Rep. Derek Tran Praises Passage of The Small Business Advocacy Improvement Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Derek Tran (D-CA) praised the passage of H.R. 832, the bipartisan Small Business Advocacy Improvements Act, a bill which 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. Congressman Tran was joined by Rep. Maggie Goodlander (D-NH), Chairman Roger Williams (R-TX), and Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) as co-leads on this legislation.

“I’m proud to be a part of the California 45th’s rich community of small business owners and entrepreneurs. Owning an independent pharmacy with my wife, I’ve seen firsthand how federal resources for small businesses can be improved to help local economies flourish,” said Congressman Derek Tran (CA-45). “This legislation helps the federal government work better for local businesses by supporting their efforts to compete internationally. I was proud to co-lead this bipartisan legislation and I am thrilled to see it pass in the House today.” 

“Allowing the SBA’s Office of Advocacy to speak on behalf of small businesses in trade discussions is a vital step towards creating trade agreements and regulatory initiatives that prioritize Main Street America,” said Chairman Williams. “I want to thank Representatives Van Drew, Tran, and Goodlander for their work on this important legislation.”

“At a time when American small businesses are facing so much chaos and uncertainty — from threats of federal funding freezes to threats of trade wars — in Congress we are working to do everything we can to give small businesses a level playing field to compete and thrive," said Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02). "I was proud to lead this bipartisan legislation with Rep. Tran and I will never stop fighting for our small businesses and their employees who are the beating heart of the American economy.”

Background

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 its role in advocating on behalf of small businesses has been significantly limited in statute. H.R. 832 would clarify the Office’s ability to represent small businesses in these engagements, ensuring that small businesses have a voice representing their interests in international markets.  

California’s 45th congressional district is home to a robust ecosystem of small businesses, many of which are run by minority, veteran, and women entrepreneurs. Orange County is home to over 90,000 small businesses and Los Angeles County boasts over 1.3 million small businesses. The 45th district includes all of Garden Grove, Westminster, Cerritos, Buena Park, Placentia, Hawaiian Gardens, Cypress, Fountain Valley, Artesia, Los Alamitos, Rossmoor, and La Palma, as well as parts of Brea, Lakewood, and Fullerton.

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