Legislative Updates

The Subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet and the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection are holding a joint hearing titled, "Behavioral Advertising: Industry Practices and Consumers' Expectations" on Thursday, June 18, 2009, in 2123 Rayburn House Office Building. The hearing will examine the potential privacy implications of behavioral advertising. Read hearing details here.

The Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection held a hearing entitled "The Proposed Consumer Financial Protection Agency: Implications for Consumers and FTC" on Wednesday, July 8, 2009, in room 2123 Rayburn House Office Building. The hearing examined the Administration's proposal to create a new agency responsible for consumer protection with regard to financial products and services. Read hearing details here.

The Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection held a hearing titled, "It's Too Easy Being Green: Defining Fair Green Marketing Practices" on Tuesday June 9, 2009, in 2123 Rayburn House Office Building. The hearing examined "green" marketing claims, their interpretation by consumers, and the role of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in establishing guidelines for fair and effective green marketing practices. Read hearing details here.

The Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection held a hearing titled, "Examining the Status of U.S. Trade with Cuba and its Impact on Economic Growth" on Monday, April 27, 2009, in 2123 Rayburn House Office Building. The hearing examined the economic embargo against Cuba in the context of the global financial downturn and explore the potential economic impact of normalizing U.S.-Cuba trade relations. Read hearing details here.

The Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection held a hearing titled, 'Stimulating the Economy through Trade: Examining the Role of Export Promotion' at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17, 2009, in 2322 Rayburn House Office Building. The hearing examined the role of exports in U.S. economic growth, the impact of export promotion programs sponsored by the federal government, and the assistance available to help U.S. businesses expand markets for U.S. products. Read hearing details here.

Economic Recovery: Tax Stimulus Items that Benefitted Small Business with a Look Ahead
The Committee analyzed how the tax provisions contained in the stimulus package have helped small businesses and how future policies can further meet their needs. The Committee heard testimony from a wide array of industries including those in manufacturing and retail. Read Chairwoman Nydia Velazquez's Opening Remarks here: http://www.house.gov/smbiz/Statements/2009/tax-stimulus-items.html

House Small Business Administration Statements & Press Releases:

Velázquez Works to Bring Relief to Local Businesses

Addressing Small Business Needs Key to Health Care Reform

Smuggled Textiles, Clothing Products Undercutting U.S. Producers, Costing Jobs

Committee Examines Legislation Updating Small Business Research Programs

Velázquez Hails Arrival of New Recovery Loans

House Panel Passes Legislation Updating Small Business Research Programs

In Midst of Recession, Small Firms Struggle to Find Credit

House Panel Examines Legislation to Update Small Business Research Programs

House Approves Job Creating Small Business Research Bill

House Passes Funding Boost for Small Business Administration

Statement on Legislative Initiatives to Strengthen and Modernize the SBIR and STTR Programs

Statement on the Economic Recovery: Tax Stimulus Items that Benefitted Small Businesses with a Look Ahead

MAY

Congressional Legislative Updates

On Wednesday, May 13, 2009, the House Committee on Small Business marked-up "The Job Creation through Entrepreneurship Act of 2009" (HR 2352). It would be the first major revision of entrepreneurial development programs in ten years, if enacted. Entrepreneurial development programs provide established small business owners and prospective entrepreneurs with business counseling and technical guidance to assist them in their business development. Chairwoman of the House Small Business Committee, Nydia Velazquez, expressed the importance of expanding resources available to small businesses that will "spur job creation and economic growth."Given these uncertain times, access to technical assistance is especially critical. In some cases, it can mean the difference between a business' success, and its failure," says Velazquez.

Reports and Releases

House Committee on Small Business Report: Small Business Economic Outlook: Assesing Current Conditions and Challenges to Growth.

Velázquez Calls for More Small Business Input in Regulatory Reform

Easing Small Business Tax Burden Would Spur Jobs

Statement of Senator John F. Kerry on Business Start-up Hurdles in Underserved Communities: Access to Venture Capital and Entrepreneurship Training

APRIL

GWFCC on Capitol Hill

On Wednesday, April 15, 2009, GWFCC president Christine Brooks-Cropper and government affairs associate Carolou Goodridge met with Representative Charles Rangel's office to discuss creating a national Fashion Business Caucus on Capitol Hill and establishing Fashion Business Incubators across the country. We will continue to work with his office in these efforts as well as secure support from other Members of Congress. We will be sure to update you on our progress.

Congressional Legislative Updates

H.R. 1807 - Educating Entrepreneurs through Today's Technology Act of 2009- To provide distance learning to potential and existing entrepreneurs.

H.R. 1838 - The Women's Business Centers Improvements Act of 2009- To amend the Small Business Act to modify certain provisions relating to women's business centers.

H.R. 1842 - The Expanding Entrepreneurship Act of 2009- To amend the Small Business Act to improve the Small Business Administration's entrepreneurial development programs.

H.R. 1845 - The Small Business Development Centers Modernization Act of 2009- To amend the Small Business Act to modernize Small Business Development Centers.

HR 2196: The Design Piracy Prohibition Act (DPPA) is bipartisan legislation which provides copyright protections and creates a three-year term of protection for fashion designs. Every design that has been available for sale prior to enactment will be considered by the DPPA to be in the public domain; only unique and original designs from then on would be protected from fashion piracy. Read the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) statement of the bill here.

To keep up with the latest in co-sponsorship and legislative action on HR 2196, check here periodically.

DC City Council Legislation and Agenda

Small Business Loan Authority Act of 2009: To authorize the loan of money to, and equity investment in, the Neighborhood Economic Development Corporation (NEDCO) by the District. NEDCO was established for the purpose of stimulating economic development in District neighborhoods, creating additional employment opportunities for residents of the District, and providing financial and technical assistance to small and minority business enterprises within the District.

Small Business Streetscape Construction Real Property Tax Deferral Emergency Act of 2009: To declare the existence of an emergency with respect to the need to grant tax deferral relief to small businesses located along specific streetscape corridors undergoing active construction. This tax deferral will not reduce the amount of taxes owed the city but will simply spread payment out and allow maximum cash flow for affected small businesses.

Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Request Act of 2009: Introduced march 23, 2009 by Chairman Vincent Gray at the request of the Mayor. See: Economic Development Special Fund and Business Tax information.

Trade and Commerce Updates

United States-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act