2022, under 
Suspension of the Rules, by a vote of 359 to 61 (Roll Call No. 
248). H.R. 5879 was received in the Senate and read twice and 
referred to the Committee on Small Business and 
Entrepreneurship on June 9, 2022.

             COLLATERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR DISASTER LOANS ACT

                               H.R. 8482

Summary

    H.R. 8482 makes permanent the increased threshold limits 
for the minimum major-disaster loan amount for which the SBA 
may require collateral.

Legislative History

    H.R. 8482 was introduced on July 21, 2022, by 
Representatives Nydia Velazquez (D-NY) and Garret Graves (R-
LA). On July 21, 2022, the bill was referred to the House 
Committee on Small Business. A version of H.R. 8482 was 
included as an amendment to H.R. 5118, the ``Continental Divide 
Trail Completion Act.'' H.R. 5118 was approved by the House on 
July 29, 2022, by a vote of 218 to 199 (Roll Call No. 413). 
H.R. 5118 was received in the Senate on August 2, 2022.

  OF INQUIRY DIRECTING THE SECRETARY OF TREASURY TO TRANSMIT CERTAIN 
 DOCUMENTS TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES RELATING TO THE ROLE OF THE 
 DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY IN THE PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM OF THE 
                     SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

                              H. RES. 1298

Summary

    H. Res. 1298 directs the Department of Treasury to provide 
the House of Representatives with any documents and 
communications about the Treasury's role with respect to the 
Paycheck Protection Program, including those related to the 
requirement for the Secretary of the Treasury to testify before 
the Small Business Committee.

Legislative History

    H. Res. 1298 was introduced on July 28, 2022, by 
Representative Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO). On September 21, 
2022, the Small Business Committee held a mark-up and ordered 
the Resolution, as amended, to be reported without 
recommendation by a vote of 25-0. The first adopted amendment 
was offered by Representative Van Duyne (R-TX) and request all 
documents and communications relating to the total amount of 
funding recovered from fraudulently obtained COVID-19 relief, 
specifically COVID EIDLs, EIDL Advances, Targeted Advances, and 
the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. The amendment by 
Representative Van Duyne was adopted by a vote of 17-4. The 
second adopted amendment was offered by Representative Meuser 
(D-PA) and requests all documents and communications relating 
to Treasury's actions to assist small businesses with 
addressing the impact of federal regulations. The amendment by 
Representative Meuser was adopted by a vote of 12-8. The Small 
Business Committee reported the Resolution as amended on 
September 28, 2022. On September 28, 2022, the bill was placed 
on the House Calendar, Calendar No. 123.

                      STEP IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2022

                               H.R. 8844

Summary

    H.R. 8844 modernizes and strengthens the State Trade 
Expansion Program (STEP), which seeks to increase the number of 
small businesses that export and raise the value of existing 
small business exporters. The bill extends the authorization 
for four years, through Fiscal Year 2026, at a level of $30 
million per year. It also makes improvements to the grant 
process. Specifically, the bill would create a standardized 
application process, increase flexibility for rant recipients, 
improve communicate annually between SBA and the States. It 
would also require the SBA to collect performance metrics and 
report to Congress annually.

Legislative History

    H.R. 8844 was introduced on September 15, 2022, by 
Representatives Dwight Evans (D-PA), Young Kim (R-CA), Marie 
Newman (D-IL), and Mike Flood (R-NE). On September 20, 2022, 
the bill was ordered to be reported by voice vote. On December 
6, 2022, the House of Representatives approved the bill, under 
Suspension of the Rules, by a vote of 380-46. H.R. 8844 was 
received in the Senate and read twice and referred to the 
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship on December 7, 
2022.

                  SBIR AND STTR EXTENSION ACT OF 2022

                                S. 4900

Summary

    S. 4900 reauthorizes and modifies the Small Business 
Innovation Research (SBIR) program, the Small Business 
Technology Transfer (STTR) Program, and related pilot programs 
for three years, through Fiscal Year of 2025. Specifically, the 
bill expands federal research security practices within the 
SBIR and STTR programs to protect against technology theft by 
malign foreign governments, requires the Department of Defense 
to increase the use of open topic solicitations to attract new 
ideas, raise the performance standards for more experienced 
firms, and requires new reports by the SBA Office of Inspector 
General and Government Accountability Office.

Legislative History

    S. 4900 was introduced in the Senate on September 20, 2022, 
by Chairman Benjamin Cardin (D-MD) and Senator Joni Ernst (R-
IA). The bill was read twice, considered, read the third time, 
and passed without amendment by unanimous consent on September 
20, 2022. The bill passed the House, under Suspension of the 
Rules, by a vote of 415 to 9 (Roll Call No. 461) on September 
29, 2022. S. 4900 was signed into law by President Biden on 
September 30, 2022 (Pub. L. No. 117-183.)
    In addition, a provision to extend the SBIR, STTR, and 
pilot programs for two years was included in the National 
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023. Another 
provision to extend the programs for five years was included in 
H.R. 4521, United States Innovation and Competition Act.

                           OVERSIGHT SUMMARY

    Clause 1(d) of Rule XI of the Rules of the House of 
Representatives requires each standing committee, not later 
than January 2 of each odd numbered year, to submit to the 
House a report on the activities of that committee, including a 
separate section summarizing the oversight activities of that 
committee. The report shall also include a delineation of any 
hearings held pursuant to clauses 2(n), (o), or (p) of Rule XI 
related to waste, fraud and abuse in government programs.

                                 PART A

                        Full Committee Hearings

                  First Session of the 117th Congress

       STATE OF THE SMALL BUSINESS ECONOMY IN THE ERA OF COVID-19

    On Thursday, February 4, 2021, the Committee on Small 
Business held a hybrid hearing titled, ``State of the Small 
Business Economy in the Era of COVID-19.'' The hearing allowed 
Members to assess the state of the small business economy after 
nearly a year into the global COVID-19 pandemic. Members heard 
how relief efforts such as the Paycheck Protection Program 
(PPP), Economic Injury Disaster Loan program (EIDL), and 
Shuttered Venue Operator program (SVOG) have benefited small 
firms. Members also heard about potential improvements that may 
be needed in these programs along with other policies that will 
be needed to spur equitable recovery from COVID-19 for all 
small businesses in 2021.
    Witnesses on the panel included: Dr. Robert W. Fairlie, 
Professor, Department of Economics, University of California-
Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA; Ms. Sharon Pinder, President & CEO, 
Capital Region Minority Supplier Development Council, Silver 
Spring, MD; Mr. Stephen Schoaps, Owner, Strother Cinema, 
Seminole, OK; and Ms. Karen Kerrigan, President & CEO, SBE 
Council, Vienna, VA.
    In his testimony, Dr. Fairlie testified regarding his 
recent research on the impact of COVID-19 on small businesses 
owned by people of color, showing that over 40 percent of 
Black-owned businesses and over 30 percent of Latino-owned 
businesses closed due to the pandemic. Ms. Pinder testified 
that fully leveraging the Defense Production Act and 
implementing ``Buy American'' policies could help the 
development and growth of minority-owned businesses, especially 
in the area of advanced manufacturing. In his testimony, Mr. 
Schoaps spoke of the hardships COVID-19 has presented for his 
small two-screen theater in rural Oklahoma, and about the 
measures he's taken to generate some revenue in compliance with 
social distancing guidelines. Ms. Kerrigan's testimony 
presented numerous surveys conducted of small business owners 
on the sustainability of their businesses in the COVID-19 era, 
and on how their needs as entrepreneurs have changed in order 
to adapt.

           THE NEXT STEPS FOR THE PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM

    On Wednesday, March 10, 2021, the Committee on Small 
Business held a hybrid hearing titled, ``The Next Steps for the 
Paycheck Protection Program.'' The hearing provided an overview 
of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and an update for 
Members on the current state of the First and Second Draw 
loans, as well as loan forgiveness. Members also heard feedback 
on the impact of the five programmatic changes recently 
announced and suggestions from stakeholders regarding the 
future of the program.
    Witnesses on the panel included: Ms. Hilda Kennedy, Founder 
& President, AmPac Tri-State CDC, Ontario, CA; Ms. Lisa Bombon, 
President & CEO, Unico Communications, Inc., San Antonio, TX; 
Ms. Lisa Simpson, Vice President of Firm Services, American 
Institute of CPAs, Durham, NC; and Ms. Alice Frazier, President 
& CEO, Bank of Charles Town, Charles Town, WV.
    In her testimony, Ms. Kennedy discussed some program 
changes that would greatly benefit Schedule C filers (sole 
proprietors) and allow them more time to complete and submit a 
loan application, given the recent changes made to benefit 
these applicants. Her testimony also discussed the importance 
of the Federal Reserve's PPP Liquidity Facility for helping 
CDCs and other CDFIs make more PPP loans. Ms. Bombin's 
testimony touched upon the local network of CDFIs, small banks, 
SBDCs, and other small business resources she relied on to 
navigate the PPP and eventually find a lender who would make a 
loan to her microbusiness. Ms. Simpson's testimony identified 
some of the ongoing challenges facing the program, including 
error codes resulting from front-end anti-fraud checks, and the 
needlessly long time it takes to clear loan applications with 
holds. Ms. Frazier testified on the approaching March 31 
application deadline, and concerns that some loan applications 
submitted on time but still in SBA's approval queue may not be 
funded before the deadline.

               UPDATE ON SBA'S PANDEMIC RESPONSE PROGRAMS

    On Tuesday, April 20, 2021, the Committee on Small Business 
held a hybrid hearing titled, ``Update on SBA's Pandemic 
Response Programs.'' The hearing provided the Committee the 
opportunity to hear from the Small Business Administration's 
(SBA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the Government 
Accountability Office (GAO) about the lack of internal controls 
and potential for fraud in the Paycheck Protection Program 
(PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) programs.
    Witnesses on the panel included: Dr. William Shear, the 
Director of Financial Markets and Community Investment for GAO 
and Mr. Hannibal ``Mike'' Ware, Inspector General for the SBA.
    Dr. Shear discussed how SBA put limited controls in place 
in the PPP and EIDL programs, leaving both programs susceptible 
to fraud. He also discussed how SBA has begun to take steps to 
address the limited controls, including developing a loan 
review process, and estimating improper payment rates, develop 
and implement an oversight plan. But he did state that SBA has 
yet to conduct portfolio-level analysis of the EIDL program, 
conduct a formal fraud risk assessment for both PPP and EIDL, 
and address the issues identified by SBA's auditor, KPMG. He 
did note that SBA has been more responsive to GAO in recent 
months and that the agency is providing GAO with data. Mr. Ware 
discussed the OIG's recommendations, stated that 23 OIG 
recommendations still remained open, but emphasized that the 
agency was taking steps to close-out these recommendations and 
that 20 of the OIG recommendations had been resolved. He also 
discussed the actions of the OIG to increase staffing and 
facilitate recovery of fraudulent PPP and EIDL loans.

HARNESSING THE POWER OF IMMIGRANT-OWNED BUSINESSES TO BUILD BACK BETTER

    On Wednesday, April 28, 2021, the Committee on Small 
Business held a remote hearing titled, ``Harnessing the Power 
of Immigrant-owned Businesses to Build Back Better.'' The 
hearing provided Members the opportunity to hear from experts, 
SBA Resource Partners, and small business owners about the 
vital role of immigrant-owned businesses in building a 
recovery, as well as the challenges they face.
    Witnesses on the panel included: Mr. David Dyssegaard 
Kallick, Deputy Director & Director of Immigration Research, 
Fiscal Policy Institute, New York City, New York; Mr. Daniel 
Fitzgerald, Associate Regional Director, San Diego & Imperial 
Small Business Development Center Network, San Diego, CA; Ms. 
Jaja Chen, Co-Owner and Chief of Strategic Initiatives and 
Business Partnerships, Waco Cha, Waco, TX, and Mr. Jose Ponce, 
President, RE/MAX Gold, Fenton, MO.
    Mr. Kallick testified about immigrants and their 
disproportionate role in launching Main Street businesses, like 
grocery stores, gas stations, and restaurants, and the need for 
those businesses to generate economic growth in local areas. 
Mr. Fitzgerald testified about the role his SBDC plays in a 
heavily immigrant community, providing multi-lingual services 
to help new arrivals start companies and build wealth. Ms. Chen 
testified about the strength immigrant-owned businesses bring 
to their communities through cultural diversity as well as the 
challenges she faces as an Asian-American business owner during 
times of increased hate crimes against the Asian American 
Pacific Islander communities. Mr. Ponce stressed the importance 
of Hispanic-owned businesses in the American economy as well as 
the need for continued investments in largely Hispanic 
communities to help Hispanic families build wealth and 
financial literacy.

 OVERVIEW OF THE SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH AND SMALL BUSINESS 
                      TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER PROGRAMS

    On Thursday, May 13, 2021, the Committee on Small Business 
held a hybrid hearing titled, ``Overview of the Small Business 
Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer 
Programs.'' The hearing allowed Members to assess the state of 
the small business economy after nearly a year into the global 
COVID-19 pandemic. The hearing introduced Members to the Small 
Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business 
Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs, known as ``America's Seed 
Fund,'' and their impact on pioneering small business.
    Witnesses on the panel included: Dr. Joyce Tung, Vice 
President of Research, 23andMe, Inc, Sunnyvale, CA; Ms. Pat 
Keady, Co-founder, CEO and President, Aerosol Devices Inc., 
Fort Collins, CO; Ms. Rebecca Todd, Innovation Consultant, 
Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center, 
Little Rock, AK; and Mr. Jere Glover, Executive Director, Small 
Business Technology Council, Washington, DC.
    In her testimony, Dr. Tung testified about how SBIR helped 
launch 23andMe's technologies now sold worldwide. Ms. Keady 
presented Aerosol Devices' experience as a current SBIR and 
STTR participant on the cusp of the private investment stage. 
In her testimony, Ms. Todd demonstrated the role of technical 
and business assistance providers, specifically in the Federal 
and State Technology (FAST) Partnership (FAST) program. Mr. 
Glover testified to the great success the SBIR/STTR program and 
its evolution over the past 30 years.

             AN EXAMINATION OF THE SBA'S COVID-19 PROGRAMS

    On Wednesday, May 26, 2021, the Committee on Small Business 
held a remote hearing titled, ``An Examination of the SBA's 
COVID-19 Programs.''
    The sole witness included: The Honorable Isabella Casillas 
Guzman, the Administrator of the Small Business Administration 
(SBA).
    Administrator Guzman discussed her first 100 days in 
office, detailing the round-the-clock work at the agency to 
deliver relief to small businesses to get through the pandemic. 
She reported that the agency is seeing the impact, with jobs 
rebounding, proprietors' income increasing, and small 
businesses building back to pre-pandemic levels. The 
Administration updated the Committee Members on the launch of 
two new grants programs--the Restaurant Revitalization Fund 
(RRF) and the Shuttered Venues Operating Grant (SVOG). With 
regard to RRF, Administrator Guzman discussed SBA outreach, 
available language services, and program set asides, reporting 
that SBA received more than 362,000 applications, totaling $75 
billion. With regard to the SVOG, she discussed the number of 
applications and total funding requests. Administrator Guzman 
also provided updates on the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), 
Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL), the Targeted 
Advance and the Supplemental Targeted Advance, as well as the 
Debt Relief Program and the launch of the Community Navigator 
Pilot Program, which will help build bridges to small 
businesses owned by women, veterans, and socially and 
economically disadvantaged individuals. In sum, Administrator 
Guzman is working to use every tool at her disposal to bring 
businesses back, create jobs, and build and equitable recovery 
that will work for everyone.

                           MEMBER DAY HEARING

    On Tuesday, June 29, 2021, the Committee on Small Business 
held a hybrid hearing titled, ``Committee on Small Business: 
2021 Member Day Hearing.'' Participating Members testified 
before the Committee about their legislative interests and 
priorities as they relate to policies under the Committee's 
legislative jurisdiction. House rule X, Clause 1(q) defines the 
legislative jurisdiction of the Committee.
    Witnesses on the panel included: the Honorable Earl 
Blumenauer, Member of Congress serving Oregon's 3rd District; 
and the Honorable Ed Case, Member of Congress representing 
Hawaii's 1st District.
    Representative Blumenauer testified before the Committee 
encouraging the urgent need to replenish the Restaurant 
Revitalization Fund (RRF). As the primary sponsor of the RRF, 
Representative Blumenauer discussed the economic impact 
restaurants have in local communities, stated that they are one 
of the hardest-hit small businesses of any sector. Case 
testified on behalf of the continued impacts of COVID-19 on 
Hawaii's small businesses, and the need to ensure small 
businesses are fully included in the national recovery. Due to 
Hawaii's economic reliance on the hospitality industry, 
Representative Case argued in favor of the RRF and SVOG. More 
specifically, he highlighted the need for meaningful and 
enforceable set-asides for small business contractors.

  STRENGTHENING THE CYBERSECURITY POSTURE OF AMERICA'S SMALL BUSINESS 
                               COMMUNITY

    On Tuesday, July 20, 2021, the Committee on Small Business 
met for a hybrid hearing titled, ``Strengthening the 
Cybersecurity Posture of America's Small Business Community.'' 
Small businesses are highly vulnerable to cybersecurity threats 
as employers, suppliers, and consumers in a modern digital 
economy. Many cannot afford dedicated Information Technology 
(IT) staff to navigate and mitigate risks and are wary of 
investments in pricey software. This hearing provided Members 
the opportunity to examine the many cybersecurity threats 
facing small businesses and identify available resources.
    Witnesses on the panel included: Ms. Tasha Cornish, 
Executive Director, Cybersecurity Association of Maryland, 
Baltimore, MD; Ms. Sharon Nichols, State Director, Mississippi 
SBDC, University, MS; Ms. Kiersten Todt, Managing Director, 
Cyber Readiness Institute, New York, NY; and Mr. Graham 
Dufault, Senior Director for Public Policy, ACT, The App 
Association, Arlington, VA.
    In her testimony, Ms. Cornish explained how her 
organization represents, supports, and advocates for Maryland's 
cybersecurity industry. Ms. Nichols demonstrated the current 
and potential role of SBA Resource Partners, specifically 
SBDCs, in helping small businesses navigate constantly changing 
cybersecurity risks and responsibilities. Ms. Todt explained 
small business cyber vulnerabilities and their role in securing 
supply chains. Mr. Dufault emphasized the need for 
Congressional action, including the recently introduced H.R. 
4515, the Small Business Development Center Cyber Training Act, 
and other legislation that facilitates greater info sharing 
between the federal and private sector.

                    WHAT COMES NEXT? PPP FORGIVENESS

    On Wednesday, September 1, 2021, the Committee on Small 
Business held a remote hearing titled, ``What Comes Next? PPP 
Forgiveness.'' The hearing updated Members on the loan 
forgiveness phase of the Small Business Administration's (SBA) 
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), and provided information 
about legislative and administrative efforts to continue 
streamlining the forgiveness process for borrowers and lenders.
    Witnesses on the panel included: Tracy C. Ward, Director of 
the SBA 504 Loan program, Self-Help Ventures Fund, Durham, NC; 
Ms. Leslie Payne, Assistant Vice President of Commercial 
Lending, Affinity Federal Credit Union, Basking Ridge, NJ; Ms. 
Marla Bilonick, President and CEO, National Association for 
Latino Community Asset Builders, Washington, DC; and Mr. Robert 
Fisher, President and CEO, Tioga State Bank, Chairman, 
Independent Community Bankers of America, Spencer, NY.
    In her testimony, Ms. Ward discussed the impact broad, 
accessible loan forgiveness would have for the smallest of 
small businesses, especially those owned by women and 
minorities. She also testified that SBA should rescind 
Procedural Notice 5000-20078, which makes ``excess loan amount 
errors'' (a borrower or lender good faith mistake in 
calculating loan amount) ineligible for loan forgiveness. Ms. 
Payne's testimony presented the view from a lender who opted-in 
to SBA's Direct Forgiveness Portal despite having already 
developed its own. Specifically, she testified her credit union 
chose to opt-in to the direct portal because they wanted to 
maximize forgiveness options for their members. Ms. Bilonick 
testified some Community Development Financial Institutions 
(CDFIs) in her association are directing clients almost 
exclusively to SBA's Direct Forgiveness Portal, and that some 
large CDFIs (including one with almost half a million PPP loans 
in the portfolio) are finding it challenging to follow up 
directly with each individual borrower. She also recommended 
SBA make excess loan amount errors forgivable. Mr. Fisher's 
testimony encouraged SBA to respect lenders' choice to not use 
the direct portal and keep the direct portal an opt-in program.

  NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS WEEK: CELEBRATING OUR MAIN STREET CHAMPIONS

    On Tuesday, September 14, 2021, the Committee on Small 
Business held a remote hearing titled, ``National Small 
Business Week: Celebrating our Main Street Champions.'' The 
hearing provided Members an opportunity to hear from small 
businesses in their districts on the issues facing them 
throughout the pandemic and the resilience they displayed in 
the face of adversity.
    Witnesses on panel one included: Mr. Tod Greenfield, Vice 
President, Greenfield Clothing, Brooklyn, NY; Ms. Jan Haviland, 
Owner and President, Haviland Corp. Linn, MO; Ms. Shelonda 
Stokes, President, Downtown Partnership of Baltimore, 
Baltimore, MD; Ms. Natasha Hudson, Owner, Hudson's on Mercer, 
Dripping Springs, TX; Ms. Gena Felder, Chief Financial Officer, 
TJ Hale, Menomonee Falls, WI.
    Witnesses on panel two included: Mr. Eric Childs, Owner, 
Mind's Eye Comics, Burnsville, MN; Ms. Krystal Hernandez, 
Owner, La Plaza F!esta, Madelia, MN; Mr. Maurice Contreras, 
President, Volcanica Coffee Company, Suwanee, GA; Mr. Mark J. 
Lunde, CEO, Lunde Auto Sales, Wadena, MN; and Mr. Barry 
Schlouch, President, Schlouch Incorporated, Blandon, PA.
    Witnesses on panel three included: Mr. Jaime Di Paulo, 
President and CEO, Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, 
Chicago, IL; Ms. Susan Shaw, Owner, Shaw Insurance Agency, 
Hurst, TX; Mr. Donald Fox, President and Chief Executive 
Officer, Fox Theatres LLC, Wyomissing, PA; Mr. Mitch Cook, Co-
Owner, Avalon Bagels to Burgers, Yorba Linda, CA; and Mr. Greg 
Owens, Chief Executive Officer, Sherrill Manufacturing Inc., 
Sherrill, NY.
    Mr. Greenfield testified on the history of his clothing 
company, his ability to adapt by manufacturing PPE during the 
early days of the pandemic, and the way pandemic relief 
programs like the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), the 
Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, and the Employee 
Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) kept his business alive. Ms. 
Haviland testified about the history of her company, her 
experience with pandemic relief programs like PPP, and the cost 
increases from suppliers. Ms. Stokes shared her experience as 
President of the Downtown Partnership during the COVID-19 
pandemic and the importance of being intentional about 
inclusive economic growth and the creation of a new program 
called BOOST, which stands for Black-Owned and Operated 
Storefront Tenancy, that helped to fill storefronts that were 
emptied by the pandemic. Ms. Hudson told the story about how a 
music venue and bar was able to adapt during the pandemic and 
continue to serve its community. Ms. Felder detailed her story 
as CFO of TJ Hale during the pandemic and the problems they 
experienced working with pandemic relief programs.
    Mr. Childs testified about acquiring his favorite comic 
bookstore, his passion for early childhood literacy and 
educating children about real life superheroes in black 
history, and the impact educators can have on those children. 
Ms. Hernandez testified about the challenges her Mexican 
restaurant has faced not only through the pandemic, but 
previously when a fire devastated her business. Mr. Contreras 
shared the story of the origin of his coffee business 17 years 
ago, his dedication to high quality coffee produced with low-
emissions, and the donations of his sales to charity. Mr. Lunde 
testified about troubles in the economy that impact his 
business, such as the need to pay workers a living wage, the 
lack of affordable childcare, and the lack of available workers 
due to unemployment insurance. Mr. Schlouch testified about his 
meticulous safety plans to protect his workers from COVID-19 in 
his aim to get to zero COVID in his construction sites.
    Mr. Di Paulo shared his dedication to helping Latino 
companies grow through his role as president and CEO of the 
Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Shaw testified about 
her company's ability to stay open during the pandemic and 
creating an environment safe enough for people to come into 
work every single day. Mr. Fox shared his efforts to create 
such a great movie theater experience for his customers that he 
can compete with much larger national chains and the way PPP, 
EIDL, and ERTC helped him keep his doors open when people were 
unable to go to movie theaters. Mr. Cook shared the story of 
his company, Avalon Bagels to Burgers, and the way PPP allowed 
them to stay open during the pandemic and overcome supply chain 
issues. Mr. Owens shared the story of his manufacturing company 
throughout the pandemic and emphasized that the U.S. needs to 
take action against the unfair trade practices employed by 
China.

