Hearings For The Week Of January 27-31

Committee to Examine U.S. Small Business Trade Agenda with USTR Official

WASHINGTON, DC - The House Small Business Committee, chaired by Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO), today announced the schedule for the week of January 27, 2014:

On Tuesday, January 28, at 10:00 a.m., the Small Business Subcommittee on Agriculture, Energy and Trade, led by Chairman Scott Tipton (R-CO), will hold a hearing titled, Small Business Trade Agenda: Status and Impact of International Agreements.

The Committee will hear from James Sanford, Assistant United States Trade Representative for Small Business, Market Access and Industrial Competitiveness, on the Administration's efforts to open new markets for small exporters and help create new jobs. Specifically, the Subcommittee will examine the status and impact of trade policy on small firms, including Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), and ongoing negotiations at the World Trade Organization (WTO).

"We understand the importance of having trade promotion authority to open new markets, but the Administration needs to show leadership and a commitment to working with Congress and the small business community," said Chairman Tipton.

"Small businesses have a growing interest in world markets and an expanding role in international commerce. Trade negotiations can open doors to new markets that lead to economic growth and job creation," Chairman Tipton continued. "Exports already support 4 million American jobs in small firms, and exports by U.S. companies nearly doubled from 2000 to 2012. Reducing trade barriers is vital to small companies seeking to take their first step into international markets or expand their trade footprint. The success of small exporters is crucial to the stronger recovery and new jobs that the economy needs. We look forward to the insight and perspective of the United States Trade Representative on the small business trade agenda and its potential impact for jobs and growth."

Although 95 percent of the world's markets exist outside the United States, only one percent of American small businesses currently export. An August 2013 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, requested by Committee Chairman Sam Graves, showed that the federal government needs to better manage, collaborate and promote trade programs so that export resources can be more efficient, ultimately leading to more small business exports. 

Watch the hearing live HERE.

Event Details:
Tuesday, January 28, 2014, 10:00 a.m. EST
2360 Rayburn House Office Building
Small Business Subcommittee on Agriculture, Energy and Trade
Small Business Trade Agenda: Status and Impact of International Agreements

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