WASHINGTON – Today, the Democratic Caucus of the House Small Business Committee convened to organize committee Members, and determine subcommittee assignments. “As the nation’s main job creators, entrepreneurs have a unique set of needs – and the House Small Business Committee will be working to meet those needs, and to improve the environment for this nation’s 26 million small businesses,” Chairwoman Nydia M. Velázquez said.  “I am delighted to see that we have Members that will bring diversity, perspective and knowledge to this committee so we can move forward in helping our small businesses to expand, and stimulate development throughout the nation.”

Representative Joe Sestak (D-PA) was named vice chair of the Committee during today’s organizational meeting.  The following Democratic Members were appointed to the subcommittee chairmanships and assignments below: 

Subcommittee on Finance and Tax

Chair, Melissa Bean (D-IL)
Rep. Raul Grijalva
Rep. Mike Michaud
Rep. Hank Johnson
Rep. Joe Sestak
Rep. Brad Ellsworth

Subcommittee on Contracting and Technology

Chair, Bruce Braley (D-IA)
Rep. William Jefferson
Rep. Henry Cuellar
Rep. Gwen Moore
Rep. Yvette Clarke
Rep. Joe Sestak

Subcommittee on Regulations, Healthcare and Trade

Chair, Charlie Gonzalez (D-TX)
Rep. Daniel Lipinski
Rep. William Jefferson
Rep. Rick Larsen
Rep. Jason Altmire
Rep. Melissa Bean
Rep. Gwen Moore
Rep. Joe Sestak

Subcommittee on Rural and Urban Entrepreneurship

Chair, Heath Shuler (D-NC)
Rep. Rick Larsen
Rep. Brad Ellsworth
Rep. Mike Michaud
Rep. Gwen Moore
Rep. Yvette Clarke
Rep. Hank Johnson

Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight
Chair, Jason Altmire (D-PA)
Rep. Millender-McDonald
Rep. Charlie Gonzalez
Rep. Raul Grijalva

The full committee will organize and adopt its oversight plan on Wednesday, January 31, 2007, at noon in 2360 Rayburn.