EMPOWERING EMPLOYEE-OWNED BUSINESSES AND COOPERATIVES THROUGH ACCESS TO 
                                CAPITAL

    On Thursday, September 30, 2021, the Committee on Small 
Business held a hybrid hearing titled, ``Empowering Employee-
Owned Businesses and Cooperatives Through Access to Capital.'' 
The hearing educated Members on the challenges faced by 
employee-owned businesses in the post-COVID-19 economy, 
focusing on access to affordable capital. The hearing provided 
an update on the Small Business Administration's (SBA) 
implementation of the Main Street Employee Ownership Act of 
2018, which contained a series of reforms to SBA's 7(a) loan 
guarantee program intended to improve access for employee-owned 
firms.
    Witnesses on the panel included: Mr. R.L. Condra, Senior 
Vice President, National Cooperative Bank, Arlington, VA; Ms. 
Tatia Cooper, President, Home Care Associates, Philadelphia, 
PA; Mr. Gary Sherman, Chairman and Chief Development Officer, 
Eagle Communications, Hays, KS; and Ms. Alice Frazier, 
President and Chief Executive Officer, Bank of Charles Town, 
Charles Town, WV.
    In his testimony, Mr. Condra discussed the continued 
inability of cooperatively owned businesses to meet SBA's 
requirement of a personal or entity guarantee of any 20 percent 
owner of a co-op to access a 7(a) loan, despite the Main Street 
Employee Ownership Act's rule that SBA provide practical 
alternatives for co-ops to secure a 7(a) loan. He also 
testified in support of a cooperative lending pilot program at 
SBA that waives personal or entity guarantees. Ms. Cooper 
testified on the power of the worker ownership model and the 
culture of pride it creates among worker-owners. She also 
testified that access to a 7(a) loan would help her co-op 
obtain affordable capital at a time when demand for services 
outpaces supply. Moreover, it would help her co-op remain self-
sufficient, expand scope of service, and improve wages and 
other benefits. Mr. Shorman testified regarding the challenges 
businesses with Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) face in 
transitioning to employee ownership, including restricted 
access to the 7(a) loan program. He urged SBA permit lenders in 
the Preferred Lending Program to make 7(a) loans to ESOPs under 
their delegated lending authority, as intended by the Main 
Street Employee Ownership Act. Ms. Frazier testified 
approximately 800 community banks have ESOPs, and that for 
those banks, the ESOP structure provides an important source of 
capital and liquidity, helps them remain independent, and aids 
with succession planning.

               SBA'S ENTREPRENEURIAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

    On Wednesday, October 6, 2021, the Committee on Small 
Business held a hybrid hearing titled, ``SBA's Entrepreneurial 
Development Programs.'' During the hearing, Committee Members 
heard from the Small Business Administration's (SBA) Associate 
Administrator for the Office of Entrepreneurial Development 
(OED).
    Witnesses on the panel included: Mr. Mark Madrid, Associate 
Administrator, Office of Entrepreneurial Development, Small 
Business Administration, Washington D.C.
    Mr. Madrid testified about the SBA's entrepreneurial 
development counseling, training, and outreach programs 
specifically, the Small Business Development Centers, Women's 
Business Centers, SCORE, and the Community Navigator Pilot 
Program. Mr. Madrid spoke to the importance of these programs 
in helping small business owners and entrepreneurs maintain and 
grow their businesses, especially throughout the pandemic. Mr. 
Madrid also testified about SBA OED's efforts to reach 
underserved communities of small business owners and how SBA's 
Resource Partners and the Community Navigator Pilot Program are 
actively engaged in this outreach. In addition, Mr. Madrid 
addressed the oversight concerns of Members and states that OED 
is actively working to track and close any SBA Office of 
Inspector General (OIG) and Government Accountability Office 
(GAO) recommendations. In sum, SBA OED is working diligently to 
operate SBA's counseling and training programs efficiently and 
effectively.

                  ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN THE NEW ECONOMY

    On Wednesday, November 3, 2021, the Committee on Small 
Business held a hybrid hearing titled, ``Entrepreneurship in 
the New Economy.'' The hearing allowed Members to examine the 
increase in American entrepreneurship and discuss how 
businesses are rebuilding from a once-in-a-generation economic 
crisis. Members heard from experts alongside small business 
owners to describe the changing nature of the economy coming 
out of the pandemic.
    Witnesses on the panel included: Ms. Ellie Diop, Chief 
Executive Officer, Eliza Revella Consulting Services, Los 
Angeles, CA; Mr. Andrew Fogaty, Executive Director, 36Squared 
Business Incubator, Chicago, IL; Ms. Stephanie E. DeVane, Vice 
President of Entrepreneurship & Business Development, National 
Urban League, New York, NY; and Mr. Raymond Keating, Chief 
Economist, Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council (SBE 
Council), Vienna, VA.
    In her testimony, Ms. Diop shared her unconventional path 
to entrepreneurship after investing her $1,200 federal stimulus 
check to start Eliza Revella Consulting Services also known as 
Ellie Talks Money. Noticing the digital marketing strategy, 
sales, and funding gap that many Black and women-owned small 
businesses experienced, Ms. Diop leveraged her corporate skills 
to start her online coaching and counseling business targeted 
at this clientele. Ms. Diop accredited her company's success to 
digital platforms like Instagram, Twitter, Tik Tok, and 
YouTube, which provided the space to share content, 
information, and products. Mr. Fogaty's testimony covered four 
main issues facing American entrepreneurship: access to 
capital, reducing the digital divide, manufacturing, and 
working with underserved communities. Specifically, he 
discussed the importance that access to capital has for an 
entrepreneur's success, how supply chain challenges 
demonstrated the need to support in domestic manufacturing, and 
how the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), Paycheck 
Protection Program (PPP), and federal stimulus checks have 
helped entrepreneurs navigate the pandemic. Ms. DeVane's 
testimony presented data on how the COVID-19 pandemic and 
resulting economic disruption disproportionately impacted 
minority-owned businesses and minority lending. Ms. DeVane 
presented policy recommendations on behalf of the National 
Urban League which included enhancing outreach campaigns to 
make federal programs more accessible; increasing access to 
capital; supporting pathways to prime federal contracts; 
increasing minority incubator support; and enhancing technical 
assistance. Mr. Keating discussed how entrepreneurs are central 
to the economic growth as they are job creators and risk 
takers. Also, Mr. Keating made comments on immigration noting 
that immigrants are not taking American jobs but rather 
spurring economic growth. He followed up by stating immigrants 
fill workforce vacancies doing jobs that others are unwilling 
to do.

      A DISCUSSION WITH SBA ADMINISTRATOR ISABELLA CASILLAS GUZMAN

    On Tuesday, November 16, 2021, the Committee on Small 
Business held a hearing titled, ``A Discussion with SBA 
Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman.'' The hearing was an 
opportunity for Members to hear about Administrator Guzman's 
vision for the agency as it emerges from the pandemic and 
discuss the opportunities and challenges that exist for small 
businesses. Members also discussed recent proposals to improve 
access to capital for underrepresented entrepreneurs and small-
dollar borrowers, especially in light of Federal Reserve 
research showing that only 13 percent of Black-owned businesses 
and 20 percent of Hispanic-owned businesses received all the 
capital they needed.
    The sole witness included: The Honorable Isabella Casillas 
Guzman, Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration, 
Washington, D.C.
    Administrator Guzman's testimony provided the Committee 
with an update on SBA's COVID-19 relief efforts, particularly 
with Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) forgiveness. She 
testified that more than three out of every four PPP loans have 
been forgiven, representing a total of more than $610 billion. 
She also testified regarding the effectiveness of SBA's PPP 
Direct Forgiveness Portal, through which most forgiveness 
applicants have been able to access using a mobile device in a 
process that now takes approximately six minutes to complete. 
Administrator Guzman also testified that SBA has approved more 
than 3.8 million Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) for a 
total of more than $292 billion, plus an additional $26 billion 
in COVID-19 EIDL grants. She also testified about the 
efficiency improvements SBA has made to the program, including 
accelerating the processing rate from 1.86 applications to 20 
applications per loan officer per day, and clearing a backlog 
of almost 1 million loan increases and grant applications. The 
Administrator discussed a policy change, which would restore 
the statutory maximum of the $2 million loan size by removing 
the $150,000 limit imposed by the previous administration in 
2020, and additional changes to provide 24 months of additional 
deferment, and allow for more flexibility in the use of funds, 
including paying down commercial debt. Administrator Guzman 
also testified that SBA's Resource Partners and grantee 
networks provided millions of hours of business counseling to 
entrepreneurs, supporting close to 1 million jobs and helping 
more than 60,000 entrepreneurs launch their businesses 
throughout the pandemic.

                  Second Session of the 117th Congress


  REVIEW OF SBA'S TOP MANAGEMENT AND PERFORMANCE CHALLENGES IN FISCAL 
         YEAR 2022 AND SBA OIG'S SEMIANNUAL REPORT TO CONGRESS

    On Wednesday, January 12, 2022, the Committee on Small 
Business met for a hybrid hearing titled, ``Review of SBA's Top 
Management and Performance Challenges in Fiscal Year 2022 and 
SBA OIG's Semiannual Report to Congress.'' Each year, the Small 
Business Administration's (SBA) Office of Inspector General 
(OIG) releases a report on the most significant management and 
performance challenges facing SBA. The goal is to focus 
attention on issues to enhance the effectiveness of the agency 
and its programs. In addition, every six months OIG submits a 
report on its independent oversight of the SBA. The hearing 
covered issues related to SBA's management of its programs 
related to pandemic relief, contracting and counseling, access 
to capital, and disaster assistance, as well as information 
technology (IT) controls. In addition, this hearing gave 
Members an opportunity to ask questions about the concerns 
raised by OIG in these reports, as well as to inquire about the 
agency's implementation of OIG's recommendations.
    The sole witness included: Mr. Hannibal ``Mike'' Ware, 
Inspector General, Office of the Inspector, U.S. Small Business 
Administration.
    Mr. Ware testified about his office's efforts to address 
SBA's pandemic relief efforts. This included issuing 18 
reports, and he highlighted the office's investigative work, 
which resulted in 366 indictments, 294 arrests, and 142 
convictions related to COVID EIDL or PPP. Additionally, the OIG 
helped recover and save $4.2 billion in pandemic relief funds 
that were connected to fraudulent activity in Fiscal Year 2021. 
He also mentioned that his office will be using data analytics, 
which includes leveraging artificial intelligence and machine 
learning to get in front of fraud and expand the reach of the 
office's oversight. He testified that the current leadership at 
SBA is taking their recommendations seriously and moving to 
quickly resolve them, and he added that this administration is 
focused on having an internal control environment to prevent 
fraud. Also, he testified that SBA's is more prepared now more 
than ever in terms of the control environment that is currently 
in place from a risk perspective, and it is stronger now than 
it has ever been. Mr. Ware testified that the agency's 
information technology system is still not working as promised, 
and they are still examining that issue. As to the government 
reaching its statutory goal of awarding 23 percent of contracts 
to small businesses, Mr. Ware said the agency has been 
transparent with its efforts and all government agencies should 
be aware of how to calculate its small business contracting 
percentage. Finally, Mr. Ware testified about his office's work 
with the Pandemic Responsibility Accountability Committee to 
help triage hotline call intakes and to document pandemic 
relief fraud that is occurring across the government to prevent 
the same things from happening the in the future.

         THE POWER, PERIL, AND PROMISE OF THE CREATIVE ECONOMY

    On Wednesday, January 19, 2022, the Committee on Small 
Business held a remote hearing titled, ``The Power, Peril, and 
Promise of the Creative Economy.'' Members heard from experts 
alongside creative workers demonstrate the power of the 
creative economy and its importance to a robust economic 
recovery. The hearing provided recommendations for investments 
in key infrastructure and provided a roadmap for bringing arts, 
culture, and creativity into the center of long-term recovery.
    Witnesses on the panel included: Mr. Carson Elrod, Co-
Founder & Co-Leader, Be An #ArtsHero and Director of Government 
Affairs, Arts Workers United, Brooklyn, NY; Ms. Nataki Garrett, 
Artistic Director, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Ashland, OR; 
Ms. Sandra Karas, Secretary-Treasurer, Actors' Equity 
Association, New York, NY; and Ms. Raeanne Presley, Co-Owner, 
Presleys' Country Jubilee (Presleys' Theater), Branson, MO.
    Mr. Elrod began his testimony by emphasizing the power of 
the creative economy comparing creative businesses to stars 
that anchor solar systems of interdependent local commercial 
businesses. He detailed his personal experience joining the 2.7 
million Americans who experienced unemployment during the 
pandemic while demonstrating the particular toll lockdowns had 
on creative industries and ancillary businesses. Recognizing 
government agencies as valuable resources of direct economic 
stimulus, Mr. Elrod recommended Congress support an inclusive 
relief package that would help bolster the creative economy. As 
the Artist Director for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) 
at the onset of the pandemic, Ms. Garrett laid off 90 percent 
of OSF's workforce. Citing the ``Great Resignation,'' workers' 
transferable skills, and the barriers of in-person performances 
with heightened safety precautions, Ms. Garrett elaborated on 
how existing struggles have long threatened the creative 
economy. She described the arts as a formative industry that 
impact everything from schools, culture, to the economy and 
expressed concern that creatives and support staff will not 
survive without federal support. Ms. Garrett concluded by 
advocating support for bipartisan House bills such as the 
Creative Economy Revitalization (CERA) Act, the Performing Arts 
Parity Act, and the Arts Education for All Act. Ms. Karas' 
overall testimony emphasized support for stronger worker 
protections throughout the arts sector. Representing Actors' 
Equity Association, she highlighted that without a large union 
presence, the gains across the creative economy witnessed 
within the last couple of decades will quickly erode. 
Furthermore, Ms. Karas discussed how unions can drive economic 
growth for businesses and workers in the creative economy. Ms. 
Karas suggested Congress pass the Performing Artist Tax Parity 
Act or PATPA, to modernize a tax code that punishes arts 
workers for seeking work with targeted relief to entertainment 
workers. Additionally, she encouraged more critical gains made 
during the pandemic should continue by expanding subsidies for 
the Affordable Care Act, which was vital for this industry. Ms. 
Karas also encouraged those subsidies are renewed, and the 
unemployment system undergo serious reform. Ms. Presley echoed 
the significance of live music and entertainment in Branson, 
Missouri while also highlighting how independent venues are 
struggling to survive. Ms. Presley underscored the creative 
economy's unique ability to drive tourism and impact local 
economies nationally. Yet throughout the pandemic, many live 
venues, such as Presleys' Country Jubilee, had low consumer 
confidence as venues no-show rate increased to 20-50 percent. 
Ms. Presely finished by requesting the House pass the SOS 
Extension Act.

 COMPETITION AND THE SMALL BUSINESS LANDSCAPE: FAIR COMPETITION AND A 
                          LEVEL PLAYING FIELD

    On Tuesday, March 1, 2022, the Committee on Small Business 
held a hybrid hearing titled, ``Competition and the Small 
Business Landscape: Fair Competition and a Level Playing 
Field.'' Committee Members heard from various experts and 
academics about competition policy through the lens of American 
small firms. This hearing examined the history of antitrust law 
and the historical importance of encouraging fair competition, 
and their potential impacts on small firms.
    Witnesses on the panel included: Dr. Diana L. Moss, 
President American Antitrust Institute, Washington, DC; Dr. 
Carl Shapiro, Distinguished Professor of the Graduate School at 
the University of California at Berkeley University of 
California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA; Mr. Barry Lynn, Executive 
Director Open Markets Institute, Washington, DC; and Dr. 
Douglas Holtz-Eakin President American Action Forum, 
Washington, DC.
    In her testimony, Dr. Moss spoke to the impact lax 
antitrust enforcement in the U.S. had in contributing to a 
decline in small and independent businesses; she encouraged 
legislators and policymakers to carefully consider how 
antitrust fits within a broader policy framework for promoting 
small business and how different policy tools can work in 
complementary ways. Dr. Shapiro illustrated the role that 
regulatory bodies, courts, and policymakers have in producing 
equitable outcomes for consumers via a reexamination of 
antitrust legislation. He demonstrated how strong antitrust 
policies are the backbone of sustainable and diverse 
competition as they regulate large firms' overuse of their 
market power. Mr. Lynn highlighted the impact monopolies and 
corporate power can have on individual liberty. He further 
discussed the necessary presence of a small business-centered 
economy upheld through consumer-friendly programs that 
prioritize equitable competition. Dr. Holtz-Eakin emphasized 
issues facing small businesses, such as inflation and 
regulations, and gave his perspective on how to alleviate those 
concerns.

 OVERVIEW OF THE SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH AND SMALL BUSINESS 
                      TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER PROGRAMS

    On Tuesday, March 8, 2022, the Committee on Small Business 
held a hybrid hearing titled, ``Overview of the Small Business 
Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology 
Transfer (STTR) programs.'' This was the third hearing in a 
series on the SBIR and STTR programs, which expire September 
30, 2022, and need to be reauthorized. The first hearing was 
May 13, 2021, and the second hearing was June 23, 2021. These 
programs foster partnerships between small businesses and the 
federal government by making competitive awards to develop 
technologies that are important to our country and later have 
commercial application. The Small Business Administration (SBA) 
is responsible for coordinating policy across the 11 
participating agencies, monitoring implementation of the 
programs, maintaining policy directives, and developing annual 
reports to Congress. Members had the opportunity to hear 
directly from SBA on issues related to the reauthorization of 
the programs.
    The sole witness included: Mr. John Williams, Director of 
Innovation and Technology, Office of Investment and Innovation, 
U.S. Small Business Administration, Washington, D.C.
    In his testimony, Mr. Williams raised concerns about the 
fast-approaching expiration date of the programs and talked 
about the consequences if Congress does not act soon. 
Specifically, he said, ``agencies may start to delay new 
solicitations due to the potential that the SBIR and STTR 
program authority will expire. This would create a gap in new 
starts that cannot be made up . . . The real burden will fall 
heavily on small business innovators, especially new program 
entrants.'' He talked about the program's ability to attract 
the best and the brightest, including the 2020 Nobel Prize for 
Chemistry winner. He highlighted examples of how SBIR and STTR 
provide innovative cost-savings in national defense 
capabilities and propel health benefits, including 99 drugs 
between 1996-2020, of which 16 percent made a ``significant'' 
advance over other available treatments. During questions from 
the members, Mr. Williams explained limited resources for his 
office and explained the roll of multiple award winners, 
particularly how critical they are to the Department of 
Defense's warfighting capabilities.

             SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION'S FY 2023 BUDGET

    On Wednesday, April 27, 2022, the Committee on Small 
Business held a hybrid hearing titled, ``Small Business 
Administration's FY 2023 Budget.'' Committee Members heard from 
Administrator Guzman about the priorities for the agency and 
discussed specific funding requests for Fiscal Year 2023. 
Additionally, the Committee discussed ongoing agency efforts 
related to the pandemic programs.
    The sole witness was the Honorable Isabella Casillas 
Guzman, Administrator, United States Small Business 
Administration.
    In her testimony, Administrator Guzman discussed how the 
Administration's budget proposal, which requests $1.06 billion 
in funding for the Small Business Administration, would build 
upon the agency's successes and make it easier for all small 
businesses to grow. One of the top priorities for the 
Administration is to make sure the programs are reaching all 
Americans.
    Administrator Guzman highlighted important data and 
reported that business applications have risen by more than 30 
percent from pre-pandemic levels, and in 2021 alone, 5.4 
million Americans applied to start a business.
    Regarding the COVID relief programs, the Administrator 
reported that in Fiscal Year 2021, the SBA distributed more 
than $450 billion in financial relief through the Paycheck 
Protection Program (PPP), COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan 
and Advance (EIDL) programs, Restaurant Revitalization Fund 
(RRF), and Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) programs. The 
Administrator made programmatic changes that protected the 
economic relief programs from fraud, and she announced the 
creation of the SBA new Fraud Risk Management Board (FRMB), and 
the appointment of a Special Counsel for Enterprise Risk.
    The Administration's proposed budget requests the authority 
to transfer $320 million in already-appropriated targeted EIDL 
advance balances to support the servicing of COVID EIDL and 
other COVID-related programs. The Administrator emphasized the 
importance of the transfer given SBA will be responsible for 
servicing 3.9 million COVID EIDL loans, totaling more than $361 
billion.
    With regard to the core programs, the Administrator 
testified that the capital programs reached record levels in 
Fiscal Year 2021--a reflection of the surge in American 
entrepreneurship and evidence that demand for SBA capital 
support is outpacing available resources. She also discussed 
the importance of investments in the innovation programs, as 
well as the Entrepreneurial Development programs.
    In terms of the contracting programs, the Administrator 
testified that the number of small businesses contracting with 
the federal government declined by nearly 40 percent over the 
past decade. She outlined the investments the agency will make 
to reverse the trends and increase opportunities for more small 
businesses. The Administrator also reiterated the importance of 
the budget request of $20 million to manage the transition of 
the Center for Verification and Evaluation, which is 
responsible for verifying veteran eligibility for veteran-owned 
small businesses and service-disabled small businesses.

            SBA MANAGEMENT REVIEW: OFFICE OF CAPITAL ACCESS

    On Wednesday, May 18, 2022, the Small Business Committee 
held a hearing titled, ``SBA Management Review: Office of 
Capital Access.'' The Small Business Administration's (SBA) 
Office of Capital Access (OCA) is responsible for managing the 
agency's loan programs, which provide guarantees for short- and 
long-term loans on reasonable terms for small businesses who 
cannot access credit elsewhere. Specifically, OCA administers 
SBA's 7(a) Loan Guarantee Program, the 504/Certified 
Development Company (504/CDC) Loan Program, the Microloan 
Program, and the Surety Bond Program. During the COVID-19 
pandemic, OCA also administered the Paycheck Protection Program 
(PPP) and COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) 
Program. OCA therefore plays a key role in the nation's 
entrepreneurship atmosphere. This hearing presented Members an 
opportunity to assess the current Office and program 
operations, as well as assess the agency's efforts to increase 
access to affordable capital for all and to promote a more 
equitable economy. The hearing also provided Members an 
opportunity to conduct oversight over the agency's pandemic 
relief programs.
    The sole witness on the panel included: Mr. Patrick Kelley, 
Associate Administrator, Office of Capital Access, U.S. Small 
Business Administration, Washington, D.C.
    Mr. Kelley's testimony highlighted how SBA's business loan 
programs supported almost $45 billion in lending in FY 2021, 
supported in large part by temporary program enhancements 
enacted by Congress, including debt relief, fee waivers, and 
increased guarantee rates. He testified small manufacturers, 
which are key to President Biden's goal of addressing supply 
chain bottlenecks by increasing domestic production of goods, 
benefit uniquely from the 504/CDC Loan Program. To that end, 
the House of Representatives passed the 504 Modernization and 
Small Manufacturer Enhancement Act of 2021, which increases the 
maximum loan size for small manufacturers from $5.5 million to 
$6.5 million and adjusts the program's occupancy rules to make 
it easier for small businesses to finance the purchase of an 
existing multi-story building with a 504 loan. He also 
testified regarding the importance of increasing small-dollar 
lending in the agency's flagship 7(a) loan Program, and the 
extension of the Community Advantage Pilot Loan Program, which 
targets small business in underserved markets. He also 
testified SBA is working to make the business loan programs 
more accessible to employee-owned businesses and those seeking 
to transition to employee ownership. Furthermore, Mr. Kelley 
also provided an update on PPP forgiveness, testifying that SBA 
has processed almost 10 million loan forgiveness decisions, 
representing about 88 percent of all PPP loans, totaling $721 
billion. He also testified regarding the administration of the 
COVID-19 EIDL program, which was in the wind-down phase at the 
time of the hearing.
    Throughout the hearing, Mr. Kelley responded to questions 
regarding SBA's announcement it would no longer accept 
applications for COVID EIDL loan modifications, 
reconsiderations, or appeals due to the program's funds being 
exhausted. This announcement came a day before the date on 
which SBA designated as the deadline to submit such 
applications. Mr. Kelley testified that by the close of 
business on May 6, there were approximately 61,000 loan files 
seeking loan modification, reconsideration, or appeal that were 
eligible for funding, were approved for funding, and have funds 
obligated. He also testified there were approximately 9,000 
loan files seeking reconsideration that will not be approved 
for reasons related to credit criteria, tax information, and 
other issues.

