Politicians Every Small Business Owner Should Know

The 112th Congress promises to be very active in areas that will have a profound impact on small businesses. 
While many small business owners try to stay out of politics, doing so is very risky. It’s important to understand which elected officials are making decisions that impact the livelihood of your business. This article provides an overview of who the key players are in Congress.

Profile legislators as if they were prospects.

Before attempting to sell to a potential customer, it’s expected that your company will conduct thorough research into their backgrounds and identify which ones can be considered prospects with a good likelihood of becoming customers.

It’s important to follow a similar strategy when identifying who you need to reach with your lobbying efforts. So let’s take a look at who in Congress is making decisions that impact small business owners.

Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship

In order to work more efficiently, the Senate uses committees that specialize on specific areas of legislation. In the Senate there are a total of 20 committees, 68 subcommittees and four joint committees with members of the House. Standing committees evaluate proposed legislation while Select and Joint committees typically handle oversight responsibilities. Subcommittees are tasked with specific areas of work within a committee.

The Standing committees play a critical role in the legislative process. 
Proposed legislation is typically sent to a standing committee for review. Unless the committee recommends the legislation continue on the path towards becoming law, it dies. This vetting process filters out over 90 percent of the thousands of bills that are “sent to committee” during a 2-year congressional cycle. They are the gate keepers, and here is where important lobbying action takes place.

Members of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship

The Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship deals with legislation that impacts small business owners directly.  They primarily provide oversight for the Small Business Administration (SBA) but can also handle other matters related to small businesses. However, for any matters that aren’t directly related to the SBA, any other committee can request responsibility for that additional legislation. Information on Committee hearings and events are available here.

The Committee consists of 10 Democrats and 8 Republicans.

• Mary L. Landrieu (LA) - Chair
• John F. Kerry (MA)
• Carl Levin (MI)
• Tom Harkin (IA)
• Joseph I. Lieberman (CT)
• Maria Cantwell (WA)
• Mark L. Pryor (AR)
• Ben L. Cardin (MD)
• Jeanne Shaheen (NH)
• Kay Hagan (NC)
  

• Olympia J. Snowe (ME) - Ranking Member
• Christopher S. Bond (MO)
• David Vitter (LA)
• John Thune (SD)
• Michael B. Enzi (WY)
• Johnny Isakson (GA)
• Roger Wicker (MS)
• James Risch (ID)
  

The Committee is currently working on the Small Business Broadband and Emerging Information Technology Enhancement Act of 2011 which is to expand broadband access to small businesses by directing the Small Business Administration to:

• Create the position of “Broadband and Emerging Information Technology Coordinator” to develop and promote initiatives within the SBA to expand broadband access among small businesses.

• Require that its resources partners like Small Business Development Centers provide technical assistance related to broadband.

• Expand the use of proceeds from 7(a) and microloan programs to include emerging technology equipment and services (including broadband).