Nydia M. Velazquez: “Mr. Speaker, even though small businesses serve as the engine of the economy, the critical role they play is often…”

“Mr. Speaker, even though small businesses serve as the engine of the economy, the critical role they play is often overlooked during the development and implementation of Federal policies. This oversight often results in a myriad of problems and regulations that have little benefit, or, in some cases, negative impact on this Nation's small businesses. To make sure small business has a voice in the Federal Government, Congress created the Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy 25 years ago to defend, strengthen and represent small businesses in the legislative and executive rule-making process. To accomplish this, Advocacy, and in particular the chief counsel, has the unique power to take positions that are contrary to the administration. This ability to 'call them as he sees them' allows Advocacy to put aside much of the partisan tone that all too often creeps into policy, and has just one standard: is it good for this Nation's small businesses? Under this charge, the Office of Advocacy works to reduce legal and regulatory mandates that disproportionately burden small businesses.”