       MILITARY TO MAIN STREET: SERVING VETERAN ENTREPRENEURSHIP

    On Wednesday, June 8, 2022, the Committee on Small Business 
held a hearing hybrid titled, ``Military to Main Street: 
Serving Veteran Entrepreneurship.'' Transitioning from military 
service to civilian life presents unique challenges for 
aspiring veteran entrepreneurs. The hearing provided Members an 
opportunity to explore the resources and programs available 
through the Small Business Administration (SBA) for veterans 
and their spouses, especially the Boots to Business Program, 
when transitioning to civilian life. The SBA provides a variety 
of counseling, training, and lending options tailored to the 
needs of veterans and their families' ensuring veterans and 
their spouses and become successful small business owners.
    Witnesses on the panel included: Dr. Michael Haynie, 
Executive Director of the Syracuse University Institute for 
Veterans and Military Families, Syracuse University; Mr. 
Brenton Peacock, Director, Florida Veterans Business Outreach 
Center at Gulf State College; Ms. Laurie Sayles, President & 
Chief Executive Officer, Civility Management Solutions; and Mr. 
Joe Shamess, Founder & General Partner, Flintlock Capital.
    Dr. Haynie spoke to the entrepreneurial spirit of the 
veteran community but stressed that more should be done to help 
transitioning veterans access capital, navigate local 
resources, and expand support for veteran business resources 
and training programs. Dr. Haynie stated that many veterans are 
interested in pursuing entrepreneurship but transitioning to 
civilian life can present unique challenges. Dr. Haynie also 
testified about the increasing diversity of the veteran 
population and how this can present additional challenges, 
particularly regarding access to capital, for veteran 
entrepreneurs. He acknowledged how women and black veterans are 
motivated to pursue entrepreneurship to become financially 
independent and increase personal income, but their capital 
access is significantly more limited than their white male 
counterparts.
    Mr. Peacock testified about the Florida Veterans Business 
Outreach Centers (VBOCs) Boots to Business Program that helps 
ensure transitioning veterans and their spouses access the 
resources to bring their business from idea to fruition. He 
noted that the Florida VBOC has a particular focus in 
government contracting with their veterans receiving 322 prime 
contracts, with a total value of over $329 million.
    Ms. Sayles testified about her experience as the CEO of a 
SBA certified 8(a), VA verified Service-Disabled Veteran, 
economically disadvantaged woman, and women-owned small 
business. She advocated for an increase of incentives for prime 
contractors and the Federal Government to award more contracts 
to women veteran-owned small businesses.
    Mr. Shamess testified that veterans could be better served 
by finding to increase coordination between SBA programs to 
better benefit veterans. Mr. Shamess testified that creating a 
comprehensive list of programs designed to assist aspiring 
veteran entrepreneurs and integrating those programs more 
thoroughly into the Department of Defense's (DOD) Transition 
Assistance Program (TAP) would be beneficial.

   ARE GOVERNMENTWIDE CONTRACTS HELPING OR HURTING SMALL CONTRACTORS?

    On Tuesday, June 14, 2022, the Committee on Small Business 
met for a remote hearing titled, ``Are Governmentwide Contracts 
Helping or Hurting Small Contractors?'' The hearing took place 
at 10:00 a.m. in Room 2360 of the Rayburn House Office Building 
and via the Zoom platform. The hearing examined governmentwide 
contracts--particularly those known as Best-In-Class (BIC) 
contracts--and assessed their impact on the federal small 
business base.
    Witnesses on the panel included: Ms. Amber Hart, Co-founder 
and Co-owner, The Pulse of GovCon, LLC, Sterling, VA; Mr. 
Isaias ``Cy'' Alba IV, Partner, PilieroMazza, PLLC, Washington, 
DC; Ms. Lynn Ann Casey, Founder and CEO, Arc Aspicio, 
Washington, DC; and Ms. Rebecca Askew, CEO & General Counsel, 
Circuit Media LLC, Denver, CO.
    In the hearing, witnesses spoke about the Federal 
procurement landscape and expounded on the numerous challenges 
governmentwide contracts pose for small businesses, something 
that the Committee began exploring in a previous hearing. Ms. 
Hart, for example, focused on the bundling and consolidation 
that is being caused by the Category Management initiative and 
its use of BIC contracts. She noted that this is ultimately 
reducing channels for acquisition and has significantly shrunk 
the number of small businesses providing goods and services for 
the government. Additionally, she expressed that one of the 
main challenges of current BIC vehicles is that they are 
inconsistent among themselves when it comes to factors like 
size standard recertifications, bid requirements, experience 
qualifications, ramping timelines and procedures, and how set-
asides are tracked. In this respect, she advocated for 
standardization to provide certainty and clarity to small 
businesses.
    Similarly, Ms. Casey and Ms. Askew stated that 
governmentwide and BIC contracts require significant resources 
in terms of time, money, and human capital to bid on them. They 
both also agreed that for those small businesses that do this 
investment, any delays from agencies in selecting awardees can 
be especially detrimental. Ms. Casey also noted that the move 
of contract requirements to BIC contracts often resulted in 
contract holders not being able to recompete for work, which 
burdens small businesses and agencies alike. Another important 
aspect that came out of the hearing was how small businesses 
are practically being forced to joint ventures with big 
businesses to pursue BIC opportunities, something that as 
stated by Ms. Casey, many small businesses do not want to do. 
Finally, Mr. Alba in his testimony made a series of 
recommendations to ensure governmentwide and BIC contracts 
become more accessible to small businesses. These included 
having more frequent on ramps, not moving small business 
requirements to best-in-class contracts without first 
conducting an impact analysis on how the small business base 
would be harmed by the move and ensuring that the ``Rule of 
Two'' is followed on task orders.

 SBA MANAGEMENT REVIEW: OFFICE OF GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING AND BUSINESS 
                              DEVELOPMENT

    On Thursday, June 23, 2022, the Committee on Small Business 
met for a hybrid hearing titled, ``SBA Management Review: 
Office of Government Contracting and Business Development.'' 
The hearing took place at 10:00 a.m. in Room 2360 of the 
Rayburn House Office Building and through Zoom. The hearing 
allowed Members to learn more about the Office of Government 
Contracting and Business Development (GCBD), which works to 
create an environment that fosters maximum participation by 
small businesses in the federal procurement space. The purpose 
of the hearing was to examine GCBD's administration of the 
SBA's business development and contracting programs, progress 
towards implementing key legislation, and the ongoing efforts 
to address administrative challenges.
    The sole witness for the hearing included: Ms. Bibi 
Hidalgo, Associate Administrator, Office of Government 
Contracting and Business Development, U.S. Small Business 
Administration, Washington, D.C.
    In her testimony, Ms. Hidalgo highlighted certain changes 
that the GCBD Office has been working on in collaboration with 
the White House, the Office of Management and Budget and 
partner agencies to ensure that socioeconomic firms have a 
strong footing on which to compete in the Federal marketplace. 
These changes included incorporating all socioeconomic firms 
into Tier 2 credit under the Category Management initiative, 
tracking all new entrants into the Federal marketplace, 
publicly releasing FY20 disaggregated contracting data, adding 
small business goals to Senior Executive Service (SES) 
performance evaluations, and increasing the contracting goal 
for small and disadvantaged firms to 15 percent by 2025, with 
an initial goal of 11 percent for this fiscal year.
    Additionally, throughout the hearing, Ms. Hidalgo discussed 
numerous matters that are of particular interest to Members 
such as information technology (IT) improvements. In this 
regard, she mentioned that the Office has been working to 
modernize their current IT certification systems although they 
are also working towards having one IT platform for all of the 
certification programs. In terms of the budget, Ms. Hidalgo 
specified that the $5 million in additional funding requested 
would help fund additional staff, particularly procurement 
center representatives and commercial market representatives, 
which currently are at historic low levels. Finally, regarding 
the 8(a) program, Ms. Hidalgo stated that her office would 
welcome legislation extending said program an addition year for 
8(a) participants to account for the disruptions caused by the 
COVID-19 pandemic.

LEVERAGING THE INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT AND JOBS ACT: THE ROLE OF THE 
                      SBA'S BOND GUARANTEE PROGRAM

    On July 27, 2022, the Committee on Small Business met for a 
hybrid hearing titled: ``Leveraging the Infrastructure 
Investment and Jobs Act: The Role of the SBA's Bond Guarantee 
Program.'' The hearing took place at 10:00 a.m. in Room 2360 of 
the Rayburn House Office Building and through Zoom. The hearing 
examined the SBA's Surety Bond Guarantee Program, which has 
been assisting small businesses in obtaining bonds and winning 
contracts for more than 50 years. The hearing focused on the 
program's operations and explored potential ways to improve it, 
considering the heightened role the program will play as part 
of rebuilding the nation's infrastructure.
    The witnesses for the hearing were: Mr. Peter Gibbs, 
President, Foundation Surety & Insurance Solutions, Bowie, MD--
Testifying on behalf of the National Association of Surety Bond 
Producers, Mr. Ralph Pulver, Regional Underwriting Officer, 
Travelers Bond & Specialty Insurance, Hartford, CT--Testifying 
on behalf of the Surety & Fidelity Association of America, Mr. 
Alan Gravel, President, Willow Construction, Inc., Powder 
Springs, GA; and Mr. Joel Griffith, Research Fellow, The 
Heritage Foundation, Washington, DC.
    In the hearing, both Mr. Gibbs and Mr. Pulver emphasized 
that changes made to the program in recent years have been 
successful in enhancing the program and expanding the number of 
small firms that can participate in it. For example, they both 
agreed that raising the contract guarantee thresholds, 
permanently reducing the fees charged from contractors and 
increasing the guarantee up to 90 percent for participating 
surety companies had been impactful changes. In addition, Mr. 
Gibbs provided a series of recommendations to further 
streamline and improve the program. Specifically, some of the 
reforms suggested are: 1. further increasing the contract 
guarantee thresholds from $10 million to $20 million in federal 
contracts and on non-Federal contracts from $6.5 million to $10 
million; 2. Exploring techniques to manage, mitigate, and 
transfer risk which may attract participation from the 
reinsurance industry; 3. consider adding other surety products 
to the program which may be difficult for small businesses to 
obtain in the marketplace and; 4. enhancing resources for the 
program in areas such as information technology and marketing 
to increase efficiencies and expand program awareness.
    In contrast, Mr. Gravel underscored the importance of the 
program by relating the story of his company. Mr. Gravel 
explained that his company started making use of the Surety 
Bond Guarantee Program to access bonds and bid for construction 
work following the financial crisis of 2008-2012 which had 
ended his company's progress toward financial security. He 
recounted that during those dark times, they could have chosen 
to declare bankruptcy but instead they decided not to give up. 
In his view, had the SBA program not been available, his 
company might have eventually recovered, but it would have 
taken much longer and it would have been a lot more painful. 
Through the program, his company returned to financial health, 
providing good incomes to employees, paying taxes, and 
completing quality projects for the community and the 
environment.

          SBA MANAGEMENT REVIEW: OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE

    On Tuesday, September 20, 2022, the Committee on Small 
Business held a hybrid hearing titled, ``SBA Management Review: 
Office of International Trade.'' The hearing reviewed the Small 
Business Administration's (SBA) Office of International Trade. 
The Office of International Trade is responsible for supporting 
small business international trade development and works in 
cooperation with other federal agencies, public, and private 
sector groups to encourage and assist small businesses looking 
to export. The hearing gave Members an opportunity to learn 
more about the Office's operations as well as its 
implementation of its flagship exporting program for small 
businesses, the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP).
    The sole witness was: Mr. Gabriel Esparza, Associate 
Administrator, Office of International Trade, U.S. Small 
Business Administration.
    Mr. Esparza testified about the importance of STEP for 
small businesses and expressed support for H.R. 8844, the 
``STEP Improvement Act of 2022.'' Over the past decade, STEP 
has helped 12,000 small businesses and generated approximately 
$5.5 billion in export sales. In 2022, SBA experienced the 
highest demand for STEP in both the number of states/
territories applying and the dollar amount requested. The 
Associate Administrator shared anecdotal stories of small 
businesses that took advantage of STEP to visit trade shows, 
work with wholesalers, and utilize translation services, and 
are reaping the benefits with booming sales.
    Under his leadership, one of the main priority's will be to 
provide adequate education and training to small businesses to 
prepare them for the complexities and inner workings of 
international trade, supported by partners within SBA, other 
federal entities, and public-private partnerships.
    Mr. Esparza further testified that the Administrator has 
tasked the Office of International Trade with developing more 
customer centric approaches to meet small businesses where they 
are. To that end, the office has been reorganized around having 
a strong marketing function to increase awareness of STEP, 
particularly with historically underserved communities, women 
small business owners, veteran small business owners, and rural 
small business owners. It will continue to work closely with 
small businesses that are exporting, as well as, those that 
could be potentially importing, as the program has proven to be 
a generator of export sales and sustainer of jobs.
    In addition, Mr. Esparza testified that because of digital 
tools and e-commerce, small businesses can export faster than 
ever, and that SBA has a specific focus on new-to-exporting 
firms as well as companies that come from traditionally 
underserved communities. Finally, Mr. Esparza stated that SBA 
is aware of the feedback from the July 19th hearing that some 
states are concerned with the administrative requirements of 
the STEP grant. Mr. Esparza stated he has spent time with STEP 
grants managers and is seeking to strike the right balance 
between protecting taxpayer dollars and improving the 
efficiency of the program.

                                 PART B

                         Subcommittee Hearings

                  First Session of the 117th Congress

            PERSPECTIVES FROM MAIN STREET: RAISING THE WAGE

    On Wednesday, February 24, 2021, the Subcommittee on 
Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations held a hybrid 
hearing titled, ``Perspectives from Main Street: Raising the 
Wage.'' The hearing provided the Subcommittee the opportunity 
to hear from economists and small business owners about the 
impact of raising the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour.
    Witnesses on the panel included: Dr. Heidi Shierholz, 
Senior Economist and Director of Policy at the Economic Policy 
Institute, Washington, D.C.; Mr. John Puckett, Owner and CEO of 
Punch Pizza, St. Paul, MN; Ms. Rebecca Hamilton, Co-CEO, W.S. 
Badger Company, Gilsum, NH; Ms. Rachel Greszler, Research 
Fellow in Economics, Budget, and Entitlements, The Heritage 
foundation, Washington, D.C.
    Dr. Shierholz explained the broader economic effects of 
raising the minimum wage and focused on how it would improve 
material conditions for low-wage workers, lift nearly a million 
people out of poverty, result in lower turnover rates among 
small businesses, build a stronger workforce, and help 
stimulate struggling communities. Mr. Puckett spoke from his 
own experience as a restaurant owner and how keeping his 
starting wages for his employees well above the federal and 
state minimum wages has given him a competitive advantage for 
better workers and helped him craft a more sustainable business 
model. Ms. Hamilton also spoke from experience as a small 
business owner, a manufacturer from rural New Hampshire, and 
how making her minimum wage a living wage gave her a 
competitive advantage in recruitment and retention in a state 
where the minimum wage is still $7.25, the federal minimum. Ms. 
Greszler emphasized the potential costs to raising the minimum 
wage, such as decreased employment, possible business closures, 
and inflation, especially for childcare costs.

  THE ROLE OF COMMUNITY NAVIGATORS IN REACHING UNDERSERVED BUSINESSES

    On Thursday, March 18, 2021, the Subcommittee on 
Underserved, Agricultural, and Rural Business Development held 
a hybrid hearing titled, ``The Role of Community Navigators in 
Reaching Underserved Businesses.'' During the hearing, 
Committee Members heard from Small Business Administration 
(SBA) Resource Partners and stakeholders from state level 
community navigator programs.
    Witnesses on the panel included: Ms. Rebecca Shi, Executive 
Director, American Business Immigration Coalition; Ms. Bridget 
Weston, CEO, SCORE; Ms. Pilar Guzman Zavala, CEO, Half Moon 
Empanadas; and, Mr. Bruce Strong, State Director, Minnesota 
SBDC.
    Ms. Shi testified about the mechanics of a state level 
community navigator program and how using this approach, her 
organization managed to help more underserved businesses in 
Illinois, Florida, Texas, and South Carolina. Ms. Guzman Zavala 
testified about her experience participating in a community 
navigator program in Florida and how the program was essential 
to her securing a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan to 
help keep her business operational. Ms. Weston and Mr. Strong 
testified that the Community Navigator Pilot Program would 
complement existing SCORE and Small Business Development Center 
(SBDC) diversity initiatives and help SBA's Resource Partners 
better reach underserved communities. Ms. Weston and Mr. Strong 
also testified about their belief that the Community Navigator 
Pilot Program is not duplicative and will enhance SCORE and 
SBDC efforts across the country.

  THE INTERACTION BETWEEN THE PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM AND FEDERAL 
      ACQUISITION RULES: WHAT IT MEANS FOR GOVERNMENT CONTRACTORS

    On Tuesday, March 23, 2021, the Subcommittee on Contracting 
and Infrastructure met for a remote hearing titled, ``The 
Interaction Between the Paycheck Protection Program and Federal 
Acquisition Regulations: What it Means for Government 
Contractors.'' The hearing examined the extent to which the 
Federal Acquisition Regulations Credits Clause interplays with 
the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and its implications for 
federal contractors. The Committee also learned more about how 
agencies are handling the matter, available guidance, and 
industry concerns.
    Witnesses on the panel included: Mr. Greg Bingham, Partner 
and Co-lead of the Government Contracts Group, HKA, Washington, 
D.C.; Ms. Susan Moser, CPA/CITP, Advisory Services Partner, 
Cherry Bekaert, LLP, Tysons, VA; Ms. Robin Greenleaf, PE, CEO & 
Founder, Architectural Engineers, Boston, MA, who testified on 
behalf of the American Counsel of Engineering Companies (ACEC); 
and Mr. Carlos A. Penin, PE, President, CAP Engineering, Coral 
Gables, FL.
    In his testimony, Mr. Bingham provided an overview of FAR 
Part 31 cost principles and the credits clause. Furthermore, 
Ms. Moser explained how the forgiveness of a PPP loan could 
trigger an allowable cost credit in favor of the Government if 
proceeds of the loan were used towards direct or indirect costs 
on flexibly priced government contracts and discussed available 
guidance from the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Defense 
Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) regarding the matter.
    On the other hand, Ms. Greenleaf and Mr. Penin discussed 
concerns from architectural and engineering (A/E) firms with 
draft guidance from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) 
pertaining treatment of PPP funds and the application of the 
FAR credits clause. In particular, they alleged that proposed 
guidance from FHWA would require all PPP loan forgiveness 
credits to be accounted for as indirect costs, which would in 
turn result in a reduction of their indirect cost rates. Thus, 
they advocated for a waiver of the FAR credits clause.
    During the hearing, Ms. Moser explained how such proposed 
guidance from FHWA would be inconsistent with FAR cost 
principles. The hearing served as an opportunity for witnesses 
to present their recommendations as to how to address 
industry's concerns. Ultimately, there was consensus among the 
witnesses about the need for FHWA to develop and issue better 
guidance- one that is in alignment with a proper application of 
the FAR credits clause.

      SUPPLY CHAIN RESILIENCY AND THE ROLE OF SMALL MANUFACTURERS

    On Thursday, April 29, 2021, the Subcommittee on Economic 
Growth, Tax, and Capital Access held a remote hearing titled, 
``Supply Chain Resiliency and the Role of Small 
Manufacturers.'' The hearing provided an update on the current 
state of supply chains for small manufacturers across multiple 
sectors. The hearing also provided Members an outlook for the 
near future of the manufacturing industry as the economy slowly 
begins to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Members also 
heard about the SBA capital access and investment programs 
small manufacturers use to finance their operations.
    Witnesses on the panel included: Mr. Claudio Dente, 
President, Dentec Safety Specialists, Lenexa, KS; Mr. Wes 
Hampp, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Holleway Capital 
Partners, LLC, Overland Park, KS; Ms. Kimberly Glas, President 
& CEO, National Council of Textile Organizations, Washington, 
DC; and Mr. David Taylor, President & CEO, Pennsylvania 
Manufacturers' Association, Harrisburg, PA.
    In his testimony, Mr. Dente discussed the challenges his 
business faced in needing to rapidly adjust production to meet 
demand for masks and respirators. He also highlighted some of 
the unique challenges manufacturers face in accessing 
affordable long-term capital. Mr. Hampp's testimony touched on 
the importance of patient, equity capital as the manufacturing 
sector remains in a state of uncertainty, since equity 
investors are positioned to provide capital injections as 
market conditions dictate. Specifically, Mr. Hampp discussed 
the role SBA's capital access and investment programs, 
specifically the Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) 
Program can play in helping finance the domestic manufacturing 
sector. Mr. Hampp also highlighted the role SBA's Paycheck 
Protection Program (PPP) played in helping stabilize small 
firms at a time when economic uncertainty was at a peak, saying 
the program helped many firms, who would have otherwise closed, 
stay afloat. Ms. Glas' testimony covered issues faced 
specifically by small manufacturers in the textile industry, 
including competition from overseas. She also discussed how 
SBA's capital access programs, specifically the 7(a) and 504 
loan guaranty programs, can supplement trade policy to help 
shore up the domestic manufacturing base. Mr. Taylor's 
testimony identified the inability to recruit and retain a 
skilled workforce as one of the most significant challenges 
facing the manufacturing sector currently. He encouraged 
Congress to reform the ``highly fragmented'' state-federal 
workforce development programs.

             GROWING JOBS THROUGH INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT

    On Thursday, May 6, 2021, the Subcommittee on Innovation, 
Entrepreneurship, and Workforce Development held a remote 
hearing titled, ``Growing Jobs through Infrastructure 
Investment.'' The hearing provided the Subcommittee the 
opportunity to hear from small business owners, union members, 
and workforce development experts about the need for workforce 
development investment in the American Jobs Plan.
    Witnesses on the panel included: Mr. Michael Tamasi, 
President and CEO, Accurounds, Avon, MA; Dr. Annette Parker, 
President, South Central College, Mankato, MN; Mr. Eddie 
Bustamante, Political and Legislative Director, LiUNA Local 
720, Denver, CO; Mr. Gus Bruner, President and Project 
Executive, Caliagua, Inc., Anaheim, CA.
    Mr. Tamasi explained the need for more workforce 
development in the manufacturing sector from the perspective of 
a small business owner who struggles finding skilled labor, and 
as a result invests his time and resources in training and 
upskilling workers alongside involvement in state workforce 
development programs. Dr. Parker drew from her years of 
experience in workforce development to explain the success of 
community colleges in partnering with the private sector and 
local communities to train a local workforce with in-demand 
skills. Mr. Bustamante highlighted the role of labor unions in 
training skilled workers through apprenticeships. Mr. Bruner 
emphasized the need for federal infrastructure investment and 
explained why workforce development efforts would be needed to 
help implement the plan.

