Nydia Velázquez

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, while not opposed to the amendment, I ask unanimous consent to claim the time in opposition.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from New York for offering this amendment, as I believe it will help to improve the bill. As we all know, and we have seen and we heard that veteran entrepreneurship is on the rise, meaning that these services are in greater and greater demand. The existing Veterans Business Outreach Centers have seen a 61 percent increase in veterans' requests for their services. Women's Business Centers report a 103 percent increase in veterans' requests. Clearly there is a hunger out there for these type of initiatives. And as more of our men and women return from Iraq and Afghanistan, the need for veterans' entrepreneurial development programs can be expected to grow. By increasing the resources that are available for our former servicemen and -women, this amendment will help many of them launch their own businesses. I will now yield to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Graves) for any comments that he wishes to make.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, if the gentleman is prepared to yield back, we are prepared to accept this amendment.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, while not opposed to the amendment, I ask unanimous consent to claim the time in opposition.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, let me start by saying that the gentleman from Virginia has been enormously helpful in crafting this legislation. He authored the bill on which title I is based. That measure establishes a portfolio of entrepreneurial development services for our Nation's veterans. The amendment that he is now offering will go even further. As we have already noted, members of our Armed Forces are natural candidates for entrepreneurship. They exhibit the dedication, resolve and leadership skills that it takes to launch a new enterprise. In many cases, they make excellent Federal contractors as they are familiar with the procurement process or are in fields in high demand by the government. This amendment takes a very proactive approach by reaching out to members of the military before they are discharged easing their transition back into civilian life. Today, too many Americans who have worn the uniform of our Nation find themselves unemployed after separating from the service. With this amendment, we create another option, another career path for members of our military. I thank the gentleman from Virginia for offering this amendment and for all of his work on this bill. And I now yield to the ranking member from Missouri for any comments that he might have.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. If the gentleman is prepared to yield back, we are prepared to accept the amendment.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I am not opposed to the amendment. I ask unanimous consent to claim the time in opposition.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. The amendment offered by the gentleman from Michigan is a well-thought-out proposal. In fact, earlier this month, the House Small Business Committee conducted a hearing regarding how small parts suppliers and manufacturers are coping given the current problems in the automobile industry. What we heard is troubling. Experts predict that half of the Nation's auto suppliers will be shut down by 2012. Many have already closed their doors. These factories are vital not just to the automotive sector but to our overall economy. Parts suppliers alone employ 3.2 million workers. We know that the three big car manufacturers are suffering, but these are the smaller of the smaller, and they need our help. So it is very important what this amendment will do. In the past, these manufacturers have supplied the American automobile industry, and I believe they can continue to have a bright future. By modernizing their facilities and entering new markets, they can keep offering good-paying jobs to millions of Americans while maintaining a strong manufacturing base in this country. If we have learned any one thing from the current economic crisis, it is that economic stability starts from the bottom up, not the other way around. By stabilizing small manufacturers and part suppliers, we can help the larger firms in the automotive industry. In that process, we will protect millions of jobs. The amendment before us will further this goal. I urge its adoption, and I yield to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Graves) for any comments he wishes to make.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. If the gentleman is prepared to yield back.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. I urge adoption of the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I move that the Committee do now rise.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, I claim the time in opposition to the motion to recommit.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, I understand that the gentlelady is trying to make a point of climate change reform. What I would hope is that you will engage in a constructive dialogue on our long-term energy challenges. I understand the point that you're trying to make, and I will invite you to engage in a constructive dialogue when it comes to climate change reform. The legislation that you're referring to will provide assistance to small businesses and also small manufacturers as we transition to a green economy, and in fact, the bill that we have before us today creates a green entrepreneurs training program in the sectors of energy efficiency, clean technology. Also, several amendments adopted today will help promote energy efficiency under the Polis amendment. The Women's Business Center program will provide such a system for women- owned firms. The manager's amendment includes several provisions that will assist firms to adopt processes and techniques that will reduce their use of energy. And, finally, last Congress we passed an energy bill which includes a wide range of provisions that encourage small businesses to become more energy efficient. So we are calibrating the effect that any legislation regarding climate change will have on small businesses, and that is why we are addressing some of those issues in the bill that we have here today. I applaud the gentlelady's intent to provide more assistance to small businesses, and I accept her motion to recommit. