The employee-ownership model provides employees with an opportunity to own a stake in the company that they work for.

One of the most significant decisions a business must make is how to structure its organization.

Chairwoman Velazquez authored the Main Street Employee Ownership Act of 2018.

I know this Committee would like to continue to work with the SBA to ensure these programs run effectively and efficiently on behalf of the small businesses that truly need the SBA's services.

Expecting, anticipating that answer, let me ask the question in another way.

As you stated in your testimony, the SBA lending programs are reserved for 'creditworthy small businesses that otherwise would not be able to access capital to start or expand their business.'

As you know, Congress passed, and President Trump signed into law the Small Business 7(a) Lending Oversight Reform Act in the last Congress.

However, with any Federal Government program, vigorous and comprehensive oversight is mandatory to safeguard American taxpayer dollars.

Financing for a small business, entrepreneur or startup is the fuel that turns the Nation's economic engine on and propels it forward.

I have also been a long-time supporter of the Mexico City policy, both in this administration and I would like to thank President Trump for that and under President Bush's administration.

Unfortunately, as our economy moves forward, access to capital remains one of the top challenges for the Nation's job creators.

the Chairwoman and I led efforts to codify this office and to ensure that it remains a top priority moving forward.

We do not complement witness around here that much, so that is pretty good.

I am very glad to hear that you are trying to be as on top of, as much as possible, cybersecurity.

Thank you, Madam Chairwoman. And thank you for holding this hearing today.

So, and I think that is huge.

The offices that he oversees must be as nimble and as quick as the small businesses that populate Main Streets all across America.

I would urge you to continue that. Thank you for doing that.

This important hearing will explore the office at the SBA charged with executing and implementing many of the resources available to small businesses, entrepreneurs and startups.

It is with a heavy heart that I rise today to honor two iconic Cincinnati leaders who passed away over the weekend. On Saturday, we lost longtime Hamilton County Commissioner and former Cincinnati City Councilman Todd Portune. Todd was a…

This Committee strives to create an atmosphere where small businesses can grow.

I want to thank Chris Smith for his leadership and his commitment to advancing pro-life legislation for literally decades now. He has been a leader for many of us, and we have watched and followed in his footsteps in many ways. A previous…

Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you for holding this important meeting today.

Today, as you indicated, the Committee will address the need for increased diversity in U.S. patents.

In the last Congress, I was involved in helping to get the SUCCESS Act passed.