EXAMINING THE ROLE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND 
       MINORITY DEPOSITORY INSTITUTIONS IN SMALL BUSINESS LENDING

    On Tuesday, May 18, 2021, the Subcommittee on Economic 
Growth, Tax, and Capital Access held a hybrid hearing titled, 
``Examining the Role of Community Development Financial 
Institutions and Minority Depository Institutions in Small 
Business Lending.'' The hearing introduced Members to Community 
Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and Minority 
Depository Institutions (MDIs), and discussed the impact these 
institutions make in their communities, especially with respect 
to supporting local entrepreneurs. Members also learned about 
the SBA and non-SBA programs intended to support CDFIs and 
MDIs.
    Witnesses on the panel included: Ms. Aissatou Barry-Fall, 
President and CEO, Lower East Side People's Federal Credit 
Union, New York, NY; Mr. Everett Sands, Founder and CEO, 
Lendistry, Brea, CA; Mr. Robert James II, President, Carver 
CDE, Chairman, National Bankers Association, Savannah, GA; and 
Mr. Walter L. Davis, Founder, Peachtree Providence Partners 
Holding Company, Charlotte, NC.
    In her testimony, Ms. Barry-Fall discussed the challenges 
her small CDFI credit union faced in needing to rapidly respond 
to meet demand for PPP loans, especially during the second 
round of funding once the credit union was able to get on the 
SBA platform. She also highlighted the unique challenges small 
CDFIs faced in maximizing their PPP lending, since many small 
lenders did not have sufficient deposits to meet demand for 
PPP. Mr. Sands' testimony touched on the role technology can 
play in helping promote a more fair and transparent small 
business lending market. Mr. Sands also discussed the role 
SBA's Community Advantage Program can play in helping CDFIs and 
other mission-based lenders finance small businesses who 
struggle to access capital from banks. Mr. James' testimony 
covered issues directly impacting the nation's MDIs, including 
the lack of an office at SBA dedicated to preserving MDIs and 
promoting their participation in SBA's programs. He also 
discussed how Treasury's Emergency Capital Investment Program 
will improve access to capital for MDIs, improving their 
ability to make small-dollar loans. Mr. Davis' testimony urged 
Congress to consider allowing CDFIs to qualify to receive 
equity investments as Opportunity Zone businesses, which would 
arguably allow for more capital to flow to minority-owned 
businesses.

   THE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION'S ENTREPRENEURIAL ECOSYSTEM: AN 
           UPDATE AND NEXT STEPS WITH SBA'S RESOURCE PARTNERS

    On Wednesday, May 19, 2021, the Subcommittee on Innovation, 
Entrepreneurship, and Workforce Development held a hybrid 
hearing titled, ``The Small Business Administration's 
Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: An Update and Next Steps with SBA's 
Resource Partners.'' During the hearing, Committee Members 
heard from Small Business Administration (SBA) Resource 
Partners and a Small Business Development Center (SBDC) client.
    Witnesses on the panel included: Mr. Tee Rowe, President 
and CEO, America's SBDC; Ms. Bridget Weston, CEO, SCORE; Ms. 
Corinne Hodges, CEO, Association of Women's Business (AWBC); 
and Mr. Patrick Montgomery, Founder/CEO, Kansas City Cattle 
Company, Kansas City, Missouri.
    Mr. Rowe testified about SBDCs work with small business 
owners across the country, and how requests for SBDC services 
have risen during the pandemic. Mr. Rowe also testified on 
SBDCs efforts moving forward including SBDC cybersecurity 
services, increasing outreach to underserved communities, and 
importance of the reauthorization of SBA's entrepreneurial 
development programs. Mr. Weston testified about SCORE's 
network of volunteer mentors, the program's accomplishments in 
closing all the SBA Office of Inspector General's (OIG) 
recommendations, and SCORE's plan to use additional funding to 
expand their outreach and services. Ms. Hodges spoke about how 
the Women's Business Center (WBC) serves underserved women-
owned small businesses and women entrepreneurs, the work they 
did throughout the expansion, and how the program can be 
improved through reauthorization. Mr. Montgomery testified 
about how his local SBDC helped him troubleshoot and grow his 
business and how vital the Resource Partner network, and the 
services they provide, are to small business owners and 
entrepreneurs.

                  A REVIEW OF THE SBA'S GRANT PROGRAMS

    On Thursday, May 27, 2021, the Subcommittee on Oversight, 
Investigations, and Regulations held a remote hearing titled, 
``Road to Recovery: The Impact of SBA Pandemic Grant 
Programs.'' The hearing gave Members an opportunity to hear 
from small business owners and advocates about the 
implementation and effectiveness of the SBA's pandemic related 
grant programs, the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) and 
the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF).
    Witnesses on the panel included: Ms. Cheetie Kumar, Chef 
and Owner of Garland Restaurant, Raleigh, NC; Ms. Esther Baruh, 
Director of Government Relations, National Association of 
Theatre Owners, Washington, DC; Mr. Chris Montana, Owner and 
CEO of Du Nord Craft Spirits, Minneapolis, MN; and Mr. Mark 
Maguire, Owner of Maguire's Kitchen & Catering, Dallas, TX.
    Overall, witnesses discussed the impact of the COVID-19 
pandemic on restaurants and live venue and theater industry. 
The small businesses in these sectors have faced unprecedented 
declines in business, as they were forced to shut down for much 
of 2020. Restaurants faced dramatic decreases in sales, while 
venues and theaters were mostly shuttered. Throughout the 
COVID-19 pandemic Congress has made improvements to the SBA's 
economic relief programs, created new support programs, and 
provided in influx of loans and grants to help small businesses 
across the country. The task of implementing the legislation 
and new SBA grant programs like SVOG and RRF has expanded the 
role of SBA.
    At the hearing Ms. Kumar discussed the importance of the 
RRF to her business, and the challenges her restaurant faced 
during the pandemic. She also discussed the impact of COVID-19 
on the restaurant industry and outlined that many people left 
this sector for better and more stable employment. Ms. Baruh 
discussed the enormous challenges facing the theater industry, 
the need for relief, and some of the challenges with the SVOG. 
She discussed that while SBA has been engaged and responsive to 
stakeholders, the task of setting up and administering a new 
grant program has proved to be a difficult task for SBA leaving 
many businesses struggling to hang on. However, at the time of 
the hearing SVOG funding was just starting to be released. Mr. 
Montana discussed the importance of SBA's RRF to minority owned 
businesses and outlined that challenge that his business faced 
in access SBA's initial relief through PPP. He also talked 
about the importance of federal relief in keeping his business 
going. Mr. Maguire also discussed the RRF, and the importance 
of both prioritizing awards as well as the need for more 
funding in the program. He also talked about the challenges of 
bringing employees back to the food industry. Each of the 
witnesses talked about the importance of SBA relief programs, 
and the need for additional engagement from Congress and the 
SBA as sectors continue to struggle with the economic downturn 
brought on by COVID-19.

      UTILIZATION OF SMALL CONTRACTORS IN THE INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN

    On Thursday, June 10, 2021, the Subcommittee on Contracting 
and Infrastructure met for a hybrid hearing titled, 
``Utilization of Small Contractors in the Infrastructure 
Plan.'' It focused on the importance of infrastructure 
investment and the contracting opportunities for small 
businesses, who will play a central role in upgrading the 
nation's infrastructure. The hearing provided Committee Members 
the opportunity to learn more where contractual opportunities 
lie as well as the resources small businesses need to undertake 
infrastructure projects.
    Witnesses on the panel included: Ms. Sheila Ohrenberg, 
National President, Women Construction Owners and Executives 
(WCOE) and President, Sorella Group, Kansas City, KS; Mr. Ralph 
Thomas III, National Director Emeritus, National Association of 
Minority Contractors (NAMC) and Attorney, Law Offices of Ralph 
C. Thomas III PLLC, Washington, DC; Mr. Josh Bone, Executive 
Director, ELECTRI International, Washington, DC, who testified 
on behalf of the National Electrical Contractors Association 
(NECA); and Ms. Annie Mecias-Murphy, Treasurer and Board 
Member, Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), Florida 
First Coast Chapter, and Co-Owner & President, JA&M Developing 
Corp., Pembroke Pines, FL.
    In general, witnesses highlighted the need for a robust 
infrastructure plan that would result in additional contracting 
opportunities for small businesses, especially in the aftermath 
of the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, Ms. Ohrenberg 
underscored the need to couple this investment with more 
accountability with respect to the Women-Owned Small Business 
Goals, increasing transparency of the Small Business 
Procurement Scorecard and excepting the Miller thresholds for 
periodic adjustments for inflation. Similarly, Mr. Bone 
highlighted the importance of enforcing prompt payment 
provisions. He also talked about his organization's efforts 
toward building a more skilled workforce given that training is 
an essential component of any infrastructure investment. In 
turn, Mr. Thomas' testimony focused on what this infusion of 
capital would mean for all those underrepresented small 
businesses across the country that participate in the 
Department of Transportation's Disadvantaged Business 
Enterprise (DBE) Program and ensuring the DBE 10 percent goal 
is met or surpassed. Finally, Ms. Mecias-Murphy provided her 
perspective as a small business owner, including her support 
for increasing the sole-source thresholds in the various SBA 
contracting programs.

  REVERSING THE DECLINE IN WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP: OPPORTUNITIES FOR 
                         REBUILDING THE ECONOMY

    On Tuesday, June 15, 2021, the Subcommittee on Economic 
Growth, Tax, and Capital Access met for a hybrid hearing 
titled, ``Reversing the Decline in Women Entrepreneurship: 
Opportunities for Rebuilding the Economy.'' This hearing gave 
Members an opportunity to hear about how the pandemic has 
exacerbated perpetual challenges facing women entrepreneurs and 
how many women responded with innovative solutions.
    Witnesses on the panel included: Ms. Sherry Turner, 
Executive Director, Kansas City Women's Business Center, 
Fairway, KS; Ms. Tammy Williams, Founder and CEO, 
Envision2bWell, Inc., West Chester, PA; Ms. Ayris Scales, CEO, 
Walker's Legacy Foundation, Washington, DC; and Ms. Natalie 
Buford-Young, CEO, Springboard Enterprises, Vienna, VA.
    Overall, the hearing discussed how women-owned small 
businesses have been severely impacted by the coronavirus 
pandemic with many reporting a decline in sales and fear of 
permanent closure. Witnesses discussed how women 
entrepreneurship can become an economic engine of growth, and 
how Congress will need to consider ways to support women 
entrepreneurs, workers, and small business owners. Ms. Turner 
discussed the important role that WBCs play in supporting women 
entrepreneurs and small businesses, and the increased role of 
WBCs during the pandemic in providing education and technical 
assistance. Ms. Williams discussed her role as a tech 
entrepreneur, and the challenges she has faced in accessing 
capital and vital mentorship as she grows her business. Ms. 
Scales outlined the specific challenges facing women-
entrepreneurs of color, and the vital role that 
entrepreneurship can play in supporting economic growth and 
prosperity. Ms. Buford-Young talked about access to capital, 
and the challenges that women face in accessing venture 
capital. Each of the witnesses talked about the importance of 
SBA relief programs, and the need for additional engagement 
from Congress and the SBA in bolstering women entrepreneurship 
in help overcome the economic downturn brought on by COVID-19.

     SUPPORTING SMALL ENTITIES THROUGH INVESTMENTS IN THE NATIONAL 
                       INFRASTRUCTURE: BROADBAND

    On Wednesday, June 16, 2021, the Subcommittee on 
Underserved, Agricultural, and Rural Development met for a 
hybrid hearing titled, ``Supporting Small Entities through 
Investments in the National Infrastructure: Broadband.'' At 
this hearing, Members examined broadband as a critical part of 
the nation's infrastructure and strategies to reduce the 
digital divide, including how the American Jobs Plan allocates 
$100 billion to reach full broadband coverage.
    Witnesses on the panel included: Ms. Peggy Schaffer, 
Executive Director, ConnectMaine Authority, Augusta, ME; Mr. 
Dan Sullivan, President, Downeast Broadband Utility, Calais, 
ME; Mr. Matt Dunne, Founder and Executive Director, Center on 
Rural Innovation, Hartland, VT; and Mr. Tim Waibel, President, 
Minnesota Corn Growers Association, Burnsville, MN.
    In her testimony, Ms. Schaffer explained Maine's broadband 
strategies, the impact of federal funding programs, and the 
role of local governments. Mr. Sullivan presented the benefits 
of municipally owned broadband infrastructure. Mr. Dunne 
explained the necessity of broadband for revitalizing rural 
communities and expanding economic opportunities. Mr. Waibel 
emphasized modern farmers' need for reliable and affordable 
internet access to fully utilize technologies.

 PRIORITIZING SMALL UNDERSERVED AND RURAL BUSINESSES IN THE SBIR/STTR 
                                PROGRAMS

    On Thursday, June 23, 2021, the Subcommittee on 
Underserved, Agricultural, and Rural Development held a hybrid 
hearing titled, ``Prioritizing Small Underserved and Rural 
Businesses in the SBIR/STTR Programs.'' The hearing was 
scheduled to begin at 2:00 P.M. but was delayed by votes; it 
took place both in the hearing room and on Zoom. This was the 
second hearing in a series on the Small Business Innovation 
Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) 
programs, which is authorized through September 30, 2022. The 
SBIR and STTR programs share four goals, one is to foster 
inclusion and diversification among innovative firms. At this 
hearing, Members examined agency strategies and measured 
progress made towards the diversification goal.
    Witnesses on the panel included: Dr. Joshua A. Henry, 
President and Founder, GO Lab, Inc., Belfast, ME; Ms. Nancy 
Min, Founder, ecoLong, Buffalo, NY, she testified on behalf of 
the Clean Energy Business Network; Dr. Angelique Johnson, 
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, MEMStim LLC, Louisville, KY; 
and Dr. David Green, Chief Executive Officer, Physical Sciences 
Inc., Andover, MA.
    In his testimony, Dr. Henry emphasized the need for SBIR/
STTR, but called for improvements to the program's challenging 
application and burdensome requirements. Ms. Min reflected on 
the importance of support programs for SBIR/STTR participants 
with limited internal resources. Dr. Johnson outlined specific 
program reforms that would increase diversity among SBIR/STTR 
awardees. As an awardee of 1,413 SBIR/STTR projects, Dr. Green 
presented his business' strategies for success.

        CMMC IMPLEMENTATION: WHAT IT MEANS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

    On Thursday, June 24, 2021, the Subcommittee on Oversight, 
Investigations, and Regulations met for a hybrid hearing 
titled, ``CMMC Implementation: What It Means for Small 
Businesses.'' It centered on the Cybersecurity Maturity Model 
Certification (CMMC) framework, which is the Department of 
Defense's latest initiative to increase cybersecurity 
preparedness across the defense industrial base. The hearing 
provided Members with the opportunity to learn more about this 
initiative, how it is being implemented and the compliance 
challenges it poses for small businesses.
    Witnesses on the panel included: Mr. Jonathan T. Williams, 
Partner, PilieroMazza PLLC, Washington, DC; Mr. Scott Singer, 
President, CyberNINES, Madison, WI; Ms. Tina Wilson, Chief 
Executive Officer, T47 International, Inc., Upper Marlboro, MD; 
and Mr. Michael Dunbar, President, Ryzhka International LLC., 
Pompano Beach, FL, who testified on behalf of the HUBZone 
Contractors National Council.
    The hearing shed light onto the many difficulties the CMMC 
initiative entails for small businesses, including the 
complexity of the regulations, duplication between these cyber 
regulations and existing ones, unclear implementation 
timelines, potential bottlenecks in obtaining certification, 
concerns as to potential fraudulent actors taking advantage of 
small business and lack of clear guidance in terms of the CMMC 
level that will be required from subcontractors. All four 
witnesses presented their recommendations how to tackle these 
challenges. For example: Mr. Williams highlighted that the SBA 
and DOD mentor-protege programs could be utilized to ensure 
that mentors provided small businesses with the resources and 
guidance needed to obtain CMMC certification. He also advocated 
for not requiring CMMC certification from joint ventures if 
member companies to the joint venture were certified.
    All 4 witnesses agreed that the most significant concern is 
the costs associated with the initiative, which have not yet 
been clearly defined by DOD. In this respect, Mr. Dunbar 
advocated for more cost transparency and building guardrails 
for rising compliance costs while Ms. Wilson expressed the need 
for a balanced cost approach to guarantee small businesses will 
be able to remain in the defense industrial base. Finally, Mr. 
Singer advocated for the identification of additional streams 
of funding that can help small businesses assume these costs.

                           JOBS! JOBS! JOBS!

    On Wednesday, June 30, 2021, the Subcommittee on 
Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Workforce Development held a 
hybrid hearing titled, ``Jobs! Jobs! Jobs!'' The hearing 
provided Subcommittee Members the opportunity to hear from 
academics, nonprofit leaders, SBA Resource Partners, and small 
business about the overall landscape of entrepreneurship and 
the decades long decline in startup rates in the United States. 
The hearing also discussed the Next Generation Entrepreneurship 
Corps Act, legislation introduced by Chairman Jason Crow (D-
CO).
    Witnesses on the panel included: Mr. John Dearie, 
President, Center for American Entrepreneurship, Great Falls, 
VA; Dr. J.D. LaRock, President and CEO, Network for Teaching 
Entrepreneurship, New York City, NY; Ms. Denyse Airheart, 
Director of Business Pathways, Mi Casa Resource Center, Denver, 
CO; and Mr. Craig Etking, President and CEO, Intelligence360, 
Sugarland, TX.
    Mr. Dearie testified about the decades long decline in 
entrepreneurship rates around the country, including voicing 
his support for H.R. 1226, the Next Generation Entrepreneurship 
Corps Act. Dr. LaRock testified about the need to increase the 
interaction between the education system and entrepreneurial 
development. Ms. Airheart emphasized the need for more 
mentorship for small business owners, who are often not aware 
of many of the resources available to those starting firms. Mr. 
Etkin discussed the business landscape and emphasized the need 
to maintain favorable business conditions to help small firms 
recover.

       RURAL AMERICAN RECOVERY: THE ROLE OF SMALL BUSINESSES AND 
                            ENTREPRENEURSHIP

    On Tuesday, July 13, 2021, the Subcommittee on Underserved, 
Agricultural, and Rural Business Development held a remote 
hearing titled, ``Rural American Recovery: The Role of Small 
Businesses and Entrepreneurship.'' This hearing gave Members of 
the Committee the opportunity to hear about the benefits small 
firms bring to rural communities, difficulties they face, and 
how the Small Business Administration can play a role in 
supporting them, such as through the Office of Rural Affairs.
    Witnesses on the panel included: Mr. Nathan Ohle, CEO, 
Rural Community Assistance Partnership, Washington, DC; Ms. 
Jessica Campos, Women's Business Center Director, Center for 
Rural Affairs, Lyons, NE; Mr. Brett Challenger, Senior Vice 
President, CoBank, Greenwood Village, CO; and Mr. Alan 
Crawford, Owner and President, Rangaire Manufacturing, 
Cleburne, TX.
    Overall, witnesses talked about the importance of rural and 
Main Street businesses as the backbone of communities across 
the nation. The Committee heard about the unique challenges 
rural entrepreneurs face compared to their urban counterparts. 
Among the top challenges are geographic isolation, inadequate 
broadband internet service, difficulty in hiring and retaining 
qualified workers, barriers to capital and reluctance from 
major industries to provide service in rural areas. Mr. Ohle 
talked about the role of the federal government in bolstering 
entrepreneurial infrastructure to support small businesses and 
rural communities. Ms. Campos talked about how SBA Resource 
Partners and the SBA can do more to support and engage with 
rural small businesses. Mr. Challenger talked directly about 
the previous work of the SBA Office of Rural Affairs and the 
importance of investing in this office so that it can continue 
to function. Mr. Crawford talked about the economic challenges 
that his business is facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This 
hearing provided Members with a solid understanding of why the 
Office of Rural Affairs is important to supporting rural small 
businesses and entrepreneurs.

  INNOVATION AS A CATALYST FOR NEW JOBS: SBA'S INNOVATION INITIATIVES

    On Wednesday, July 14, 2021, the Subcommittee on Economic 
Growth, Tax, and Capital Access held a remote hearing titled, 
``Innovation as a Catalyst for New Jobs: SBA's Innovation 
Initiatives.'' During the hearing, Committee Members heard from 
participants of the Small Business Administration (SBA) Growth 
Accelerator Fund Competition, innovation experts, and small 
business owners.
    Witnesses on the panel included: Mr. E. LaVerne Epp, 
Executive Chair, KU Innovation Park, Lawrence, Kansas; Mr. 
Benjamin Johnson, Chairman, Innovation Advocacy Council, 
Westerville, Ohio; Dr. Gabriel R. Burks, Vice President and 
Head of R&D, FrostDefense Envirotech Inc., Champaign, IL; and 
Mr. Jeffrey Maguire, Managing Partner & Co-Founder, Clearly 
Clean LLC, Orwigsburg, PA.
    Mr. Epp testified about his experience leading the KU 
Innovation Park, a six-year Growth Accelerator Fund Competition 
recipient, and the positive impact it has had on high-growth 
small businesses. Mr. Johnson testified on behalf of the 
Innovation Advocacy Council (IAC) and spoke to the importance 
of supporting innovation-based businesses and how additional 
support for SBA's programs can enhance and increase those types 
of businesses. Dr. Burks testified about his experience in the 
EnterpriseWorks growth accelerator, an SBA Growth Accelerator 
Fund Competition recipient, and how it has positively impacted 
his business, FrostDefense. Dr. Burks spoke to the resources 
provided by the growth accelerator and how they have enabled 
FrostDefense to grow and pivot when necessary. Mr. Maguire 
spoke to the importance of patents and how protecting and 
defending patents can be a time and money drain.

                    SBA'S ROLE IN CLIMATE SOLUTIONS

    On Wednesday, July 21, 2021, the Subcommittee on Oversight, 
Investigations, and Regulations met for a hybrid hearing 
titled, ``SBA's Role in Climate Solutions.'' This hearing 
allowed Members to learn more about the role that small 
businesses can play in addressing climate change, and how 
federal programs and services support small businesses as they 
adapt, innovate, and thrive.
    Witnesses on the panel included: Ms. Laurel Walk, Chief 
Lending Officer, Colorado Lending Source, Ltd., Denver, CO; Mr. 
Rick Chapman, General Manager, The Port of Sunnyside Club, 
Inc., Stillwater, MN; Dr. Lynn Abramson, President, Clean 
Energy Business Network, Washington, DC; and Mr. Mark Glenn, 
Owner and Chief Executive Officer, FASTSIGNS, Carrollton, TX.
    This hearing discussed the opportunities and challenges to 
America's energy production, manufacturing, and what is needed 
to position America as a clean energy leader. The Committee 
heard about how small businesses play a vital role in the clean 
energy economy. From adopting sustainable practices, installing 
energy efficient equipment, manufacturing components of large-
scale renewable energy projects, to research and innovation, 
small entities can be found in every state playing a crucial 
role in developing climate smart solution. Ms. Walk testified 
on the important role of the SBA 504 loan program, the need to 
continue adequate support of the program, and how the program 
can support integrating sustainability and clean energy into 
small business projects. Mr. Chapman discussed climate related 
disasters and the impacts on small businesses. He also talked 
about resiliency and the importance of supporting pre-disaster 
mitigation. Dr. Abramson provided important testimony on the 
clean energy economy, the varied roles that small businesses 
play, and the importance of supporting clean energy and energy 
efficiency policies and programs. Dr. Abramson also outlined 
the importance of supporting research and development in the 
clean energy sectors. Mr. Glenn talked about the economic 
challenges that his business is facing due to the COVID-19 
pandemic, as well as some recycling efforts of his business. 
Overall, this hearing provided insight for Members on the 
impacts of climate change on small businesses, and what small 
firms can do to engage with the clean energy economy.