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the instructions of the House in the motion to recommit, I report the bill, H.R. 2352, back to the House with an amendment.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Clerk be authorized to correct section numbers, punctuation, and cross- references, and to make other necessary technical and conforming corrections in the engrossment of H.R. 2352.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chair, across the country hundreds of thousands of hard-working families have fallen victim to predatory lending. Poor and minority communities have been targeted. Today, we are seeing the results. The foreclosure rate is the highest in a quarter century, and many others are burdened by debt. That's why H.R. 1728 is needed. It enacts simple reforms that will level the playing field for consumers. The Mortgage Reform and Anti- Predatory Lending Act will help the nation move toward recovery. It will give consumers the confidence to purchase a new home by ensuring predatory lending practices become a thing of the past. The bill would make it illegal for lenders to make loans that homeowners cannot reasonably be expected to repay. It not only sets guidelines for fair lending, but takes strides to empower the borrower. For years, I have said that one of the most effective ways to stop predatory lending is to give consumers knowledge. This legislation includes my initiative to provide increased access and information on the benefits of home inspections--and give homebuyers a leg up when dealing with lenders. Last, but not least, when we think of homes going into foreclosure, we cannot forget those who live in apartment buildings. In New York, as in many urban areas, more than half of our city rents. And today, as many as 90,000 New Yorkers reside in buildings with debts too high to maintain. These families, at no fault of their own, could be out on the street if their buildings go into foreclosure. The amendment I have proposed would protect tenants and keep multifamily buildings out of foreclosure. It establishes a new program to stabilize troubled buildings by refinancing them or facilitating their transfer to new responsible owners. I urge you to protect renters, to protect homeowners, and to put a stop to the abusive lending practices that have hurt so many American families. I urge a ``yes'' vote.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 187 I was held up in a meeting and unable to vote. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution. Today, the House is considering a resolution that many consider to be routine business with little effect outside of this Chamber. However, I believe this resolution will provide Congress with the resources we need to do the people's work. As we get to work, our main concerns need to be creating jobs and turning the economy around. An important component of this will be meeting the needs of small businesses so they can stay afloat, grow, and contribute to economic recovery. In good times, as well as bad, small businesses are the backbone of our economy. They create 60 to 80 percent of all new jobs. During economic downturns, like the one we are in now, they are even more important. Small firms generate the innovative ideas and new services that spur job growth. For example, following the recession of the mid- 1990s, small firms created 3.8 million new jobs. During economic downswings, many Americans venture out and start their own small businesses. For instance, in the 1990s, 25 percent of laid-off managers over the age of 40 went on to start their own firms. This kind of determination is the hallmark of the American entrepreneurial spirit. It has led us out of previous recessions, and it will lead us out of this one as well. However, for that to happen, we need to make the needs of our small businesses a priority. The resolution that we are voting on today will provide Congress the resources to undertake important work on behalf of small businesses. One of our first steps needs to be unfreezing the credit market so small firms can access the capital they need to expand, grow, and create jobs. We must also ensure small businesses receive investments that allow them to remain technological pioneers. Startup entrepreneurs often produce the new ideas that spark job growth and can even launch a whole new industry. Small firms will also play a key role in rebuilding our Nation's infrastructure. The Economic Recovery Act that was enacted earlier this year will mean an explosion of new public work projects. Small businesses are well positioned to do this work, but only if we ensure that they can compete for their fair share of these new contracts. Finally, a host of kitchen table issues very directly affect small business owners. As our Nation takes up matters like tax policy, health care, and energy, the needs of entrepreneurs must be part of the discussion. Mr. Speaker, since this economic downturn started, our committee has heard from a flood of small businesses calling for assistance to help them weather the current storm. This resolution will mean that we will have the ability to help as many entrepreneurs as possible. I am confident that, given the right tools, these same entrepreneurs will once again lead our Nation's recovery, creating opportunity in the face of adversity. For that reason, I urge a ``yes'' vote.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I ask for a ``yes'' vote. