On the recordJune 9, 2016
I rise reluctantly in opposition to the amendment offered by the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Duffy). The House Small Business Committee that I happen to chair has jurisdiction over the SBA's HUBZone program. Our committee has not yet had the opportunity to have oversight hearings on the program during this session, and I don't believe it would be prudent to adopt this amendment until the committee has had the opportunity to perform its due diligence. In discussions with interested parties during the development of this legislation, I suggested language that would require the GAO to issue a report on Small Business Administration programs in Puerto Rico, including contract activities relating to HUBZone small businesses concerns. That language is contained in the underlying text. That report, coupled with committee oversight work, I believe, will ensure that what Congress ultimately does will, in fact, help Puerto Rico's small businesses. I reserve the balance of my time.
