Sam Graves

I don't want to run into one. I don't.

I think most all the questions have been asked, but a couple of comments I would like to make...

Over 130 members of Congress--including Chairman Graves and other Small Business Committee leaders--along with dozens of organizations that serve rural America encouraged the FCC to act through a series of letters earlier this year.

Do not bring me a problem without a solution.

We are reducing the scope in terms of the Clean Water Act, did you not?

The EPA has a real problem. Congress does not trust you. Farmers do not trust you. The public does not trust you.

When you say no discharge, discharge can include dirt and sand runoff. Water, rainwater.

If you could convince your superiors to withdraw this rule, your credibility would skyrocket in the EPA.

I think this is, you know, is far-reaching.

Its recent rulemakings are an unprecedented power grab that are infringing on the rights of both the individual and small business owners.

... the reauthorization which has 41 provisions, which 34 of those applied directly to the Department of Defense, we have successfully implemented all 34 of those as of today.

This extraordinary intrusion into the lives of many farmers, ranchers and small business owners has the likely potential to be economically devastating and must be stopped.

EPA and Corps are proposing to expand the jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act to include nearly every damp patch of land in the United States.

The EPA and the Corps failed to do the assessments that they were supposed to do under the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

Removing the term 'navigable' out of the Clean Water Act... failed the people's house by folks that are voted on by constituents.

However, few regulations examined at these previous hearings are as expansive and potentially damaging to small businesses as the recently proposed 'Waters of the United States' rule.

In my four years as chairman, the Committee on Small Business has held more than 20 hearings examining the effects of regulations on small businesses and the economy.

This proposed rule creates more confusion, not less.

The will of the people was done, and this was defeated.

Under this proposed rule, farmers, ranchers, home builders, and a variety of other small businesses could find their lands and livelihoods subject to the Clean Water Act jurisdiction for the very first time.

In creating programs that provide entrepreneurial training, mentorship, financial assistance, and networking opportunities, private organizations have stepped up to the plate for our nation's returning heroes.

We are fortunate to have with us a group of veteran entrepreneurs and small business owners, and we look forward to hearing all of their stories.

Today, this hearing, I think it is going to be a very informative hearing.

The unemployment rate for these younger veterans is higher than that of their civilian counterparts and is one of the many challenges that they face transitioning into civilian life.

Despite the obstacles associated with this readjustment from military service, veterans possess a unique set of skills learned in the military.