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might consume. As our Nation responds to the current economic downturn, small businesses will be central to our recovery. They are the engine of our economy, producing 60 to 80 percent of new jobs, and their role is even more important during recessions. The fact is, when the job market is tight, many Americans venture out, launch their own enterprises. Following the recession of the early 1990s, small firms generated 3.8 million new positions for American workers, a number that surpassed big business expansion by almost half a million. That kind of resilience, in the face of economic uncertainty, is a testament to the strength of our Nation. Times may be tough, but the American entrepreneurial spirit is tougher. Today, the House is considering legislation that will extend programs at the Small Business Administration into July. These programs play a pivotal role in our economy. The SBA guarantees loans that allow new ventures to start and existing firms to grow. It provides counseling and technical know-how to entrepreneurs, and it helps ensure that small firms can obtain their fair share of Federal contracts, something that will be more important as the Economic Recovery Act generates $111 billion worth of new public works projects. Extending these programs is important, but we must not lose sight of a larger goal. Later this Congress we will pass legislation to modernize the SBA and change the agency's culture. In these difficult economic times, we will need an SBA that can respond effectively. This will require extensive reforms. Already in this Congress we passed the most significant update to the agency in a decade. With the economic recovery legislation, we made SBA bank loans more affordable for entrepreneurs. We increased the amount of a loan that the SBA can back, further opening up affordable credit for small business owners. We established a new Small Business Stabilization Financing Program at the SBA, which will provide short-term loans to businesses struggling to meet their existing obligations. We gave the SBA tools it needs to begin unfreezing the secondary market for small business loans. By reforming and updating the Small Business Investment Company program, we help channel new venture capital to small firms. Taken together, all of these initiatives will yield $21 billion in new investment and lending for small businesses and save or create 600,000 new jobs. Earlier this week, President Obama moved to implement many of these changes. I applaud the administration for working quickly. However, this is just the start. Later this year, the committee will draft a comprehensive rewrite of the SBA. If there has ever been a time for a strong, effective SBA, that time is now. It will be the responsibility of every Member in this House to make sure that we reauthorize these programs properly so the SBA can help Main Street businesses weather this recession and contribute to our economy. The extension we are voting on today will give us the time to hear from all our colleagues and interested parties as we develop this legislation. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.'' I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1541) to provide for an additional temporary extension of programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, and for other purposes.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, today, small businesses are finally getting their stimulus. It is about time. This act marks the first step towards economic recovery for our country's entrepreneurs. In fact, this bill will result in nearly $21 billion in new investments and lending for small firms and the creation of more than 630,000 new jobs. In terms of accessing loans from the Small Business Administration, the legislation clearly puts borrower first. It does this by mandating that no funds provided for fee relief can go to lenders unless the SBA has reduced fees charged to borrowers to the maximum extent possible.

Ms. VELAZQUEZ

Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, in accordance with Clause 2 of Rule XI of the Rules of the House, please find the Rules and Procedures approved by the House Committee on Small Business, on January 28, 2009, for the 111th Congress: Rules and Procedures Adopted by the Committee on Small Business, U.S. House of Representatives, 111th Congress, 2009-2010 1. general provisions The Rules of the House of Representatives, and in particular the committee rules enumerated in rule XI, are the rules of the Committee on Small Business to the extent applicable and by this reference are incorporated. Each subcommittee of the Committee on Small Business (hereinafter referred to as the ``committee'') is a part of the committee and is subject to the authority and direction of the committee, and to its rules to the extent applicable. 2. referral of bills by chairwoman Unless retained for consideration by the committee, all legislation and other matters referred to the committee shall be referred by the Chairwoman as she deems appropriate to the subcommittee of appropriate jurisdiction within 14 days. Where the subject matter of the referral involves the jurisdiction of more than one subcommittee or does not fall within any previously assigned jurisdictions, the Chairwoman shall refer the matter, as she may deem advisable. In referring any measure or matter to a subcommittee, the Chairwoman may specify a date by which the subcommittee shall report thereon to the subcommittee. The Chairwoman may also discharge a subcommittee from consideration of any measure or matter referred to a subcommittee. 3. date of meeting The regular meeting date of the committee shall be the second Thursday of every month when the House is in session. A regular meeting of the committee may be dispensed with if, in the judgment of the Chairwoman, there is no need for the meeting. Additional meetings may be called by the Chairwoman as she may deem necessary or at the request of a majority of the members of the committee in accordance with clause 2(c) of rule XI of the House. At least 3 days notice of such an additional meeting shall be given unless the Chairwoman determines that there is good cause to call the meeting on less notice. The determination of the business to be considered at each meeting shall be made by the Chairwoman subject to clause 2(c) of rule XI of the House. A regularly scheduled meeting need not be held if there is no business to be considered or, upon at least 3 days notice, it may be set for a different date. 4. announcement of hearings Unless the Chairwoman, with the concurrence of the Ranking Minority Member, or the committee by majority vote, determines that there is good cause to begin a hearing at an earlier date, public announcement shall be made of the date, place and subject matter of any hearing to be conducted by the committee at least 7 calendar days before the commencement of that hearing. After announcement of a hearing, the committee shall make available as soon as practicable to all Members of the committee a tentative witness list and to the extent practicable a memorandum explaining the subject matter of the hearing (including relevant legislative reports and other necessary material). In addition, the Chairwoman shall make available as soon as practicable to the Members of the committee any official reports from departments and agencies on the subject matter as they are received. 