         WEALTH FOR THE WORKING CLASS: THE CLEAN ENERGY ECONOMY

    On Tuesday, July 27, 2021, the Subcommittee on Innovation, 
Entrepreneurship, and Workforce Development held a hybrid 
hearing titled, ``Wealth for the Working Class: The Clean 
Energy Economy.'' The hearing provided Subcommittee Members the 
opportunity to hear from small businesses and advocates about 
the opportunities available for small businesses in the clean 
energy economy, the issues faced by many firms looking for 
workers, and the ways to minimize negative impacts related to 
decarbonization.
    Witnesses on the panel included: Ms. Leticia Colon de 
Mejias, CEO, Energy Efficiency Solutions, Windsor, CT; Mr. 
James Hasselbeck, Director of Operations, ReVision Energy, 
Inc., Portland, ME; Mr. Samuel Gilchrist, Western Campaigns 
Director, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Denver, CO; 
and Mr. Tom Greer, Proprietor/Owner, Hub City Brewing Co., 
Belen, NM.
    Ms. Colon de Mejias testified about the need for adequate 
workforce development and labor codes in energy efficiency as 
well as the need to encourage more diversity in the industry 
and the benefits of it being led by small firms. Mr. Hasselbeck 
testified about his own experience utilizing apprenticeship 
programs to train workers and how it made the clean energy 
economy more inclusive to workers. Mr. Gilchrist testified on 
the work NRDC is doing to diversify the economies of former 
coal mining communities that will be disproportionately 
affected by decarbonization and explained the role of small 
businesses and workforce development initiatives in ensuring a 
just transition. Mr. Greer testified about the use of energy in 
his brewing company and the need to maintain cheap energy 
options through all of the above energy policies.

            SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY'S ROLE IN CLIMATE SOLUTIONS

    On Wednesday, September 29, 2021, the Subcommittee on 
Underserved, Agricultural, and Rural Business Development met 
for a hybrid hearing titled, ``Sustainable Forestry's Role in 
Climate Solutions.'' As the Federal Government considers 
options for infrastructure investments and ways to help 
mitigate and adapt to climate change, the forestry sector 
offers multiple avenues to address these goals while also 
promoting small business development in rural and underserved 
communities. Sustainable forest management can provide economic 
and social benefits to meet the needs of present and future 
generations and also play a fundamental role in the natural 
resource infrastructure of our nation. This hearing allowed 
Members to learn more about the role of sustainable forestry 
and how small businesses across this sector are helping to 
address climate change.
    Witnesses on the panel included: Mr. Dana Doran, Executive 
Director, Professional Logging Contractors of Maine, Dr. Adam 
Daigneault, Assistant Professor of Forest, Recreation, and 
Conservation Policy & Economics, University of Maine, Mr. Mark 
Thibodeau, Regional Manager, ReEnergy, and Mr. Scott Dane, 
Executive Director, American Loggers Council.
    Overall witnesses discussed the tremendous forest and 
woodland natural resources that cover about 33 percent of our 
country and provide numerous environmental and economic 
benefits. Mr. Doran discussed how sustainable forestry 
management and timber harvesting can be part of the solution 
and not part of the problem in terms of climate change. He also 
discussed forestry's role in supporting rural communities and 
the economy. Dr. Daigneault outlined details on how forests are 
highly valued for the diverse ecosystem services that they 
provide, including the production of timber, fiber and fuel 
resources, carbon sequestration, climate change mitigation, 
freshwater, habitat, recreation, and preservation of cultural 
values. He also brought up the importance of well-managed 
forests and how they can provide a wide range of co-benefits to 
society. Mr. Thibodeau discussed how sustainable forestry is an 
important contributor to mitigating climate change and reducing 
the risk of wildfire. He also highlighted the importance of 
wood markets and wood utilization for forest maintenance. Mr. 
Dane discussed that both public and private lands cannot be 
managed in a healthy and sustainable way without logging and a 
viable timber industry. Overall, this hearing was a well-
rounded discussion about the small businesses and markets of 
the forestry sector and the importance of sustainable managed 
forests to support climate change adaptation and mitigation.

   GROWING THE SMALL BUSINESS SUPPLIER BASE IN GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING

    On Wednesday, October 13, 2021, the Subcommittee on 
Contracting and Infrastructure met for a remote hearing titled, 
``Growing the Small Business Supplier Base in Government 
Contracting.'' It focused on Category Management, an initiative 
that has substantially contributed to the decrease in the 
federal small business supplier base. The hearing examined 
Category Management's impact on small businesses serving as 
prime contractors and explored potential solutions to reverse 
the decline.
    Witnesses on the panel included: Ms. Alba Aleman, Chief 
Executive Officer and Founder, Citizant Inc., Chantilly, VA, 
who testified on behalf of the U.S. Women's Chamber of 
Commerce; Ms. Lynn Ann Casey, Chief Executive Officer and 
Founder, Arc Aspicio, Washington, DC; Mr. Victor Holt, Chief 
Executive Officer and Founder, V-Tech Solutions Inc., Silver 
Spring, MD, testifying on behalf of the HUBZone Council; and 
Ms. Sophia Tong, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, T and T 
Consulting Services Inc., Falls Church, VA, who testified on 
behalf of the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce.
    The witnesses underscored how Category Management is 
adversely impacting small businesses. In particular, Ms. Alba 
Alem n explained that Category Management is taking away 
contracting opportunities for small businesses, having taken 
approximately 30 percent of her company's work away. She stated 
that Category Management relies on massive contracting 
vehicles--known as Best in Class or BICs--in which small 
businesses cannot compete because of the extensive experience, 
credentials and requirements they include. As a result, CM was 
acting as a barrier to entry, hindering competition and 
stifling innovation. Similarly, Ms. Casey stated that Category 
management is contributing to the decrease in the federal small 
business supplier base and expressed how she has seen a 
decrease in the amount and scope of contracts available to 
small businesses. She added that many of the requirements 
previously performed by small businesses were moving to BIC 
vehicles and therefore--because small businesses were 
oftentimes not BIC contract holders--they were effectively 
barred from recompeting on the work.
    In their testimonies, Mr. Holt and Ms. Tong concurred with 
what had been previously said and expounded on the challenges. 
Mr. Holt highlighted how BICs have limited number of awardees 
and how some don't allow for future ``on ramp'' opportunities 
to get into the vehicle after initially awarded. Furthermore, 
Ms. Tong elaborated on the unique difficulties that may arise 
from serving as a subcontractor to a BIC holder, such as very 
thin profit margins or losing the relationship with the 
government client. Given all these challenges, the witnesses 
agreed with and expressed support for an amendment introduced 
as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2022 
that would have exempted stand-alone contracts given to small 
businesses in any of the socioeconomic set-aside programs 
(8(a), WOSB, SDVOSB and HUBZone) from Category Management and 
its goals.

        GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS AND SMALL BUSINESS TRADE CHALLENGES

    On Wednesday, October 20, 2021, the Subcommittee on 
Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations met for a hybrid 
hearing titled, ``Global Supply Chains and Small Business Trade 
Challenges.'' The COVID-19 pandemic exposed many weaknesses in 
the global supply chains that small businesses rely on to 
provide goods and services. As the economy seeks to recover, 
small firms and consumers alike continue to experience product 
shortages and transportation delays that hinder a strong 
recovery. The hearing allowed Members to examine the issues 
causing disruptions, challenges small entities face in 
adjusting to the disruptions, and steps Congress can take to 
strengthen supply chain resiliency.
    Witnesses on the panel included: Mr. Kevin Loe, Director of 
Customer Engagement, Redi-Rock International, Mr. Chris 
O'Brien, Chief Commercial Officer, C.H. Robinson, Ms. Christine 
Lantinen, President and Owner, Maud Borup Inc., and Mr. John C. 
Fowke, President, Homes by John C. Fowke Inc.
    This hearing was multifaceted, discussing both supply chain 
issues as well as the Small Business Administration's trade 
support programs. Mr. Loe discussed the State Trade Expansion 
Program (STEP) and how it was helpful in supporting his 
company's engagement in international trade. As a result, 
RediRock has grown export revenue by more than $3.5 million. 
Mr. O'Brien outlined how economic growth, weather, labor 
availability, regulations, transportation infrastructure, and 
other factors impact our global supply chains. He also outlined 
how the world's supply chains and transportation infrastructure 
wasn't built to handle the near shut down of the early months 
of COVID-19 followed by the very rapid restart as many 
industries came back online and demand increased across the 
globe. Ms. Lantinen outlined her experiences as a small 
business owner struggling to get materials and components in 
from other countries, as well as challenges with domestic 
trucking capacity. She also discussed the labor challenges her 
business has faced because people left the workforce and 
standards for pay rates have increased. Mr. Fowke outlined 
similar supply chain challenges for his industry in accessing 
raw materials due to supply chain constraints, as well as 
challenges with higher wage demands.

                      A REVIEW OF THE SBIC PROGRAM

    On Wednesday, October 27, 2021, the Subcommittee on 
Economic Growth, Tax, and Capital Access held a hybrid hearing 
titled, ``A Review of the SBIC program.'' The hearing educated 
Members about the Small Business Administration's (SBA) Small 
Business Investment Company (SBIC) program, which is designed 
to provide debt and equity financing to high-growth small 
businesses lacking access to adequate capital from traditional 
sources. Members also discussed recent proposals to target SBIC 
investment to underrepresented businesses and critical sectors, 
as well as ways to improve investor diversity in the program.
    Witnesses on the panel included: Ms. Holly Huels, Founder 
and Managing Partner, Holleway Capital Partners, LLC, St. 
Louis, MO; Mr. Carl Kopfinger, Senior Vice President, TD Bank, 
Philadelphia, PA; Ms. Carmen Palafox, Partner, MiLA Capital, 
Chatsworth, CA; and Mr. John Mickelson, Managing Partner, 
Midwest Growth Partners, West Des Moines, IA. Mr. Kopfinger 
provided written testimony, but due to unforeseen circumstances 
was unable to participate during the hearing.
    In her testimony, Ms. Huels discussed the current state of 
program operations after multiple years of reported 
mismanagement. Ms. Huels reported improvements in this area, 
but also identified more areas that need improvement, including 
the agency's information technology systems and staffing 
shortages. Mr. Kopfinger's written testimony from the 
perspective of a SBIC limited partner (LP) discussed the role 
banks play in the SBIC program. His testimony also mentioned 
that despite it being a challenging year, zero SBIC debenture 
funds and non-leveraged SBIC funds entered liquidation, which 
is the equivalent of a bank's ``workout'' group. Ms. Palafox 
testified that the SBIC program can help women and 
underrepresented fund managers grow their presence, activate 
more investment into startups, and generate other benefits to 
society. She also testified in support of efforts to improve 
diversity in the SBIC program, including through a Micro-SBIC 
license and an Emerging Managers program. Mr. Mickelson 
testified in support of allowing Rural Business Investment 
Companies (RBICs) licensed by the U.S. Department of 
Agriculture to draw leftover federal funds from the SBIC 
program. He also testified in support of the creation of a 
Micro-SBIC license to help create a more inclusive pool of 
talented investors to invest in rural and underserved 
communities.

           THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE PIPELINE TO SMALL BUSINESSES

    On Thursday, November 4, 2021, the Subcommittee on 
Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Workforce Development held a 
hybrid hearing titled, ``The Community College Pipeline to 
Small Businesses.'' The hearing provided Subcommittee Members 
the opportunity to hear from educational leaders and business 
executives about the importance of community colleges in 
rebuilding the American economy, retooling the American 
workforce, and revitalizing American businesses during the 
recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and recession.
    Witnesses on the panel included: Dr. Anne Kress, Ph.D., 
President, Northern Virginia Community College, Annandale, VA; 
Dr. Rebecca A. Corbin, Ed.D., President & CEO, National 
Association for Community College Entrepreneurship, Cary, NC; 
Mr. Joe Garcia, Chancellor, Colorado Community College System, 
Denver, CO; and Mr. Frank Boecker, Manager of Human Resources, 
Sunwest Electric, Inc., Anaheim, CA.
    Dr. Kress discussed the important initiatives that Northern 
Virginia Community College is doing to accelerate the adoption 
of apprenticeships and emphasize the importance of noncredit 
courses to help adult learners adapt to changing workforce 
needs. Dr. Corbin discussed the initiatives her organization is 
establishing in partnership with community colleges to foster 
more entrepreneurship among community college students. Mr. 
Garcia discussed the importance of the community college system 
in delivering quality and affordable education as well as a 
pathway into the middle class and good-paying jobs. Mr. Boecker 
discussed the needs of businesses for skilled workers and his 
experience recruiting workers as a human resource manager and 
member of the associated builders and contractors.

                  Second Session of the 117th Congress


    THE INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT AND JOBS ACT'S BENEFITS FOR SMALL 
                                BUSINESS

    On Tuesday, February 15, 2022, the Subcommittee on 
Underserved, Agricultural, and Rural Business Development held 
a hearing titled, ``The Infrastructure and Jobs Act's Benefits 
for Small Businesses.'' Members heard from small firms and 
experts about how small firms can utilize the funds available 
to grow their businesses and obtain lasting success. The 
hearing provided Subcommittee Members an opportunity to explore 
the benefits President Biden's Infrastructure Investment and 
Jobs Act has for small businesses.
    Witnesses on the panel included: Mr. Ed Mortimer, Vice 
President, Transportation Infrastructure United States Chamber 
of Commerce, Washington, DC; Mr. Mark Ouellette, President, and 
Chief Executive Officer, Axiom Technologies, LLC., Machias, ME; 
Mr. Jason J. Shedlock, Regional Organizer, Laborers' 
International Union, New England Region Organizing Fund 
President, Maine State Building & Construction Trades Council, 
Portland, ME; and Mr. Terrance Lee Baker, Owner, Operator, and 
Independent Contractor T.L. Baker Pilot Car Escort Services, 
Blooming, Prairie, MN.
    Mr. Mortimer emphasized the importance of investment within 
America's aging infrastructure and illustrated the relationship 
between access to transportation and broadband to quality of 
life. Mr. Ouellette discussed the importance of the 
Infrastructure and Job Act on his ability to provide 
healthcare, hire more employees, all while increasing his 
bottom line. Mr. Shedlock discussed how the vitality of the 
American middle class is centered around strong trade unions 
and their respective ability to safely and effectively rebuild 
the nation. Finally, Mr. Baker called upon his experiences 
scaling small businesses to display the risk of changing 
infrastructure priorities.

  THE 8(A) PROGRAM: OVERVIEW AND NEXT STEPS TO PROMOTE SMALL BUSINESS 
                                SUCCESS

    On Wednesday, March 2, 2022, the Subcommittee on 
Contracting and Infrastructure met for a hybrid hearing titled, 
``The 8(a) Program: Overview and Next Steps to Promote Small 
Business Success.'' The hearing took place at 11:00 a.m. in 
Room 2360 of the Rayburn House Office Building and through 
Zoom. The hearing focused on the SBA's 8(a) program, which is a 
9-year business development program that helps disadvantaged 
small businesses better compete in the American economy. The 
hearing examined how the program currently works as well as the 
resources it provides to small businesses. Members heard from 
stakeholders about ways to modernize the program and improve 
its effectiveness.
    Witnesses on the panel included: Mr. Darryl K. Hairston, 
Retired, Small Business Advisor, Woodbridge, VA; Ms. Jackie 
Robinson-Burnette, CEO, Senior Executive Strategic Solutions, 
Woodbridge, VA; Mr. Arshdeep Khurana, President & CEO, Avosys 
Technology, Inc., San Antonio, TX; and Ms. Qin Li, CEO, Soliel 
LLC, Vienna, VA.
    In general, the witnesses provided numerous recommendations 
to improve the program. Among the most important suggestions, 
Mr. Hairston recommended aligning the goals and 
responsibilities of the Office of Government Contracting and 
Business Development and the Office of Field Operations as both 
offices have overlapping roles in the program. He also proposed 
tailoring 7(j) training based on the developmental stage of 
small businesses. Similarly, Ms. Robinson-Burnette recommended 
giving priority to graduated 8(a) firms to serve as mentors to 
other 8(a) participants in the Mentor Protege program, 
highlighted the importance of having small business executives 
present when overarching and governmentwide procurement 
policies are being set, advised that all procurement-related 
positions within the SBA need to be filled and proposed 
increasing 8(a) sole-source thresholds.
    Mr. Khurana and Ms. Li--two business owners--offered 
suggestions based on their personal experiences participating 
in the program. Mr. Khurana agreed that increasing the 8(a) 
sole-source thresholds is needed and recommended giving current 
participants an additional year in the program due to the 
operational disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. 
Lastly, Ms. Li suggested that the SBA should provide more 
oversight of the Mentor Protege program, which is widely used 
by 8(a) participants.

         AN EMPIRICAL REVIEW OF THE PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM

    On Wednesday, March 16, 2022, the Subcommittee on 
Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations held a hearing 
titled, ``An Empirical Review of the Paycheck Protection 
Program.'' The hearing allowed Members to hear from government 
and academic researchers about their studies on the Small 
Business Administration's (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program 
(PPP), a new forgivable loan guarantee program within the U.S. 
Small Business Administration (SBA) that delivered almost $800 
billion in capital to small businesses. The researchers focused 
on the changes Congress and SBA made to PPP mid-way through to 
help program funds reach as many underserved businesses as 
possible after the initial round of funding went to 
predominantly large and sophisticated businesses.
    There were two witness panels. The witness on the panel one 
included: Mr. William Shear, Director of Financial Markets and 
Community Investment for the U.S. Government Accountability 
Office (GAO). Witnesses on the second panel included: Dr. 
Robert Fairlie, Professor of Economics, University of 
California-Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA; Dr. Manju Puri, J.B. 
Fuqua Professor of Finance, Duke University Fuqua School of 
Business, Durham, NC; Dr. Iryna Demko, Research Associate, 
Center for Economic Development, Maxine Goodman Levin College 
of Urban Affairs, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH; 
and Mr. Robert Barnes, President and Chief Executive Officer, 
PriorityOne Bank, North Magee, MS (testifying on behalf of the 
Independent Community Bankers of America).
    In his testimony, Mr. Shear presented the findings of the 
GAO's study and report of PPP program changes intended to 
increase lending to the smallest businesses and those in 
underserved markets. Specifically, GAO found by the time PPP 
closed in June 2021, lending in traditionally underserved 
counties was proportional to their representation in the 
overall small business community. In response to questions, Mr. 
Shear stated the two program modifications that stood out most 
to him were the inclusion of Community Development Financial 
Institutions (CDFIs) and actions taken to help smaller banks 
participate.
    During the second panel, Dr. Fairlie's testimony provided 
the first analysis of how PPP funds were disbursed to minority 
communities during the third (and final) round of the program, 
which was targeted to such communities. He testified the 
``rebooted'' PPP that ran from January to May 2021 appears to 
have been disbursed to minority communities as intended. He 
attributed this to the empowerment of CDFIs in later rounds, as 
well as the 14-day application exclusivity period for 
microbusinesses. Dr. Puri testified about the use of banks to 
deliver of PPP funds, focusing specifically on the difference 
between big and small banks, and found significant differences 
in how big and small banks prioritize small clients: big banks 
were more likely to prioritize larger clients early. She found 
prior lending relationships helped firms gain early PPP access, 
but little evidence that relationships with big banks helped 
more--if anything, small bank relationships helped firms get 
early PPP access, especially with small bank lenders.
    Dr. Demko testified that small woman--and minority-owned 
firms did not receive PPP loans in the same sizes as their 
white male-owned counterparts. Unlike the research groups led 
by Drs. Fairlie and Puri, Dr. Demko and her co-author also 
conducted a micro-level analysis of PPP, which consisted of 19 
structural interviews with a variety of small businesses in 
Northeast Ohio. Results from these interviews showed businesses 
that received smaller loan amounts had more difficulty with the 
loan application process, filed a larger number of 
applications, and pursued more alternative funding sources 
compared to businesses that received larger loans. Mr. Barnes' 
testimony provided the community bank perspective on PPP. He 
testified his bank has experienced zero cases of fraud in the 
more than 1,200 loans they made because of the bank's due 
diligence and careful underwriting, which he testified is 
typical of community bank PPP lenders.
    On this point, Committee Members noted this is in contrast 
with some online nonbank PPP lenders, who have been shown to be 
associated with a significantly larger portion of potential PPP 
loan fraud. He also testified regarding his bank's desire to 
not ``saddle'' any PPP borrowers with unexpected debt, which is 
aligned with pending legislation introduced by Small Business 
Committee Members regarding good faith loan amount 
miscalculations. Mr. Barnes also testified in support of SBA's 
504/CDC loan program, in which many community banks participate 
as third-party lenders. He stated that lending pauses, even 
brief ones, are very disruptive to lenders and borrowers, and 
testified in support of a ``shock-absorbing'' mechanism in the 
504/CDC program (such as one that already exists in the 
7(a)loan program) that would allow the program to continue 
lending despite unexpected increases in demand.

     CATALYZING ECONOMIC GROWTH THROUGH SBA COMMUNITY-BASED LENDING

    On Tuesday, March 29, 2022, the Subcommittee on Economic 
Growth, Tax, and Capital Access held a hearing titled, 
``Catalyzing Economic Growth through SBA Community-Based 
Lending.'' This hearing allowed Members to hear from these 
lenders and learn how SBA's business loan programs, especially 
those delivered by community-based lenders, can better meet the 
needs of small businesses in underserved markets. These include 
the 504/CDC Loan program, the SBA Microloan program, and the 
Community Advantage Pilot Loan Program. The SBA Paycheck 
Protection Program (PPP) helped small businesses stay afloat 
throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. In later phases of the 
program, Congress made changes to allow community-based 
lenders, including SBA Certified Development Companies (CDCs), 
SBA Microloan Intermediaries, and Treasury-certified Community 
Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to originate more 
PPP loans. Research shows the changes improved the program's 
reach into underserved markets. While the PPP closed on May 31, 
2021, to new applications, the hearing explored how community-
based lenders who helped deliver PPP to underserved markets can 
continue to play a vital role in providing affordable capital 
to entrepreneurs in these markets.
    Witnesses on the panel included: Mr. Manny Flores, 
President/Chief Executive Officer, SomerCor, Chicago, IL; Mr. 
Kerry Doi, President/Chief Executive Officer, Pacific Asian 
Consortium in Employment (PACE), Los Angeles, CA; and Ms. 
Brooke Mirenda, President/Chief Executive Officer, SEDCO, 
Clearwater, FL.
    Mr. Flores' testimony highlighted how CDCs in the SBA 504 
Loan program can help alleviate supply chain and manufacturing 
shortfalls in the American economy. At the end of FY 2021, the 
504 program experienced a brief but highly disruptive lending 
pause due to program demand exceeding authorized levels. To 
prevent another lending pause in future fiscal years, he also 
testified in support of combining the authorization levels of 
the regular 504 and 504 debt refinance programs bringing them 
under the same authorization level of $15 billion. As a CDC 
also participating in SBA's Community Advantage Pilot Loan 
program (CA), Ms. Flores testified in support of making the CA 
program permanent. Mr. Doi testified about the role CDFIs play 
as financiers for small firms but also in providing essential 
social and technical services that meet the unique needs of 
immigrants, asylees, and those historically excluded from 
traditional banking. He also testified about the financial 
strength of the SBA Microloan program, evidenced by the 
program's cumulative default rate of less than two percent. Ms. 
Mirenda's testimony echoed support for combining the 
authorization levels for 504 programs. She also testified in 
support of extending the authorization of the 504 Express Loan 
program, which was created in the Economic Aid Act to 
streamline loan processing and approval for 504 loans of 
$500,00 or less. Under the Economic Aid Act, the program will 
sunset in September 2023, however as of the date of this 
hearing, SBA had not issued a rule implementing the program. 
She testified extending the sunset to 2027 would allow the 
program sufficient operating time to assess performance and 
efficacy.

