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Hearings

The State of Trade for America’s Small Businesses



The Committee on Small Business will meet for a hearing titled, “The State of Trade for America’s Small Businesses.”  The hearing is scheduled to begin at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, April 11, 2018 in Room 2360 of the Rayburn House Office Building

The hearing will examine the State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) Grant Program and the federal government’s overall efforts to increase small business exports.  Additionally, the Committee will explore recent trade policy developments and their impact on America’s small business exporters.  Increasing small business exports continues to be a top priority for both United States lawmakers and the federal government.  While nearly 300,000 small businesses are currently exporting to foreign markets, many small businesses face significant challenges in getting their goods and services abroad.  The Committee will hear from small businesses and technology service experts on how proposed changes to the tariff schedule and stronger enforcement strategies will impact American manufacturers and service-oriented small businesses.

Attachments
1. Hearing Notice
2. Witness List 
3. Hearing Memo
4. Opening Statement

Witnesses
Mr. Charles Wetherington
President
BTE Technologies, Inc.
Hanover, MD
* Testifying on behalf of National Association of Manufacturers
Testimony
Disclosure

Mr. Ken Couch
Director of Product Management and International Business Development
ComSonics, Inc.
Harrisonburg, VA
* Testifying on behalf of State International Development Organizations, Inc.
Testimony
Disclosure

Mr. Raymond J. Keating
Chief Economist
Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council
Vienna, VA
Testimony
Disclosure