5. meetings and hearings open to the public (A) Meetings Each meeting of the committee or its subcommittees for the transaction of business, including the markup of legislation, shall be open to the public, including to radio, television and still photography coverage, except as provided by clause 4 of rule XI of the House, except when the committee or subcommittee, in open session and with a majority present, determines by record vote that all or part of the remainder of the meeting on that day shall be closed to the public because disclosure of matters to be considered would endanger national security, would compromise sensitive law enforcement information, or would tend to defame, degrade or incriminate any person or otherwise would violate any law or rule of the House; Provided, however, that no person other than members of the committee, and such congressional staff and such executive branch representatives as they may authorize, shall be present in any business meeting or markup session which has been closed to the public. (B) Hearings Each hearing conducted by the committee or its subcommittees shall be open to the public, including radio, television and still photography coverage, except when the committee or subcommittee, in open session and with a majority present, determines by record vote that all or part of the remainder of the hearing on that day shall be closed to the public because disclosure of testimony, evidence or other matters to be considered would endanger the national security, would compromise sensitive law enforcement information, or would violate any law or rule of the House; Provided, however, that the committee or subcommittee may by the same procedure vote to close one subsequent day of hearings. Notwithstanding the requirements of the preceding sentence, a majority of those present, there being in attendance the requisite number required under the rules of the committee to be present for the purpose of taking testimony, (i) may vote to close the hearing for the sole purpose of discussing whether testimony or evidence to be received would endanger the national security, would compromise sensitive law enforcement information, or violate clause 2(k)(5) of rule XI of the House; or (ii) may vote to close the hearing, as provided in clause 2(k)(5) of rule XI of the House. All members of the committee shall be able to participate in any subcommittee hearing. No member of the House may be excluded from non- participatory attendance at any hearing of the committee or any subcommittee, unless the House of Representatives shall by majority vote authorize the committee or subcommittee, for purposes of a particular series of hearings on a particular article of legislation or on a particular subject of investigation, to close its hearing to members by the same procedures designated for closing hearings to the public. Additionally, such members who would like to not only attend, but participate shall notify the Ranking Minority Member and submit a request in writing to the Chairwoman two days in advance of such hearing. Such requests shall be subject to approval of the Chairwoman and the Ranking Member. 6. witnesses (A) Statement of witnesses Each witness who is to appear before the committee or subcommittee shall file with the committee at least two business days before the day of his or her appearance 75 copies of his or her written statement of proposed testimony. Each witness shall also submit to the committee a copy of his or her final prepared statement in an electronic format at that time. At least one copy of the statement of each witness shall be furnished directly to the Ranking Minority Member. In addition, all witnesses shall be required to submit with their testimony a curriculum vitae or other statement describing their education, employment, professional affiliations and other background information pertinent to their testimony unless waived by the Chairwoman. Each witness will complete a disclosure form detailing any contracts or business that they currently have with the federal government. The committee will provide public access to its printed materials, including the proposed testimony of witnesses, in electronic form. (B) Interrogation of witnesses Whenever any hearing is conducted by the committee or any subcommittee upon any measure or matter, the minority party members on the committee shall be entitled, upon request to the Chairwoman by a majority of those minority members, to call a witness or witnesses selected by the minority to testify with respect to that measure or matter. The minority shall be entitled to a ratio of one-third of the witnesses testifying. For the purposes of determining this ratio, it shall not include testifying government officials. The witnesses requested by the minority shall be invited to testify by the Chairwoman and must furnish at least one copy of his or her statement and any supplementary materials directly to the Chairwoman within two business days before the day of his or her appearance unless waived by the Chairwoman. Except when the committee adopts a motion pursuant to subdivisions (B) and (C) of clause 2(j)(2) of rule XI of the rules of the House, committee members may question witnesses only when they have been recognized by the Chairwoman for that purpose, and only for a 5-minute period until all members present have had an opportunity to question a witness. The Chairwoman and the Ranking Member shall not be subject to the 5-minute period limitation. For all other Committee Members, the 5-minute period for questioning a witness by any one member can be extended only with the unanimous consent of all members present. The Chairwoman, followed by the Ranking Minority Member and all other members alternating between the majority and minority, shall initiate the questioning of witnesses in both the full and subcommittee hearings. The order for questioning by members of each party shall be determined by the time in which the member arrived at the hearing after the gavel has been struck, with the first arriving having priority over members of his or her party. If members arrive at the same time, then seniority on the committee shall dictate the order. In recognizing members to question witnesses, the Chairwoman may take into consideration the ratio of majority and minority members present in such a manner as not to disadvantage the Members of either party. The Chairwoman, in consultation with the Ranking Minority Member, may decrease the 5-minute time period in order to accommodate the needs of all the Members present and the schedule of the witnesses. 