  SKILL, UPSKILL, AND RESKILL: ANALYZING NEW INVESTMENTS IN WORKFORCE 
                              DEVELOPMENT

    On Thursday, March 31, 2022, the Subcommittee on 
Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Workforce Development held a 
hybrid hearing titled, ``Skill, Upskill, and Reskill: Analyzing 
New Investments in Workforce Development.'' Subcommittee 
members heard from an expert, a union leader, a community 
college president, and a small business owner about ongoing 
issues with the labor market, new investments in workforce 
development through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and how 
small businesses can engage more effectively with workforce 
development opportunities.
    Witnesses on the panel included: Mr. Gerald Lee Arnold, 
Business Manager and Financial Secretary Treasurer, Denver 
Pipefitters Local #208, Denver, CO; Dr. Mordecai Brownlee, 
Ed.D., President, Community College of Aurora, Aurora, CO; Mr. 
Joseph W. Kane, Fellow, Brookings Institution, Washington, DC; 
and Ms. Diana Benck, General Operations Manager and Owner, West 
Side Tractor Sales Co., Lisle, IL.
    Mr. Arnold testified about the value of registered 
apprenticeships in training a qualified workforce and 
strategies to get small businesses more involved in the 
apprenticeship process. Dr. Brownlee explained the importance 
of community colleges in skilling and upskilling lower income 
communities and providing them with a pathway to economic 
mobility. Mr. Kaine provided the committee with a broader 
perspective on the country's workforce challenges and how the 
government can utilize the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to 
train a new generation of the infrastructure workforce. Ms. 
Benck outlined her experience as a small business owner and 
issues she faced, particularly with the lack of skilled 
workers, like service technicians.

               SBA MANAGEMENT REVIEW: OFFICE OF ADVOCACY

    On Wednesday, April 6, 2022, the Subcommittee on 
Underserved, Agricultural, and Rural Business Development, held 
a hearing titled, ``SBA Management Review: Office of 
Advocacy.'' During the hearing, Committee Members heard from 
the Office of Advocacy regarding their operations, 
responsibilities, and how Congress can better support their 
mission.
    The sole witness included: Mr. Major Clark III, Deputy 
Chief Counsel for Advocacy, performing the non-exclusive 
functions and duties of the Chief Counsel for Advocacy.
    Mr. Clark testified about the history of the Office of 
Advocacy and its role as an independent office within the Small 
Business Administration. In addition, Mr. Clark testified on 
the importance of the Office's economic and legal research 
teams to ensure regulations do not unduly burden small 
businesses, as well as the importance of the Office's Regional 
Advocates that directly interact with small businesses across 
the country. Mr. Clark also testified about the Office's role 
in overseeing federal agencies' compliance with the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act (RFA) and ensuring that small business 
interests are represented in the regulatory process.

 MOVING UPWARDS AND ONWARDS: THE WORKFORCE AND INNOVATION NEEDS OF THE 
                    AVIATION AND AEROSPACE INDUSTRY

    On Thursday, May 12, 2022, the Subcommittee on Innovation, 
Entrepreneurship, and Workforce Development held a hybrid 
hearing titled, ``Moving Upwards and Onwards: The Workforce and 
Innovation Needs of the Aviation and Aerospace Industry.'' 
Subcommittee members heard from industry representatives and 
small business owners about the needs and concerns of the 
Aerospace and Defense Industry, particularly focused on supply 
chain issues and supporting workforce development initiatives.
    Witnesses on the panel included: The Honorable Eric 
Fanning, President, Aerospace Industries Association, 
Arlington, VA; Ms. ML Mackey, CEO, Beacon Interactive Systems, 
Division Chair, Small Business Division, National Defense 
Industries Association, Arlington, VA; Mr. Blake Scholl, CEO, 
BOOM Supersonic, Denver, CO; Ms. Judy Burns, CEO, Patriot 
Machine, St. Charles, MO.
    The Honorable Eric Fanning testified about the broader 
industry as a whole    what role it plays in the U.S. economy 
and national security, the challenges they face as a result of 
the COVID-19 pandemic, and policy options Congress should 
examine to maintain U.S. technological superiority. Ms. Mackey 
testified about the importance of federal research and 
development programs for the innovation workforce, and what 
investments could be made to strengthen the aviation workforce, 
like pilots and engineers. Mr. Scholl testified as the CEO of 
an innovative company, looking to bring back supersonic flight 
to the mainstream and how important the Small Business 
Innovation Research program was to give his company more 
legitimacy both to investors and to the government. Ms. Burns 
testified about how hard it is to recruit and retain skilled 
workers, especially amid supply chain disruptions and higher 
costs for raw materials.

           FINTECH AND TRANSPARENCY IN SMALL BUSINESS LENDING

    On Wednesday, July 13, 2022, the Oversight, Investigations, 
and Regulations held a hearing titled ``Fintech and 
Transparency in Small Business Lending.'' This hearing allowed 
Members to examine the effect of innovations in financial 
technology (``Fintech'') and online lending on small 
businesses. During the hearing, Members heard perspectives on 
issues related to online small business lending from lenders, 
industry advocates, and academics, with a focus on assuring a 
fair but efficient small business credit market among non-bank, 
online lenders.
    Witnesses on the panel included: Mr. Sean Salas, Chief 
Executive Officer, Camino Financial, Los Angeles, CA; Ms. Joyce 
Klein, Senior Director, Business Ownership Initiative, Aspen 
Institute, Washington, DC; Ms. Diane Paterson, Regional 
Director, Twin Cities Small Business Development Center, 
Minneapolis, MN; and Dr. John Griffin, James A. Elkins 
Centennial Chair in Finance, McCombs School of Business, The 
University of Texas, Austin, TX.
    Mr. Salas' testimony highlighted how, as a Fintech lender 
that is also certified by the Treasury Department as a 
Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), he can 
provide affordable capital to underserved businesses while 
disclosing all terms and costs in a fair, responsible, and 
transparent manner. Mr. Salas also testified about how 
technological advances in the financial services sector can be 
used to help reach borrowers who are harder to reach by 
traditional lending institutions, and how technology can be 
used to help lower costs for borrowers.
    Ms. Klein testified that improving transparency and 
disclosure in small business financing is increasingly 
important because higher-cost, short-term financing is becoming 
a common and often dominant product that small businesses 
encounter in the market. She also testified about the need to 
apply Truth in Lending-like disclosures to small business 
loans, and that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) 
is the appropriate federal regulator for the small business 
lending market given the CFPB's current jurisdiction over the 
Truth in Lending Act and Section 1071 of the Dodd-Frank Act. 
She also testified in support of a strong nationwide disclosure 
standard, including disclosure of the annual percentage rate 
(APR), for small business loans to prevent jurisdiction-
shopping by online lenders.
    Ms. Paterson testified her Small Business Development 
Center (SBDC) regularly interacts with small business owners 
who struggle to navigate confusing fine print, adverse interest 
rates, loan terms, and pre-payment penalties that have the 
power to put them out of business. Her testimony provided an 
example of a small business that took out a $100,000 online 
loan with a 12-month term, almost 60 percent interest rate, and 
a $20,000 pre-payment penalty to supplement an existing bank 
loan. The business and SBDC struggled to get the original bank 
to refinance the online loan largely due to the high pre-
payment penalty, but eventually did refinance the loan to 
ensure the viability of the business and the repayment of the 
bank's original loan, since business closure would mean default 
on the bank's original loan. Ms. Paterson testified this is a 
rare outcome, and that most businesses in that position usually 
have no choice but to default.
    Dr. Griffin's testimony summarized the main findings from 
his and his co-author's paper titled ``Did Fintech Lenders 
Facilitate PPP Fraud?'' which overall are that there is a 
greater likelihood for potentially fraudulent PPP loans among 
Fintech-originated loans. In response to questions from 
Members, Dr. Griffin also stated he believes the CFPB should 
play a role in overseeing the small business lending market. He 
also stated he would like to see more public transparency of 
data already being collected by small business lenders, and 
that it should be made available to the CFPB or another 
appropriate federal agency for public consumption. He also 
agreed APRs should be disclosed for small business loans, and 
stated that even as a finance professor, he finds his 
colleagues sometimes confused by some of the terms in various 
loan documents.

           A REVIEW AND ASSESSMENT OF THE SBA HUBZONE PROGRAM

    On Thursday, July 14, 2022, the Subcommittee on Contracting 
and Infrastructure met for a hybrid hearing titled, ``A Review 
and Assessment of the SBA HUBZone program.'' The hearing took 
place at 10:00 a.m. in Room 2360 of the Rayburn House Office 
Building and through Zoom. The hearing focused on the 
Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) program that 
is administered and overseen by the Small Business 
Administration. The hearing examined how the program is 
working, its challenges and benefits, and what additional 
reforms are needed.
    Witnesses on the panel included: Mr. Matthew Schoonover, 
Managing Member, Schoonover & Moriarty LLC, Olathe, KS; Ms. 
Shirley Bailey, CEO, Summit Federal Services, LLC & HUBZone 
Council Chair, Oakland, MD; Ms. Ines Rivas-Hutchings, Founder & 
President, Intec Group LLC & Women in Construction Owners and 
Executives (WCOE) Member, Paducah, KY; and Mr. Brent Lillard, 
CEO & Co-Founder, GovSmart, Inc., Charlottesville, VA.
    In the hearing, Mr. Schoonover and Ms. Bailey expressed 
concerns with the Federal Government's continuous failure to 
meet the 3% HUBZone goal because it precluded the Government 
from achieving the purpose of the program, which is economic 
development and lifting communities out of poverty. On a 
related matter, both Mr. Schoonover and Ms. Rivas-Hutchings 
noted concerns with not enough awards being issued under the 
HUBZone program. In their view, having more contracts being 
issued as HUBZone set asides would incentivize more firms to 
participate in it.
    Overall, all witnesses provided suggestions to improve the 
program. Among the changes suggested, Mr. Schoonover 
recommended recognizing HUBZone firms as eligible firms under 
the Department of Transportation Disadvantaged Business 
Enterprise rogram while Ms. Bailey recommended extending the 
HUBZone price evaluation preference to orders, embracing 
telework, increasing HUBZone sole-source thresholds and 
providing contracting officers additional and recurring 
training on the program. Additionally, Mr. Lillard recommended 
providing the program parity with other small business programs 
in areas like increasing its contracting goal and Ms. Rivas 
Hutchings recommended reforming the SBA's Small Business 
Procurement Scorecard to enhance transparency and accuracy.

THE SBA OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND THE STEP PROGRAM AS KEY TOOLS 
                       FOR RECOVERY AND EXPANSION

    On Tuesday, July 19, 2022, the Subcommittee on Economic 
Growth, Tax, and Capital Access held a hearing hybrid titled, 
``The SBA Office of International Trade and the STEP Program as 
Key Tools for Recovery and Expansion.'' The hearing reviewed 
the Small Business Administration's (SBA) State Trade Expansion 
Program (STEP). The Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 authorized 
the creation of a three-year State Trade and Export Promotion 
pilot grant initiative to increase the number and value of 
small business exports. In 2015, through the Trade Facilitation 
and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015, the SBA was directed to 
formally establish STEP and provide grants to states to 
increase the number of small business exporting or proposals 
that would assist rural, women-owned, and socially or 
economically disadvantaged small businesses.
    Witnesses on the panel included: Mrs. Mary Waters, Deputy 
Commissioner for International Trade, Georgia Department of 
Economic Development; Mr. William Spear, Manager, New Jersey 
Office of Export Promotion and Director, NJ STEP; Mr. Luther 
Tooks, CEO, Pyramid Foods, LLC; and Mr. Devan Walding, Vice 
President Sales, RADIUS.
    Mrs. Waters testified that Georgia was an early participant 
in STEP in 2011 and 2012 but stepped away after the application 
was denied. Georgia reapplied in 2020 during the pandemic to 
expand Georgia's financial assistance awards to small 
businesses. Mrs. Waters stated that STEP is a valuable resource 
for Georgia small businesses and that program reauthorization 
is critical to supporting greater U.S. exports. In addition, 
Mrs. Waters testified that measuring return on investment by 
long-term outcomes, reducing administrative requirements, and 
increasing funding to $30 million are steps that can be taken 
to improve the program.
    Mr. Spear testified about New Jersey's successful 
involvement in STEP, how New Jersey implements uncomplicated 
reporting requirements for participating small businesses, and 
how STEP is an administratively easier program than other 
federal grants. Mr. Spear stated that throughout the pandemic, 
New Jersey saw an increase in interest in the program, 
especially from newer companies, and that New Jersey plans to 
focus on new to export firms in the upcoming grant cycle. 
Finally, Mr. Spear stated that New Jersey has applied for the 
maximum grant amount for the 2022 cycle and looks forward to a 
continued partnership with the SBA. Mr. Tooks testified that 
STEP helped him export his barbeque rubs and sauces to Canada 
and Mexico. STEP was particularly helpful with translating 
their marketing brochure and labels translated into Spanish and 
properly reformatted to meet the requirement for sale in 
Mexico. Mr. Walding testified that STEP has enabled RADIUS to 
participate and compete in exporting channels that the company 
would otherwise struggle, or be unable, to afford. The 
availability of STEP grants allowed RADIUS to start a dialogue 
around what opportunities would provide the best return on 
investment for their brand and made in America products.

        SBA DISTRICT OFFICE COLLABORATION WITH RESOURCE PARTNERS

    On Wednesday, July 20, 2022, the Subcommittee on 
Underserved, Agricultural, and Rural Business Development held 
a hearing hybrid titled, ``SBA District Office Collaboration 
with Resource Partners.'' A strong relationship is necessary 
between the Small Business Administration (SBA) and its 
Resource Partners to ensure important information is flowing 
from the agency to small business across the country. SBA's 
District Offices are a critical component in this flow or 
information as they are the Agency's representatives in the 
field and tasked with forming productive relationships with the 
Resource Partners in their area.
    Witnesses on the panel included: Mr. Mark Delisle, State 
Director, Maine SBDC; Ms. Nancy Strojny, Assistant District 
Director, SCORE Maine; Mr. J.D. Collins, State Director, 
Michigan SBDC; and Mr. John William ``Bill'' Leaverton, 
Regional Director, America's SBDC at Tarleton State University.
    Mr. Delisle testified about the successful relationship 
Maine SBDC has with the Maine District Office and how that has 
directly contributed to the success of the Maine SBDC program. 
Mr. Delisle testified that the Maine SBDC has meetings, events, 
and promotional activities with the District Office. In 
addition, Mr. Delisle and Ms. Strojny testified about the 
oversight performed by the District Office over Maine SBDC and 
SCORE Maine respectively. Ms. Strojny testified that the 
quarterly meetings held with the Maine District Director is an 
opportunity for the Resource Partners to discuss current 
issues, opportunities, and provide updates. Mr. Collins 
testified that the Michigan SBDC and Michigan District Office 
did not always have the strongest relationship, but by 
establishing monthly meetings, sharing best practices, and 
increasing collaboration, he was able to develop a robust 
relationship between Michigan Resource Partners and their 
District Office. Mr. Leaverton testified that the SBDC at 
Tarleton enjoys a collaborative relationship with the SBA but 
that more can be done to assist rural entrepreneurs and small 
business owners. One idea Mr. Tarleton presented is 
establishing ways to provide direct access to capital for small 
and micro businesses in rural areas that do not have fixed 
assets to obtain traditional financing.

          RIGHT TO REPAIR AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR ENTREPRENEURS

    On Wednesday, September 14, 2022, the Subcommittee on 
Underserved, Agricultural, and Rural Business Development held 
a hybrid hearing titled, ``Right to Repair and What it Means 
for Entrepreneurs.'' The hearing provided Members the 
opportunity to hear from small business owners and experts 
about the impacts of repair restrictions on small businesses, 
misconceptions on the right to repair movement, and what policy 
proposals exist to resolve this issue.
    Witnesses on the panel included: Ms. Gay Gordon-Byrne, 
Executive Director, Digital Right to Repair Coalition, North 
River, NY; Mr. Brian Clark, Co-Owner, The iGuys' Tech Shop, 
LLC, Conway, NH; Mr. Jim Gerritsen, Marketing Manager, Wood 
Prairie Family Farm, Bridgewater, ME; Mr. Ken Taylor, 
President, Ohio Machinery Co., Broadview Heights, OH.
    Ms. Gordon-Byrne testified about the need to pass Right to 
Repair laws similar the original Massachusetts law because of 
the benefits it can deliver for farmers, rural communities, and 
independent businesses as well as reduce the amount of e-waste 
society produces. Mr. Clark testified to his experience as an 
independent repair shop owner, and the hurdles he faces 
accessing genuine parts, tools, manuals, and schematics from 
manufacturers. He detailed the attempts by manufacturers to 
control various aspects of his business and emphasized the need 
to protect rural, independent repair shops so that residents 
can maintain access. Mr. Gerritsen testified about his 
reluctance to buy new farm equipment to avoid repair 
restrictions imposed by manufacturers. He emphasized the 
importance of time during his planting and harvesting season 
and how devastating potential breakdowns could be if he wasn't 
able to repair his own equipment immediately. Mr. Taylor 
testified about the complexity of the issue and the need to 
ensure that proper right to repair laws don't also threaten the 
intellectual property of manufacturers, the profitability of 
distributors, and the safety of consumers.

  BACK TO SCHOOL, BACK TO STARTUPS: SUPPORTING YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP, 
              ENTREPRENEURSHIP, AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

    On Thursday, September 15, 2022, the Subcommittee on 
Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Workforce Development held a 
hybrid hearing titled, ``Back to School, Back to Startups: 
Supporting Youth Apprenticeship, Entrepreneurship, and 
Workforce Development.'' The hearing provided Members the 
opportunity to hear from experts, program leaders and 
educational institutions about youth apprenticeship as a means 
of supporting and investing in workforce development.
    Witnesses on the panel included: Mr. Noel Ginsburg, Founder 
and Chief Executive Officer, CareerWise, Denver, CO; Ms. 
Deborah Kobes, Senior Director, Jobs for the Future (JFF), 
Washington, DC; Ms. Shani Watkins, Director, West Sound 
Technical Skills Center, Bremerton School District, Bremerton, 
WA; and Mr. Jared Ebbing, Economic Development Director for 
Mercer County, OH; Mercer County, OH.
    Mr. Ginsburg testified that apprenticeships for high school 
students are not only beneficial to the educational development 
of the students, but also to the growth of small businesses. 
Ms. Kobes emphasized the need for equitable access to youth 
apprenticeships for lower income and minority individuals 
through supportive services, such as transportation or internet 
access. She also called on congressional support for employers 
through means of legislation and public funds. Ms. Watkins 
brought attention to CTE programs, such as hands-on active 
learning, and the implementation of work study experience in 
high school to equip a better prepared workforce. She stated 
that models surrounding apprenticeship in other countries, like 
Denmark, could be replicated to fit the country's workforce 
needs. Mr. Ebbing emphasized the need to raise awareness of the 
careers that exist in local communities through websites and 
create connections between entrepreneurs for an emerging 
workforce.

   BUILDING SUSTAINABLE BUSINESSES THROUGH EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP AT SBA

    On Tuesday, December 6, 2022, the Subcommittee on 
Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations held a hybrid 
hearing titled ``Building Sustainable Businesses through 
Employee Ownership at SBA.'' The hearing gave Members an 
opportunity to hear about the challenges faced by employee-
owned businesses in accessing affordable capital from the SBA, 
and SBA and Congressional efforts to address those issues.
    Witnesses on the panel included: Ms. Mo Manklang, Policy 
Director, U.S. Federation of Worker Cooperatives, Philadelphia, 
PA; Mr. Corey Rosen, Founder, National Center for Employee 
Ownership, Covina, CA; Mr. Keith D. Butcher, Partner, Mosaic 
Capital, Saint Louis, MO; and Mr. Scott Lockard, President, 
Hampton Enterprises, Lincoln, Nebraska.
    Ms. Manklang testified about the benefits of the worker 
cooperative model, including better wages, benefits, and 
stability. She also testified about the lack of support by SBA 
after the passage of the Main Street Employee Ownership Act of 
2018. She further testified that she only found one case of a 
worker co-op being able to access a 7(a) loan in the last five 
years. In her view, the main issues with SBA are its lack of 
outreach and education to business owners about the employee 
ownership model; and the personal guarantee requirement is at 
odds with the co-op ownership structure. Mr. Rosen testified 
about how SBA has failed to implement the Main Street Employee 
Ownership Act as intended by Congress and it has resulted in 
providing few 7(a) loans to ESOPs and co-ops. He further added 
that SBA has the authority to implement the changes being 
proposed in the bills recently introduced by Chairwoman 
Velazquez and Subcommittee Chairman Phillips. Finally, he added 
SBA has failed to do any meaningful outreach to ESOPs and co-
ops as envisioned by the Main Street Employee Ownership Act.
    Mr. Butcher testified about the opportunity SBA has to 
provide capital to encourage small businesses to transition to 
employee ownership. This would address the massive succession 
of Baby Boomer businesses that is coming to fruition. He added 
that while the 7(a) program can be utilized to meet the needs 
for companies in a value range less than $15 million, the SBIC 
program can be a strong influence on the next size category of 
businesses. Mr. Lockard testified about some of the challenges 
facing small businesses today to include high labor costs and 
shortages, supply chain issues, and inflation.

                                 PART C

                 Waste, Fraud, Abuse, and Mismanagement

    Of the hearings delineated above, the following were 
devoted specifically to an examination of programs within the 
Committee's jurisdiction with a focus on potential 
mismanagement, waste, fraud and abuse.

                 HEARINGS ON SBA MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET

    The Committee continued its oversight of the management of 
SBA through hearings and meetings with agency officials and 
stakeholder groups. During 2021 and 2022, to date, numerous SBA 
officials, industry representatives and small business owners 
were questioned about the operation of SBA programs:
           A Committee hearing to assess the state of 
        the small business economy in the COVID-19 era was held 
        on February 4, 2021.
           A series of hearings with the SBA 
        Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman were held on May 
        26, 2021, November 16, 2021, April 27, 2022, and 
        December 7, 2022.
           A series of management review hearings were 
        held with on:
                   October 6, 2021, Associate 
                Administrator Dark Madrid testified before the 
                Committee on the operations of the SBA's 
                Entrepreneurial Development programs.
                   March 8, 2022, Mr. John 
                Williams, Director of Innovation and 
                Technology, Office of Investment and 
                Innovation, testified before the Committee on 
                Small Business Innovation Research and Small 
                Business Technology Transfer programs
                   April 6, 2022, Mr. Major Clark, 
                Deputy Chief Counsel for Advocacy testified on 
                the Office of Advocacy.
                   May 18, 2022, Associate 
                Administrator Patrick Kelley testified on the 
                Office of Capital Access
                   June 23, 2022, Associate 
                Administrator BiBi Hildalgo testified on the 
                Office of Government Contracting and Business 
                Development.
                   September 20, 2022, Associate 
                Administrator Gabriel J. Esparza testified on 
                the Office of International Trade.
           A series of hearings were held with the 
        Office of Inspector General and Government 
        Accountability Office.
                   On January 12, 2022, the OIG 
                testified on two reports: SBA's Top Management 
                and Performance Challenges in FY 2022 and SBA 
                OIG's Semiannual Report to Congress.
                   On April 20, 2021, the Honorable 
                Hannibal ``Mike'' Ware, Inspector General, and 
                Mr. William Shear, Director of Financial 
                Markets and Community Investment, Government 
                Accountability Office testified on SBA's 
                Pandemic Response programs.
           Subcommittee on Underserved, Agricultural, 
        and Rural Business Development hearing on the role of 
        the Community Navigator Pilot Program in reaching 
        underserved businesses was held on March 18, 2021.
           Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax, and 
        Capital Access hearing to examine the role of SBA's 
        loan and investment programs in supporting small 
        manufacturers was held on April 29, 2021.
           Subcommittee on Innovation, 
        Entrepreneurship, and Workforce hearing on SBA's 
        entrepreneurial development ecosystem.
           Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, 
        and Regulations hearing to review SBA's grant programs, 
        including the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant and the 
        Restaurant Revitalization Fund was held on May 27, 
        2021.
           Subcommittee on Underserved, Agricultural, 
        and Rural Development hearing examining SBA's role in 
        supporting small businesses in rural communities was 
        held on July 13, 2021.
           Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, 
        and Regulations hearing examining SBA's Role in Climate 
        Solutions was held on July 21, 2021.
           Committee hearing examining efforts to 
        improve access to the 7(a) loan guarantee program for 
        employee-owned firms was held on September 30.
           Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax, and 
        Capital Access hearing examining the SBIC program was 
        held on October 27, 2021.
           Subcommittee on Contracting and 
        Infrastructure hearing ways to modernize and improve 
        the SBA's 8(a) program was held on March 2, 2022.
           Committee held hearings on the Small 
        Business Innovation Research and Small Business 
        Technology Transfer programs on March 8, 2022, June 23, 
        2021, and May 13, 2021.
           Multiple hearings were held on the Paycheck 
        Protection Program: on March 16, 2022, a hearing was 
        held on an empirical review of the Paycheck Protection 
        Program; on September 1, 2021, a hearing was held on 
        legislative and administrative efforts to streamline 
        the forgiveness process for borrowers and lenders; on 
        March 23, 2021, a hearing was held to examine the 
        extent the FAR Credits Clause interacts with the 
        Paycheck Protection Program and its implications for 
        federal contractors; and on March 10, 2021, a hearing 
        was held examining the state of the first and second 
        draw loans, as well as loan forgiveness.
           Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax, and 
        Capital Access hearing on how SBA loan programs can 
        better meet the needs of the underserved markets was 
        held on March 29, 2022.
           Committee hearing to review how the SBA 
        supports Veteran entrepreneurs transition to civilian 
        life.
           Subcommittee on Contracting and 
        Infrastructure hearing to review and assess SBA's 
        HUBZone program was held on July 14, 2022.
           Committee hearing on small businesses 
        perspective on STEP and its effectiveness in providing 
        exporting opportunities was held on July 19, 2022.
           Committee hearing to review the relationship 
        between SBA district offices and SBA Resource Partners 
        was held on July 20, 2022.
           Committee hearing on how to improve and 
        modernize the SBA's Bond Guarantee program was held on 
        July 27, 2022.

