Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that we are considering H.R. 7102, the Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act.

Let me begin by commending Ms. Davids for her leadership and bipartisan efforts to codify the Office of Native American Affairs at SBA. She is a valued member of the Committee on Small Business and has remained committed to working with stakeholders to make this bill a reality.

The office has been a tremendous resource for American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians seeking to launch and grow their small businesses. Throughout the year, it engages in several outreach activities, including consultations, development and distribution of promotional materials, and participation in national economic development conferences.

Codifying the office would ensure that Tribal small businesses have access to SBA's full range of business development tools regardless of the administration.

Importantly, the legislation requires that the assistant administrator report directly to the Administrator, ensuring the voice of the Tribal communities will be heard at SBA.

I also thank Mr. Crane for joining Ms. Davids in her efforts, and I strongly support this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to support the bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Davids).

Mr. Speaker, Native American-owned businesses are powerful economic engines, contributing over $33 billion to the U.S. economy every year and employing more than 200,000 people in their communities.

By enhancing the Office of Native American Affairs, SBA will be able to work on behalf of Indian Country and better target resources to Indian Tribes.

I once again thank Representatives Davids and Crane for their bipartisan work to provide assistance to these critically important businesses and entrepreneurs.

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