Erik Paulsen: “Over the last 3 years, the number of regulations imposed on small businesses has grown considerably. This year alone…”

“Over the last 3 years, the number of regulations imposed on small businesses has grown considerably. This year alone, the Federal Register has ballooned to a staggering 41,662 pages, burying our Nation's small businesses in paperwork and red tape. But it's not all about page numbers. There are very real implications to our economic recovery as a result of the increased burden on small businesses. Nearly half of all small businesses say they aren't hiring because of red tape. They are spending vital time and energy and money on navigating the tidal wave of regulations that is coming out of Washington. These are resources that could be used to invest in new equipment and expand and hire in their payrolls. Mr. Speaker, this week the House will take action, action aimed to freeze onerous regulations, to streamline the permitting process for construction projects, and create transparency within regulatory agencies so that employers can have more time and more energy and more resources to growing and expanding their businesses and, ultimately, creating jobs. Mr. Speaker, it's time to help small businesses get out from under the red tape coming from Washington. ____________________”