             HEARINGS ON SBA FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

    In the 117th Congress, the Committee continued its focus on 
SBA's capital access programs. During 2021 and 2022, to date, 
numerous SBA officials, industry representatives and small 
business owners were questioned regarding frequent concerns 
about the struggle for small businesses to access capital to 
fund their operations. Below is a list of hearings that were 
held on SBA's capital access programs that were not included 
above.
           Committee hearing to examine the role of 
        CDFIs and MDIs in small business lending was held on 
        May 18, 2021.
           Committee hearing regarding the effect of 
        innovations in financial technology and online lending 
        on small businesses was held on July 13, 2022.

                    HEARINGS ON FEDERAL PROCUREMENT

    During the 117th Congress, the Committee continued to 
examine federal procurement rules as they affect small 
businesses. Below is a list of hearings that were held on 
federal procurement programs that were not included above.
           Committee hearing on contracting 
        opportunities for small businesses in the 
        Infrastructure Plan was held on June 10, 2021.
           Subcommittee on Contracting and 
        Infrastructure hearing examining the decline in the 
        small business supplier base in government contracting 
        was held on October 13, 2021.
           Committee hearing examining governmentwide 
        contracts and assessing their impact on the federal 
        small business base was held on June 14, 2021.

          HEARINGS ON SBA ENTREPRENEURIAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

    During the 117th Congress, the Committee continued to 
examine SBA's Entrepreneurial Development programs. During 2021 
and 2022, to date, numerous SBA officials, industry 
representatives and small business owners were questioned 
regarding delivery of the entrepreneurial development programs. 
Below is a list of hearings that were held on federal 
procurement programs that were not included above.
           Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax, and 
        Capital Access hearing examining federal investment in 
        innovation as a means to foster entrepreneurship was 
        held on July 14, 2021.
           Committee hearing on the boom in 
        entrepreneurship in 2020, and the changing nature of 
        the economy coming out of the pandemic was held on 
        November 3, 2021.

                                 PART D

                  Implementation of the Oversight Plan

        Subpart 1--Oversight of Federal Capital Access Programs

7(a) Program
    The Committee held numerous hearings and conducted 
oversight over the SBA's 7(a) Loan Guaranty program (7(a) 
program), which is the agency's flagship loan program. Under 
the 7(a) program, private sector lenders (mostly banks but also 
some non-depository lenders) originate commercial and working 
capital loans up to $5 million to small businesses who cannot 
access credit elsewhere. SBA guarantees 50 to 90 percent of 
each 7(a) loan made, depending on loan characteristics, 
assuring the lender that if a borrower defaults on the loan, 
SBA will purchase the loan and the lender will receive an 
agreed-upon portion of the outstanding balance. For the 
majority of 7(a) loans, SBA relies on lenders with delegated 
authority to process and service loans, and ensure borrowers 
meet the program's eligibility requirements.
    On May 18, 2022, the Committee held an oversight hearing 
and management review hearing with the Office of Capital 
Access. The Office of Capital is responsible for managing the 
agency's 7(a) program. During the hearing, Members examined the 
operations of the 7(a) program. Members also asked questions 
about SBA's success in facilitating loans being made to small 
businesses in underserved areas. Associate Administrator Kelley 
discussed the need to increase small-dollar lending in the 7(a) 
loan program and target small business in underserved markets. 
He also answered questions about improving the 7(a) program to 
make it more accessible to employee-owned businesses and those 
seeking to transition to employee ownership.
    As part of its legislative efforts, the Committee approved 
two bills to increase the Office of Credit Risk Management's 
(OCRM) oversight of 7(a) loan agents and brokers. Increased 
risk to SBA's business loan programs introduced by loan agents 
and brokers has been consistently cited by Office of Inspector 
General as a top management and performance challenge facing 
the agency, most recently in FY 2021. H.R. 4481 would require 
OCRM to establish a registration system for 7(a) agents to 
collect data to help OCRM track and evaluate loan performance 
for loans generated through loan agent activity. It also 
enhances OCRM's and the SBA Lender Oversight Committee's 
enforcement authority with respect to 7(a) agents. H.R. 4531 
would require OCRM to submit an annual report to Congress 
regarding the performance of and risk associated with 7(a) 
loans generated through loan agent activity. Both bills passed 
the House on November 2, 2021, and were received in the Senate 
and referred to the Committee on Small Business and 
Entrepreneurship on November 3, 2021.
    Also, the Committee continues to monitor the subsidy rate 
for the 7(a) program, as part of one of the Committee's long 
term oversight priorities. The Committee would like to continue 
to see SBA achieve a zero-subsidy rate for the 7(a) program, so 
it will not have to raise fees on borrowers or lenders or 
request an appropriation from Congress.
504/Certified Development Company Program
    Building on its efforts from the 116th Congress, the 
Committee held hearings, conducted oversight, and approved 
legislation to improve the 504/Certified Development Company 
program (504 loan program) in the 117th Congress. During the 
Committee's oversight hearing with the Office of Capital 
Access, Members inquired about how increasing the maximum loan 
size for manufacturers could address the supply chain issues 
the country is experiencing. During multiple other hearings, 
the Committee heard from witnesses on how the 504 loan program 
could help alleviate supply chain and manufacturing shortfalls.
    As part of its legislative oversight efforts the Committee 
helped shepherd two bills through the House (H.R. 1482 and H.R. 
1490) that would improve the 504 loan program. The two bills 
were approved by the House, under Suspension of the Rules, on 
April 15, 2021. H.R. 1482 revises the duties of the Office of 
Credit Risk Management to include oversight of a Certified 
Development Company that participates in the 504 loan program. 
H.R. 1490 updates the 504 loan program and enhances small 
manufacturers' ability to access affordable capital. The bills 
were received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on 
Small Business and Entrepreneurship on April 19, 2021.
    As part of its ongoing oversight efforts, the Committee 
continues to monitor the agency's FY23 budget request for the 
504 loan program. At the end of FY 2021, the 504 loan program 
experienced a brief but highly disruptive lending pause due to 
program due to demand exceeding authorization program. level of 
$7.5 billion. Committee staff held several meetings with SBA, 
House Appropriations staff, and stakeholders to increase the 
504-authorization cap for Fiscal Year 2022. H.R. 2471, the FY22 
Consolidated Appropriations bill, provides $11 billion for the 
504 program.
Community Advantage Program
    The Committee held many hearings examining SBA's lending 
programs, which includes the Community Advantage (CA) Pilot 
program in the 117th Congress. At these hearings, the Committee 
heard testimony in support of making the CA Pilot Program 
permanent. During the Committee oversight hearing of the Office 
of Capital Access on May 18, 2022, Associate Administrator 
Kelley mentioned the need to extend of the CA Pilot Program in 
order to assist small businesses in underserved markets.
    As part of its oversight duties, the Committee has focused 
on legislative efforts to expand SBA-backed lending in 
underserved markets to ensure SBA loans are distributed 
equitably. Also, the legislative efforts are to ensure that SBA 
lending programs meet the credit, management, and technical 
assistance needs of small businesses in underserved markets. In 
the Build Back Better Act (renamed to the Inflation Reduction 
Act), the Committee approved a recommendation to appropriate 
funds for a CA loan program. It would have provided $600 
million over 10 years to enhance, improve, and expand the CA 
program. On November 16, 2022, H.R. 9311, the ``Community 
Advantage Loan Program Permanency Act of 2022'' was introduced 
in the House. H.R. 9311 would permanently authorize the CA 
program under the Small Business Act and require SBA to provide 
free or low-cost in-person and online training upfront and on 
an ongoing basis to CA lenders.
Microloan Program
    During the 117th Congress, the Committee held hearings and 
approved legislation in its efforts to provide oversight over 
SBA's Microloan program. On March 29, 2022, the Subcommittee on 
Economic Growth, Tax, and Capital Access held a hearing on 
SBA's business loan programs and how utilize them to support 
business in underserved markets. Testimony was provided that 
indicated that SBA's Microloan program was strong and the 
default rates for the program was less than two percent. On May 
18, 2022, the Committee held an oversight hearing with the 
Office of Capital Access, which administers the program. The 
hearing provided Members of the Committee the opportunity to 
ask questions regarding the success of the program in providing 
small dollar loans to startups and small businesses.
    On April 15, 2021, the House approved two bills (H.R. 1487 
and H.R. 1502) that would improve the SBA's Microloan program. 
H.R. 1487, requires the SBA to report certain metrics related 
to the disbursement of microloans to small businesses. H.R. 
1502, optimizes the operations of the Microloan program and 
lowers costs for small business concerns and intermediary 
participants in the program. The bills were received in the 
Senate and referred to the Committee on Small Business and 
Entrepreneurship on April 19, 2021.
Small Business Investment Company Program
    In the 117th Congress, oversight of the Small Business 
Investment Company (SBIC) program was a top priority. The 
Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax, and Capital Access held a 
hearing to review the program on October 27, 2021. The hearing 
also examined proposals to target investments to 
underrepresented businesses and to improve investor diversity 
in the program. Moreover, the Subcommittee heard testimony in 
support of the establishment of a micro-SBIC license to 
increase investments in rural and underserved communities. 
Further, the Subcommittee heard about the need to update SBA's 
IT systems and to add more staff in the Office of Investment 
and Innovation.
    In order to increase investments by SBIC's in 
underrepresented businesses, the Committee included multiple 
provisions in the Committee's recommendations for the Build 
Back Better Act (renamed to the Inflation Reduction Act). 
First, the Committee recommended $9.5 billion be appropriated 
to establish a subprogram within the SBIC program--titled the 
Venture Small Business Investment Companies program--to provide 
patient capital to underserved markets and critical industries. 
The Committee also recommended providing $20 million to 
implement the Emerging Managers program, which is a mentorship 
program to pair less-experienced fund managers interested in 
getting their first SBIC license with highly-experienced SBIC 
managers to provide guidance and advice. Additionally, $40 
million was to be provided to implement the MicroCap SBIC 
license subprogram to increase SBIC diversity. Finally, the 
Committee recommended appropriating $2.5 million to expand 
awareness and utilization of the SBIC program, and $2 million 
to establish a working group to provide recommendations on how 
to increase demographic and geographic diversity in the 
program.
    Furthermore, the Committee worked on improving access to 
investment capital for small businesses by approving H.R. 4256 
on July 29, 2021. The bill would increase the amount of capital 
and surplus a financial institution or savings association may 
invest in a SBIC from 5 to 15 percent. The bill was approved by 
the House on November 2, 2021, and was received in the Senate 
and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban 
Affairs on November 3, 2021.
    As part of its continued oversight of this program, the 
Committee intends to review the recently released proposed rule 
by the SBA to create a new class of SBICs, called Accrual 
SBICs. The purpose of the Accrual SBICs to unlock more patient 
capital financing for small businesses and implement changes to 
lower financial barriers to program participation for new fund 
managers. According to the SBA, reducing financial and 
administrative barriers to participate in the SBIC program and 
modernizing the program's license offerings to align with a 
more diversified set of private funds investing in underserved 
small businesses is an Administration priority.

           Subpart 2--Oversight of Pandemic Related Programs

Paycheck Protection Program
    In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress created the 
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which was implemented with 
the assistance of the Department of Treasury. The program was 
designed to help small employers access critical financial 
assistance quickly. The Committee held numerous oversight 
hearings on the PPP to assess the effectiveness of the program 
and review the program's reach and performance, particularly to 
women, minorities, and underserved communities.
    During the 116th and 117th Congress', the Committee not 
only held numerous hearings, but also held briefings and 
meetings with SBA management, the OIG, and small businesses 
regarding PPP. In addition, the Committee has worked with the 
House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis as part of 
its oversight efforts of PPP. These oversight efforts led the 
Committee to offer legislative changes before the Second Draw 
PPP Loan that the GAO found increased lending to the smallest 
businesses and those in underserved markets.
    Moreover, the Committee's hearings with Administrator 
Guzman on March 26, 2021, and November 16, 2021, provided 
insight on steps the agency was taking to address fraud within 
the PPP. Similar hearings to address SBA's plans to address 
fraud were held with the OIG and GAO during the 117th Congress. 
At those hearings, both entities outlined program deficiencies 
and steps SBA personnel could take to address fraudulent loans. 
As part of its continued oversight, the Committee will continue 
to monitor the SBA's implementation of recommendations offered 
by the OIG and GAO.
    After multiple meetings with the OIG and the Pandemic 
Review Accountability Committee the Committee was notified to 
the fact that one of the biggest challenges in prosecuting PPP 
fraud is the discrepancy in the statute of limitations 
governing bank-originated and Fintech-originated PPP fraud. 
Most bank-originated PPP fraud is being prosecuted as bank 
fraud, which has a 10-year statute of limitations. Meanwhile, 
Fintech-originated PPP fraud must be prosecuted as wire fraud 
since Fintech companies are technically not financial 
institutions. To address this discrepancy, the Committee 
approved H.R. 7352, introduced by Chairwoman Velazquez, which 
established a statute of limitations of ten years for all PPP 
loan fraud cases. H.R. 7352 was signed into law by President 
Biden on August 5, 2022.
    Currently, the Committee is monitoring SBA's process of 
forgiving PPP loans. The Committee held hearings in 2021 and 
2022, which brought to light the fact that overpayments due to 
good faith calculation errors by the small businesses, or even 
its lender, will not be forgiven by the SBA. Currently, over 
300,000 PPP borrowers are facing financial hardship due to good 
faith loan amount miscalculations, some due to no fault of 
their own. On September 15, 2022, Congresswoman Houlahan, 
Congresswoman Chu, and Chairwoman Velazquez led a letter 
addressed to Administrator Guzman that requests SBA work with 
Congress to immediately address this issue. The Committee will 
continue to examine legislative way to fix this good faith 
error issue.
COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program
    On March 6, 2020, Congress passed legislation, which deemed 
the COVID-19 outbreak a declarable disaster under the Small 
Business Act, allowing Economic Injury Disaster Loans (COVID-19 
EIDL) to be available to small businesses. During the 117th 
Congress, the Committee has conducted robust oversight over the 
COVID-19 EIDL program. The Committee has held hearings, 
briefings, and sent inquiries to SBA in order to shed light on 
the policy issues associated with the program, and approved 
legislation to address those issues.
    During the hearings regarding the COVID-19 EIDL program, 
the Committee learned of the success of the program in helping 
to provide needed capital to help the smallest of small 
business staff afloat during the pandemic. However, the design 
of the program and the safeguards put in place when the program 
was first rolled out contributed to the significant amount of 
fraud seen today. At the Committee's January 12, 2022, hearing 
with SBA Inspector General Ware, it was estimated that there 
could be up to $80 billion in potentially fraudulent loans. 
Hearings with Administrator Guzman and Associate Administrator 
Kelley, in 2022, allowed Members to inquire about the 
improvements the Biden Administration and SBA has made to 
safeguard against fraud within the program.
    The Committee also worked with the House Select 
Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis to lead inquiries into 
SBA's management of the COVID-19 EIDL program under the Trump 
Administration. As well as, led inquiries into the contractors 
and subcontractors that were selected to help run the program. 
On February 11, 2021, the Committee and Subcommittee sent 
letters to RER, Rocket Loans, and Rapid Finance requesting 
information about the $750 million contract awarded to RER to 
manage the program. The letter highlighted the Committees were 
investigating the fraud controls for the project and the 
potential waste of taxpayer funds. On July 14, 2021, the 
Committee and Subcommittee sent a letter to SBA raising 
concerns regarding the Trump Administration's management of the 
program.
    The Committee also took legislative action to deter fraud 
within the program. The CARES Act streamlined the COVID-19 EIDL 
application process and removed the requirement that an 
applicant submit a tax return or a tax return transcript. 
However, the OIG recommended requiring a tax transcript, and 
not relying on self-certification, to verify eligibility to 
help prevent fraudulent loans from being disbursed. Congress 
addressed this issue and permitted the SBA to require an 
applicant to submit a tax return before obligating funds. In 
the 117th Congress, SBA implemented this change, which helped 
prevent the disbursement of loans to bad actors. Also, as 
discussed above with the PPP statute of limitations bill, the 
Committee approved legislation to create a 10-year statute of 
limitations for all COVID EIDL fraud, including for EIDL 
Advances and Targeted EIDL Advances. This would give 
prosecutors extra time to go after bad actors who have 
defrauded the COVID-19 EIDL program. H.R. 7352 was signed into 
law by President Biden on August 5, 2022.
    The Committee also spent a significant amount of time 
focused on the customer service operations of the COVID-19 EIDL 
program. During hearings in the 117th Congress, Members raised 
issues their constituents were experiencing to include long 
call wait times into the customer service centers, lack of 
transparency or lack of information from SBA personnel, and 
inaccurate or conflicting information provided by SBA personnel 
to applicants. The Committee also looked into SBA and Internal 
Revenue Service (IRS) issues in processing applicant tax return 
request, further discussed below. Committee staff held 
briefings with the SBA and IRS to discuss these issues. In the 
beginning of 2022, the Committee sent an inquiry to the agency 
looking for more information and answers regarding the 
processing of COVID-19 EIDL applications.
    The SBA is now in the process of servicing the COVID-19 
EIDLs, almost 4 million loans were disbursed that totaled close 
to $400 billion. An applicant has up to 30 years to pay back a 
loan. The Committee will continue its oversight to ensure that 
EIDL loan recipients are receiving the required services they 
need from the agency. Also, the Committee wants to ensure that 
the agency has the resources needed to service such a large 
portfolio.
Restaurant Revitalization Fund
    The American Rescue Plan created a Restaurant 
Revitalization Fund (RRF) and provided SBA with $28.6 billion 
for grants to qualifying food and beverage establishments, $5 
billion of which was set aside for businesses with less than 
$500,000 in gross receipts in 2019. The program had an initial 
21-day priority period where SBA is to prioritize grants to 
women or veterans owned small businesses, and other socially or 
economically disadvantaged small business concerns. It took SBA 
four months to stand up this new multibillion-dollar grant 
program. Given the amount of documentation and paperwork 
required for each application, the Committee conducted 
oversight to ensure the timely administration of the program.
    On May 26, 2021, the Committee held an oversight hearing 
examining the SBA's COVID relief programs, which included RRF. 
During the hearing Members were able to ask questions to 
Administrator Guzman about the rollout of the RRF program. They 
also asked questions about outreach for the program and 
language services being provided. During the oversight hearing, 
the Members also were told about the popularity of the program 
and how the funds for the program were exhausted in a short 
time frame.
    Additionally, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth 
Circuit ruled that the SBA's prioritization of RRF funds was 
unconstitutional under the Equal Protection Clause. In response 
to this and other rulings, the SBA sent letters to priority RRF 
applicants who had been notified that their applications had 
been approved that they will not receive funding until non-
priority applications are processed. However, the funds were 
exhausted before this could occur. On July 29, 2021, the 
Committee sent a letter to Administrator Guzman asking for more 
information regarding SBA's notification to these priority 
applicants. As part its oversight of SBA's COVID relief 
programs, the Committee has strived to ensure that small 
business in underserved markets were getting the financial 
relief that they need. During the pandemic women, minority, and 
veteran owned small businesses borne an outsized burden of the 
economic harms.
    In response to funds being exhausted for this program, the 
Committee worked on legislation (H.R. 3807), to provide $42 
billion to replenish the RRF. The bill passed the House on 
April 7, 2022, and was received in the Senate on the same day.
    As part of its oversight duties, the Committee will 
continue to examine the needs of restaurants that did not 
receive any funds from RRF, and other possible policy options 
to assist those small businesses. In fact, the Committee has 
held meetings about funds that are still leftover in the 
program that can be disbursed to eligible small businesses. 
Currently, SBA and the Department of Justice are working on 
plans to distribute those funds.

Shuttered Venues Operating Grant Fund

    The Economic Aid Act created the Shuttered Venue Operators 
Grant (SVOG) program, and provided SBA with $15 billion for 
grants to eligible live venue operators or promoters, 
theatrical producers, live performing arts organization 
operators, museum operators, motion picture theatre operators, 
or talent representatives who demonstrate revenue loss. The 
SVOG program had three different priority periods for 
applicants, depending on the amount of lost revenue. Through 
this program the SBA was able to award an initial grant up to 
45% of gross earned revenue, capped at $10 million. The 
American Rescue Plan provided an additional $1.25 billion for 
SVOG, and allowed entities to apply for both PPP and SVOG which 
was previously forbidden by the Economic Aid Act.
    As part of its oversight, the Committee held numerous 
hearings to conduct oversight over the SVOG program. On May 26, 
2021, the Committee heard from Administrator Guzman regarding 
the rollout of the program and the processing of applications. 
Members were given the opportunity to ask questions about the 
initial issues with the rollout of the program, such as the 
need to close the portal on April 8, 2021. During the SBA's 
budget hearing on April 7, 2022, Members heard from the 
Administrator regarding the agency's FY 2023 budget request for 
SBA's pandemic relief programs to include the SVOG program. 
Furthermore, the Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and 
Regulations held a hearing on the impact of SBA's pandemic 
grant programs on May 27, 2021. Members heard from the National 
Association of Theater Owners about the importance of the SVOG 
program, but also about the problems venues had in accessing 
funds from the program.
    On January 24, 2022, the Committee sent a letter to 
Administrator Guzman asking SBA to work with the Committee to 
make improvements to the program to address the economic 
impacts felt by venues due to the Omicron Variant. At the 
Committees' January 19, 2022, hearing on the creative economy, 
arts workers testified that the economic recovery for venues 
had halted because of the Omicron Variant, and additional 
assistance was needed. However, SVOG program rules restricted 
recipients of initial SVOG grants from using proceeds to cover 
expenses incurred after December 31, 2021, so, during this 
time, these venues were left without a tool to address the 
ongoing crisis. In order to address this matter, H.R. 3807, the 
``Relief for Restaurants and other Hard Hit Small Business Act 
of 2022,'' included a provision that extend the period, until 
March 11, 2023, in which SVOG recipients can use grant funds to 
cover their expenses. The bill passed the House on April 7, 
2022, and was received in the Senate on the same day. On May 
25, 2022, the bill was placed on the Senate Legislative 
Calendar under General Orders.
    Going forward, the Committee will continue its oversight 
and will monitor SBA's audits of SVOG awardees. SBA's audit 
plan will help combat the possibility of fraud and abuse within 
the SVOG program.

