On the recordJanuary 25, 2023
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support the Small Business Advocacy Improvements Act. Small businesses help make up the foundation of our country's economy, with over half of Americans owning or working for small businesses. As the driving force behind our economy, it is crucial that the government uplift them at every possible point. This bill clarifies the function and duties of the Office of Advocacy of the Small Business Administration to allow the Office of Advocacy to represent the views and interests of small businesses before foreign governments and international entities. This will allow American small businesses to be better represented in international markets and in negotiations with foreign entities. Whether domestic or abroad, our small businesses deserve a seat at the table if discussions are going to affect the bottom line. My district is an international hub. We have some of the most important and highest traffic ports in the United States. Louisiana businesses connect with diverse companies and international markets across the globe every day. This bill will ensure that small business owners have someone at the table fighting for them. I will continue to do everything in my power to support American small businesses so they can better compete in the international market. I thank our chair and Congressman Luetkemeyer for working with me on this important bipartisan bill. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this measure.





