Congressman Troy Carter Co-Leads Bill to Uplift Small Business in the Global Economy

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – This week, the bipartisan Small Business Advocacy Improvements Act of 2022(H.R. 128) was introduced in the House of Representatives. Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. is the Democratic co-lead for the legislation and Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-3), Ranking Member of the House Small Business Committee, is the Republican co-lead.

The bill makes clear that the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Office of Advocacy has the authority to examine international economic data, and represent small business interests in international discussions, particularly in trade negotiations.

Established in 1976, the Office of Advocacy (Advocacy) is the independent voice for small businesses within the federal government. Advocacy is also charged with overseeing the Regulatory Flexibility Act and is a source of small business statistics and research.

Since 2012, the Office of Advocacy has participated in a number of international regulatory cooperation and international trade initiatives that have impacted small businesses, but their role would benefit from clarification in statute.

“Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, and we need to uplift them at every opportunity,” said Congressman Carter. “Louisiana's Second District is an international one. We have some of the most important ports in the country and our businesses here connect with others across the globe every day. Opening up new markets overseas helps our businesses here at home. This bill assures that our small business owners have someone in the federal government fighting for our nation’s small businesses at home and abroad.”

This legislation was previously passed the House in 2019 under leadership by House Small Business Committee Chairwoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) and Representative James Comer (R-KY).

"Today's small businesses are more global than ever, selling their products and buying goods from countries around the world. So, when the U.S. makes decisions around trade and other international economic issues, the concerns of small firms must be considered," said Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez, Chairwoman of the House Small Business Committee. "This bill will empower the SBA Office of Advocacy and help ensure that the interests of small businesses are represented when it comes to the international issues that impact them."

H.R. 128 will now be considered by the House Small Business Committee, of which both Congressman Carter and Congressman Luetkemeyer are members.

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