      Subpart 3--Oversight of Entrepreneurial Development Programs

    The SBA offers a wide range of free or low-cost counseling 
and training services through its entrepreneurial development 
ecosystem to help entrepreneurs launch and grow their small 
businesses. To deliver these resources, the SBA relies on its 
four primary Resource Partners: Small Business Development 
Centers (SBDCs), Women's Business Centers (WBCs), Service Corps 
of Retired Executives (SCORE), and Veterans Business Outreach 
Centers (VBOCs). During the 117th Congress, the Committee 
focused its oversight efforts on ensuring these programs were 
operating effectively in creating jobs at startups and 
traditional firms, meeting the needs of underserved 
populations, and using taxpayers' dollars responsibly.
    On May 19, 2021, the Subcommittee on Innovation, 
Entrepreneurship, and Workforce Development held a hearing with 
representatives from the SBDC, WBC, and SCORE programs to learn 
how these programs could be improved and strengthened through 
reauthorization. In addition, on October 6, 2021, the Committee 
held a hearing with SBA Associate Administrator Mark Madrid to 
discuss the status of SBA's counseling and training programs, 
including the SBDCs, WBCs, and SCORE, and how reauthorizing 
these programs could help improve their operation. Following 
these hearings, the Committee worked with Representative Jared 
Golden (D-ME) on H.R. 6445, the ``Small Business Development 
Center Improvement Act of 2022,'' which would reauthorize the 
SBDC program for four years, allow for the promotion and 
advertisement of the program, and strengthen oversight through 
an annual report to Congress. The Committee also worked with 
Representative Sharice Davids (D-KS) on H.R. 6441, the 
``Women's Business Center Improvement Act of 2022,'' to 
reauthorize the WBC program for four years, create an 
accreditation program for WBCs, and require annual reports to 
Congress. Lastly, the Committee worked with Representative 
Young Kim (R-CA) on H.R. 6450, the ``SCORE for Small Business 
Act of 2022,'' which reauthorizes the program for two fiscal 
years and maintains the progress and safeguards SCORE has put 
in place to bring the program in line with federal operating 
standards. These bills were marked up in Committee and passed 
the House in the 117th Congress but were not considered in the 
Senate.
    On June 8, 2022, the Committee held a hearing with 
representatives from the veteran business community to learn 
more about the Boots to Business program offered by the VBOCs 
as part of the Department of Defense's (DOD) Transition 
Assistance program (TAP) and build support for the program.. 
The Committee heard testimony from both veterans and VBOC 
employees that spoke of the success of the Boots to Business 
program, with more than 20,000 service members participating in 
the program in Fiscal Year 2021. Prior to the hearing, the 
Committee worked with Representative Bradley Schneider on H.R. 
3469, the ``Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Act of 2021,'' to 
codify the Boots to Business program for five years. H.R. 3469 
passed the House on November 2, 2021. A companion bill passed 
the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship in the 
Senate, but it was not considered by the full Senate.

         Subpart 4--Oversight of Federal Government Contracting

    One of the core functions of SBA is to ensure that a fair 
proportion of contracts and subcontracts are awarded to small 
businesses. To accomplish this mission, SBA has a wide range of 
contracting programs and supporting resources to level the 
playing field through better access to the federal procurement 
system. During the 117th Congress, the Committee focused its 
oversight activities on ensuring these programs and resources 
are implemented in a transparent manner and in accordance with 
law. In addition, the Committee focused on highlighting the 
challenges that are limiting firms from adequately competing.
    The Committee and Subcommittee on Contracting and 
Infrastructure held numerous hearings to explore the issues 
facing small businesses contractors with the federal 
government. One of the major obstacles is an initiative known 
as Category Management which was discussed in two separate 
hearings held on October 13, 2021, and June 14, 2022. Taking 
into consideration how this initiative has significantly 
disrupted the procurement landscape, the Committee asked 
Administrator Guzman about the Agency's efforts to increase 
participation and opportunities for small businesses in federal 
government contracting during the April 27, 2022 hearing. 
Similarly, during an oversight hearing with the Associate 
Administrator of the Office of Government Contracting and 
Business Development, Ms. Bibi Hildalgo, Members inquired about 
small business participation on federal contracts. Associate 
Administrator testified that the agency is monitoring the 
progress of all agencies towards congressionally mandated goals 
for small businesses contracting and is fully committed to 
equity in procurement. They also heard about updates to the IT 
platform for all certification programs and the work done by 
the Administration to increase the federal contracting goal for 
small and disadvantaged firms. Aligned with these efforts, the 
Committee sent a letter to the Office of Management and Budget 
on March 23, 2022, in response to a Memorandum titled 
``Advancing Equity in Federal Procurement.'' In this letter, 
the Committee inquired about certain policies included in the 
Memo, which range from increasing the goals for socioeconomic 
small business participation to reforms regarding Category 
Management.
    The Committee also studied an initiative known as the 
Cybersecurity Maturity Model (CMMC), which seeks to protect the 
Defense Industrial Base (DIB) from cyber-attacks. In this 
respect, the Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and 
Regulations held a hearing on June 24, 2021, to discuss the 
impact of the CMMC model on the DIB and the importance of 
balancing cybersecurity with maintaining a diverse and robust 
industrial base. Consequently, a provision was included in the 
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 
requiring the Department of Defense to report on the effects of 
the CMMC framework on small businesses.
    As part of its legislative oversight of the SBA's 
contracting programs, the Committee held multiple hearings to 
discuss specific programs and ways to improve them. For 
example, the Committee held a hearing on the Surety Bond 
Guaranty program on July 27, 2022, and the Subcommittee on 
Contracting and Infrastructure held hearings on the 8(a) 
program and the HUBZone program on March 2, 2022, and July 14, 
2022, respectively. Equally important, the Committee approved 
three measures to make the programs more robust and 
transparent. H.R. 5879, the ``HUBZone Price Evaluation 
Preference Clarification Act of 2021,'' clarifies that the 
price evaluation preference applies to task orders. This 
clarification will help create a more equitable contracting 
system and allows federal agencies to spend more funds with 
HUBZone firms. H.R. 7670, the ``WOSB Program Transparency 
Act,'' requires the SBA to report the number and total dollar 
amounts of contracts awarded under the Women-Owned Small 
Business Federal Contracting program. Finally, H.R. 7694, the 
``Strengthening Subcontracting for Small Businesses Act of 
2022,'' encourages compliance with subcontracting plans. All 
three bills were approved by the House on June 8, 2022.
    The Committee also worked on numerous bipartisan 
contracting provisions, some of which were included in the 
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 and the 
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023. In 
addition to the CMMC provision, the 2022 NDAA includes a 
provision to protect small contractors by exempting the Miller 
Act thresholds from periodic adjustments for inflation and a 
provision authorizing the SBA's Office of Hearings and Appeals 
to decide appeals relating to qualified HUBZone small business 
concerns. Similarly, the 2023 NDAA includes a provision to 
require additional data and codify the Small Business Scorecard 
in the Small Business Act, and another to strengthen a 
reporting requirement about bundled and consolidated contracts.
    Finally, the Committee engaged in various efforts to 
promote contracts with small businesses. For example, on 
January 20, 2021, President Biden announced a national strategy 
to respond to the pandemic which included increasing production 
of testing and PPE by leveraging the Defense Production Act. In 
response to this announcement, Chairwoman Velazquez and 
Subcommittee Chairman Mfume, sent a letter to President Biden 
to request that any effort to leverage the Defense Production 
Act to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic should include small 
businesses, in particular minority-owned businesses.

                 Subpart 5--Oversight of SBA Management

    The Committee actively oversees the management of SBA 
through hearings, letters, and meetings with agency officials 
and industry representatives. The SBA assists small businesses 
through business loans, loan guarantees, counseling, and 
contracting preferences. A primary concern for the Committee is 
to ensure that adequate levels of funding are available to 
fully implement SBA programs.
    The Committee held multiple hearings with Administrator 
Guzman in the 117th Congress. The hearings reviewed SBA's 
management of the pandemic relief programs, capital access 
programs--specifically efforts undertaken by SBA to improve 
access to capital for underserved small businesses and small-
dollar borrowers, government contracting programs, and 
entrepreneurial development programs.
    At the Committee hearing with Administrator Guzman to 
discuss the SBA's FY 2023 budget on April 27, 2022, the 
Administrator announced the creation of a new Fraud Risk 
Management Board (FRMB), and the appointment of a Special 
Counsel for Enterprise Risk. The Committee was pleased at the 
steps the SBA was taken to address fraud withing the current 
pandemic relief programs and to create a system to prevent 
fraud in its programs going forward. Prior to the hearing, the 
Committee learned of the FRMB and asked for additional 
information from the agency regarding SBA's new fraud oversight 
strategy. The Committee also wanted to ensure that the new 
strategy was in conformance with the GAO's Fraud Risk 
Framework. The Committee intends to continue to provide 
oversight over SBA's implementation of a fraud risk strategy 
and the work conducted by the FRMB.
    As discussed in other sections of the report, the Committee 
has been steadfast in its oversight of the billions of dollars 
that were disbursed by SBA as part its pandemic relief 
programs. These programs will need to be monitored for years to 
come.
    Also, of concern to the Committee was the transfer of the 
management of the disaster lending program from the Office of 
Disaster Assistance to the Office of Capital Access, which was 
announced by Associate Administrator Kelley at the Committee's 
oversight hearing of the Office of Capital Access. Because of 
the importance of the disaster lending program in helping 
businesses and homeowners, the Committee followed-up with this 
agency regarding this transfer. The Committee wanted to get a 
better and more detailed understanding regarding the program 
change, and how it would impact the agency's long standing and 
proven disaster loan program.
    As discussed in further detail above, the Committee was 
concerned about SBA's FY 2023 budget request to reduce funding 
for the CDC/504 loan program. The Committee raised these 
objections in its May 17, 2022, Views and Estimates Letter, 
which was transmitted to the Committee on Budget a required by 
House Rules and the Congressional Budget Act. In the letter the 
Committee also raised concerns about SBA's funded unproven 
pilot programs, in particular the Committee believes that 
instead of funding the Cybersecurity for Small Business Pilot 
program the agency should instead focus its efforts on 
improving cybersecurity assistance offered by its existing 
network of entrepreneurial development service providers In 
addition, the letter requests increased funding and support for 
the Small Business Centers, Women's Business Centers, State 
Trade Expansion Program, the Native American Outreach program, 
the Small Business Set-Aside programs, the Office of Field 
Operations, Office of Information Technology, and the Office of 
Rural Affairs.
    On October 15, 2021, the OIG released its report on the 
most serious management and performance challenges facing the 
SBA in Fiscal Year 2022. And on November 30, 2021, the OIG 
released its Semiannual Report to Congress (April 1, 2021 
through September 30, 2021), which highlighted its independent 
oversight of the SBA, as required by law. On January 12, 2022, 
the Committee held an oversight hearing to examine the 
management and performance challenges identified in the OIG's 
FY 2022 report, the OIG's Semiannual Report, and discuss SBA's 
efforts to address these challenges.
    Finally, throughout this Congress, the Committee also held 
several management review hearings to evaluate budgetary 
requests, financial management, and reporting goals in each of 
the offices at SBA. The respective Associate Administrator from 
each department testified before the Committee at these 
hearings, which are detailed throughout this report. Moreover, 
Committee staff met regularly with Associate Administrators and 
other SBA employees to conduct oversight.

    Subpart 6--Oversight of Federal Regulatory and Paperwork Burdens

    During the 117th Congress, the Committee continued to 
prioritize oversight of federal agency regulations and 
paperwork requirements to ensure small businesses are not 
unduly burdened. On Wednesday, April 6, 2022, the Subcommittee 
on Underserved, Agricultural, and Rural Business Development, 
held an oversight hearing with the Office of Advocacy. Mr. 
Major Clark III, Deputy Chief Counsel for Advocacy, testified 
about the Office's role in elevating the concerns of small 
businesses through the Federal rulemaking process. The hearing 
also examined Advocacy's role in monitoring agencies' 
compliance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA).
    Legislatively, the Committee worked with former 
Representative Antonio Delgado (D-NY) to advance H.R. 4877, the 
``One Stop Shop for Small Business Compliance Act of 2021,'' 
which would require the SBA and Agriculture Regulatory 
Enforcement Ombudsman (Ombudsman) to create a centralized 
website for compliance guides. H.R. 4877 would reduce the 
administrative burden on small businesses by housing small 
business compliance guides for any rule for which an agency 
must prepare a final regulatory flexibility analysis in one 
place. In addition, H.R. 4877 requires the Ombudsman to report 
to Congress on federal agencies' compliance with the Small 
Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (SBREFA). 
H.R. 4877 was signed into law by President Biden on October 10, 
2022 (Pub. L. No. 117-188).
    As part of its ongoing oversight efforts, the Committee 
continued to monitor federal agencies compliance with the 
SBREFA, which requires agencies to report to Congress annually 
on small entity compliance guides that are required for every 
final rule that has a significant impact on a substantial 
number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

              Subpart 7--Oversight of Federal Tax Matters 

    During the 117th Congress, the Committed conducted 
oversight of tax issues that arose with the processing of 
COVID-19 EIDL and PPP applications. In 2021, SBA started 
requiring COVID-19 EIDL applicants to submit a copy of their 
tax return with their application so their information could be 
verified in order to prevent fraud within the program. In order 
to receive a copy of the tax return, the SBA would send a Form 
4506-T to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to process the tax 
return request for the applicant. During the Committee's 
oversight, which included meetings and briefings, it found that 
delays at the IRS and administrative errors by the SBA 
detrimentally impacted COVID-19 EIDL applicants receiving their 
loans in a timely manner.
    In addition, Chairwoman Velazquez sent a letter to 
Secretary Yellen at the Department of Treasury and 
Administrator Guzman at the SBA regarding the high number of 
PPP loan application denials of business owners whose ITINs 
numbers were expired by the IRS. This issue adversely impacted 
immigrant business owners from receiving PPP loans and relief 
from other SBA programs.

              Subpart 8--Oversight of Health Care Policy 

    With the impact of the pandemic on small businesses and 
their employees nationwide, the Committee conducted oversight 
of the pandemic healthcare policies that affected small 
businesses during the 117th Congress. On November 4, 2021, 
President Biden and the Department of Labor's Occupation Safety 
and Health Administration (OSHA) issued the details of a 
requirement for employers with 100 or more employees to ensure 
workers are fully vaccinated or face testing for COVID-19 on a 
weekly basis. The OSHA Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) will 
also require that these employers provide paid time for 
employees to get vaccinated, and ensure all unvaccinated 
workers wear a face mask in the workplace. In response to this 
ETS, the Committee held a bipartisan briefing for Members to 
get a better understanding of how the ETS was going to protect 
employees and customers, and the potential impact of this 
policy on small businesses.

                 Subpart 9--Oversight of Energy Policy

    In the 117th Congress, several hearings were held detailing 
how small businesses can be involved in the clean energy 
economy. On July 21, 2021, the Subcommittee on Oversight, 
Investigations, and Regulations held a hearing regarding the 
role small businesses can play in addressing climate change and 
the impact of climate change on small businesses. The hearing 
also discussed opportunities for small businesses in the clean 
energy economy. The Subcommittee on Innovation, 
Entrepreneurship, and Workforce Development held a hearing on 
July 27, 2021, that examined the opportunities for small 
businesses, workers, and consumers in the clean energy economy. 
The clean energy economy has the potential to create millions 
of good-paying jobs across tens of thousands of businesses 
while lowering energy prices for consumers. The Subcommittee on 
Underserved, Agricultural, and Rural Business Development held 
a hearing about the role of sustainable forestry and how small 
businesses across this sector are helping to address climate 
change on September 29, 2021.

                 Subpart 10--Oversight of Trade Policy

    The State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) aims to increase 
the number of small businesses that export and raise the value 
of existing small business exporters. The SBA Associate 
Administer of the Office of International Trade is responsible 
for overseeing the program and awards matching funds to states 
and territories for participation in trade missions, 
international marketing efforts, workshops, export trade show 
exhibits, and other promotional activities. In the 117th 
Congress, the Committee worked to ensure the STEP program meets 
the needs of its participants and expands access to export 
markets across the country, in preparation for the 
reauthorization of the program.
    On July 19, 2022, the Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax, 
and Capital Access held a hearing to learn about the importance 
of STEP for small businesses. Economic development officials 
from Georgia and New Jersey highlighted how STEP has been a 
valuable resource for the small businesses in their states. On 
September 20, 2022, the Committee held an oversight hearing 
with the Office of International Trade. The hearing gave 
Members an opportunity to learn more about the Office's 
operations implementation of its flagship exporting program for 
small businesses, STEP. During the hearing, Associate 
Administrator Esparaza acknowledged that some states were 
concerned with the administrative requirements of the STEP 
grant. He committed to work on those issues and improving the 
effectiveness and efficiency of the program.
    On September 21, 2022, the Committee approved H.R. 8844, 
the ``STEP Improvement Act of 2022,'' which would reauthorize 
STEP for 4 fiscal years. In addition, the legislation would 
improve the implementation of the program by creating a 
standardized application process, increasing spending 
flexibility for grant recipients, improving communication 
between SBA and States, collecting performance metrics and 
reporting to Congress. H.R. 8844, was approved by the House on 
XX, and was received in the Senate and referred to the 
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship on December 6, 
2022.
    Moreover, although under related to STEP, the Committee 
looked at other ways to increase international trade 
opportunities for small businesses. In doing so, the Committee 
approved a measure, H.R. 6454, which makes clear that the 
Office of Advocacy has the authority to examine international 
economic data, and represent small business interests in 
international discussions, particularly in trade negotiations. 
The Office of Advocacy has participated in a number of 
international regulatory cooperation and international trade 
initiatives that have impacted small businesses. Their ability 
to conduct outreach to small business sectors and examine the 
potential economic effects of agreements on small businesses 
can help level the playing field for small businesses, and in 
turn, open vast new markets for smaller firms. H.R. 6454 was 
approved by the House on April 26, 2022.

                 Subpart 11--Oversight of Agriculture 

    During the 117th Congress, the Committee conducted hearings 
and oversight on the important role small businesses play in 
the agriculture sector of the economy. Small businesses are 
engaged in a wide range of farm and food related activities as 
producers, distributors, and retailers domestically and in the 
international market. The Subcommittee on Underserved, 
Agricultural, and Rural Development held a hearing on September 
14, 2022, on the impacts of repair restrictions on farmers and 
businesses in rural communities. The Subcommittee heard 
testimony regarding the hardships on farmers caused by the fact 
that they cannot repair their equipment immediately due to the 
repair restrictions. On June 16, 2021, the Subcommittee on 
Underserved, Agricultural, and Rural Development held a hearing 
examining leveraging investments in broadband to support small 
businesses. During the hearing Mr. Tim Waibel, President of the 
Minnesota Corn Growers Association, testified that modern 
farmers need reliable and affordable internet to utilize the 
technologies to run a successful farm. Finally, during a 
Committee hearing on the SBA's SBIC program on October 27, 
2021, Mr. John Mickelson, Managing Partner of Midwest Growth 
Partners, testified that Rural Business Investment Companies 
licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture should be able 
to draw leftover funds from the SBIC program.

Subpart 12--Oversight of Technology, Competition, and Innovation Policy

    During the 117th Congress, the Committee held hearings and 
conducted oversight on the importance of innovation, 
competition, and cybersecurity. The Committee also addressed 
how the lack of access to broadband is impacting rural 
communities, and the Committee conducted oversight on SBA's 
efforts to modernize its legacy technology systems, such as 
Certify.gov. The Committee also examined the systems used to 
implement the PPP loan and COVID-19 EIDL programs.

Competition

    On March 1, 2022, the Committee held a hearing to examine 
the history of antitrust law and the historical importance of 
encouraging fair competition and their potential impacts on 
small firms. In particular, the hearing focused on whether 
America's competition policy has stifled small business 
innovation. In addition, the hearing examined policies that 
could be instituted that would create a level playing field for 
small businesses when they compete with larger corporations.
    The Committee sent a letter to the Federal Trade Commission 
and the Department of Justice on July 1, 2022, to submit their 
findings and policy recommendations to promote competitive 
labor markets and worker mobility in the creative economy that 
resulted from a workshop the two agencies held titled, ``Making 
Competition Work: Promoting Competition in Labor Markets.'' In 
response to the letter, the two agencies held a briefing for 
the Committee highlighting their work in this field, 
specifically the steps they are taking to promote competition 
in the creative industry and to protect and help workers that 
are employed in the industry.

Cybersecurity

    The Committee, in the 117th Congress, has been focused on 
enhancing resources and conducting oversight of the SBA's 
cybersecurity efforts. This includes reviewing the agency's 
internal cybersecurity plans and plans to assist small 
businesses in defending themselves from cyberattacks. The 
financial and reputational harms of a cyberattack can be 
devastating for a small business, and the Committee wants to 
ensure that the resources are available protect these 
businesses from bad actors.
    In the 117th Congress, as part of its legislative oversight 
efforts, the Committee approved three bills that would address 
the increasing evolving cyberattacks aimed at small businesses. 
The three bills are as follows: H.R. 3462, directs the SBA to 
issue reports on its cybersecurity infrastructure and issue 
reports in the event of cyberthreats, breaches, and 
cyberattacks at the agency; H.R. 4515, helps Small Business 
Development Centers become better equipped to assist small 
businesses with their cybersecurity needs; and H.R. 4513, would 
facilitate greater collaboration between small businesses and 
the federal government, and ultimately fortify our nation's 
cyber defenses. H.R. 3462 passed by the House on November 2, 
2021, and was recently passed by the Senate, with an amendment 
on December 6, 2022. H.R. 4515 passed the House on November 2, 
2021, and was received in the Senate and referred to the 
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship on November 3, 
2021. H.R. 4513 was reported to the House on October 12, 2021.

SBIR/STTR

    On March 8, 2022, the Committee on Small Business held an 
oversight hearing titled ``Overview of the Small Business 
Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology 
Transfer (STTR) programs.'' This was the third hearing in a 
series on the SBIR and STTR programs, which were set to expire 
on September 30, 2022. The sole witness was Mr. John Williams, 
the Director of Innovation and Technology for the SBA's Office 
of Investment and Innovation (OII). SBA OII is responsible for 
coordinating policy across the 11 participating agencies, 
monitoring implementation of the programs, maintaining policy 
directives, and developing annual reports. Director Williams 
raised concerns about the fast-approaching expiration date of 
the programs and the consequences of a shut down on small 
business innovators and federal research agencies.
    After months of bipartisan and bicameral negotiations, the 
Committee finalized an agreement. The House passed S. 4900, the 
``SBIR and STTR Extension Act of 2022'' to reauthorize the 
SBIR, STTR, and pilot programs for three years (through 9/30/
2025) to provide stability and certainty for the small 
businesses and the agencies that rely on their technology. It 
also expands federal research security practices within the 
SBIR and STTR programs to protect against technology theft by 
malign foreign governments, requires the Department of Defense 
to increase the use of open topic solicitations to attract new 
ideas and new firms, raises the performance standards for more 
experienced firms while preserving the golden standard of 
competition based on merit-based, best science rather than 
award caps or quotas, and requires new reports by the OIG and 
GAO. President Biden signed the bill into law on September 30, 
2022, P.L. 117-183.

          Subpart 13--Oversight of Labor and Workforce Policy 

    The Committee held hearings to analyze the workforce needs 
of small businesses often through the lens of workforce 
development programs. The Committee held a hearing on September 
15, 2022, on the importance of apprenticeship and training 
programs to assist small businesses in hiring and retaining 
high-skilled workers, and held a hearing on March 31, 2022, on 
how apprenticeships can be used to build a skilled workforce to 
meet the needs of small businesses. The Committee also examined 
innovations in community college programs to help retool the 
American workforce. Also, the Committee held hearings on how 
investments in infrastructure could help create millions of 
good paying jobs for American workers.
    On May 11, 2022, the Committee approved H.R. 7622, the 
``Small Business Workforce Pipeline Act of 2022,'' and H.R. 
7664, the ``Supporting Small Business and Career and Technical 
Education Act of 2022.'' These two pieces of legislation will 
help small firms attract and retain qualified workforces by 
utilizing apprenticeships and career and technical education 
programs. Both bills were approved by the House on June 8, 
2022. Both bills were received in the Senate and referred to 
the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship on June 9, 
2022.