WASHINGTON, D.C. – The House Small Business Committee, led by Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO), today held a hearing examining the changes in the patent system, and how to best protect the innovations of small businesses as new challenges arise. The Committee heard testimony on the changing landscape of patent law and the effects on small firms, which develop 16 times more patents per employee than larg... Read more »
House Small Business Subcommittee on Health and Technology Chairman Chris Collins (R-NY) today led a hearing to examine the increased volume and complexity of cyber-attacks on small business, especially as new technologies present new challenges, and the role of the federal government in helping address cyber-security issues. “It is nearly impossible to conduct business today without the Internet ... Read more »
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Committee on Small Business today held a hearing appraising the role of the federal government in expanding broadband access to small businesses across the country. The Committee, led by Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO), expressed the need to bring more access and certainty to rural and unserved areas. “One of the most important tools the Internet offers to businesses is the abili... Read more »
House Small Business Subcommittee on Healthcare and Technology Chairwoman Renee Ellmers (R-NC) today sent a letter to Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), inquiring about whether the Department has adopted the Institute of Medicine’s (IOM) recommendations for improving the safety of health information technology (IT). The report, issued in November, recommended several ... Read more »
House Small Business Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) issued the following statement on the Federal Communications Commission’s decision to block LightSquared’s planned broadband network due to its interference with the Global Positioning System (GPS): “Broadband investment provides substantial benefits to both consumers, small business owners, and the overall economy particularly in e-commerc... Read more »
Small Business Committees, Advocates Hesitant to Back Obama’s Restructuring Proposal By J.D. Harrison, Washington Post Lawmakers and small business advocacy groups today applauded the President Obama’s decision to add a cabinet seat for the head of the Small Business Administration, but many were hesitant to back his broader proposal to restructure part of the federal government. On the heels of ... Read more »
House Small Business Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) and House Science, Space and Technology Committee Chairman Ralph Hall (R-TX) tonight announced that a deal to reauthorize the SBIR/STTR program, which was set to expire on December 16th, has been agreed upon. Legislation to reauthorize the program will be included as an Amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). “The SBIR a... Read more »
“Statistics also show that nearly 60 percent of small businesses will close within six months after a cyber attack. Given the fact that small companies are our nation’s best job creators and economic drivers— this is greatly alarming.” WASHINGTON, D.C.— House Small Business Healthcare and Technology Subcommittee Chairman Renee Ellmers (R-NC) today held a subcommittee hearing to examine the issues ... Read more »
Today, the House Small Business Committee held a hearing entitled, “LightSquared: The Impact to Small Business GPS Users.” The hearing focused on the impact on small businesses that may result from LightSquared’s use of its spectrum to provide broadband service near the Global Positioning System (GPS). Small businesses, including farmers, construction contractors, surveyors, and the general aviati... Read more »
GOP Members Want Small-Business Owners to Sound Off By Jessica Estepa, Roll Call Republican members of the House Small Business Committee are launching an online initiative Friday to invite small-business owners to share their stories and opinions on policies. The Small Biz Open Mic, which will be hosted on the GOP’s committee website, will allow business owners to send their feedback directly to... Read more »