7. subpoenas A subpoena may be authorized and issued by the committee in the conduct of any investigation or series of investigations or activities to require the attendance and testimony of such witness and the production of such books, records, correspondence, memoranda, papers and documents, as deemed necessary. Such a subpoena shall be authorized by a majority vote of the full committee. The requirement that the authorization of a subpoena require a majority vote may be waived by the Ranking Minority Member. The Chairwoman may issue a subpoena, in consultation with the Ranking Minority Member, when the House is out of session for a period of 3 days or longer. 8. quorum No measure or recommendation shall be reported unless a majority of the committee was actually present. For purposes of taking testimony or receiving evidence, there shall be one member from the majority and one member from the minority for the purposes of a quorum. Such requirement may be waived for field hearings by the Chairwoman. For all other purposes, one-third of the members (or 11 Members) shall constitute a quorum. 9. AMENDMENTS DURING MARK-UP Any amendment offered to any pending legislation before the committee or subcommittee must be made available in written form when requested by any member of the committee. If such amendment is not available in written form when requested, the Chair shall allow an appropriate period for the provision thereof. 10. POSTPONEMENT OF PROCEEDINGS The Chairwoman in consultation with the Ranking Minority Member may postpone further proceedings when a record vote is ordered on the question of approving any measure or matter or adopting an amendment. The Chairwoman may resume proceedings postponed at any time, but no later than the next meeting day. In exercising postponement authority, the Chairwoman shall take all reasonable steps necessary to notify members on the resumption of proceedings on any postponed recorded vote. When proceedings resume on a postponed question, notwithstanding any intervening order for the previous question, an underlying proposition shall remain subject to further debate or amendment to the same extent as when the question was postponed. 11. NUMBER AND JURISDICTION OF SUBCOMMITTEES There will be five subcommittees as follows: Subcommittee on Finance and Tax The Small Business Administration (SBA) Lending and Investment programs: Section 7(a) loan program, 504 Certified Development Company program, Small Business Investment Company program, Disaster Loan Assistance programs, and Microloan program. Access to capital and finance issues generally. Oversight over tax policy and retirement/pension matters affecting small businesses. Subcommittee on Contracting and Technology SBA Contracting programs including the following: Section 8(a) Business Development program, Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) certification operated by SBA, Women's Procurement Program, HUBZone program, Surety Bond program, Service-disabled veteran procurement, and Section 7(j) management and technical assistance program. SBA Technology programs: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, Small Business Technology Transfer program. Oversight of government-wide procurement practices and programs affecting small businesses. Oversight of technology and patent issues. Subcommittee on Regulations and Healthcare The Regulatory Flexibility Act, the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act, and the Paperwork Reduction Act. SBA's Office of Advocacy, National Ombudsman, and SBA small business size standards. Oversight of regulations and regulatory issues that affect small businesses. Oversight of healthcare coverage issues. Oversight over issues affecting small healthcare providers. Subcommittee on Rural Development, Entrepreneurship and Trade SBA entrepreneurial development programs: Women's Business Centers, National Veterans Business Development Corporation, Small Business Development Centers, SCORE, Drug Free Workplace program, Office of Women's Business Ownership, and National Women's Business Council (NWBC) New Markets Venture Capital (NMVC) program, New Markets Tax Credit program, BusinessLINC and the Program for Re- Investment in Micro entrepreneurs. General oversight of programs targeted toward rural development and economic growth as well as general federal government entrepreneurial development programs. Oversight of agricultural issues. Oversight of energy issues. Oversight of trade issues, including SBA's Office of International Trade. Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight Oversight of SBA Administration, Management, and Agency Practices. Oversight of activities by the Office of the Inspector General at SBA. Oversight over general issues impacting small businesses. 12. COMMITTEE STAFF (A) Majority staff The employees of the committee, except those assigned to the minority as provided below, shall be appointed and assigned, and may be removed by the Chairwoman. The Chairwoman shall fix their remuneration, and they shall be under the general supervision and direction of the Chairwoman. (B) Minority staff The employees of the committee assigned to the minority shall be appointed and assigned, and their remuneration determined, as the Ranking Minority Member of the committee shall determine. (C) Subcommittee staff The Chairwoman and Ranking Minority Member of the full committee shall endeavor to ensure that sufficient committee staff is made available to each subcommittee to carry out its responsibilities under the rules of the committee. 13. POWERS AND DUTIES OF SUBCOMMITTEES Each subcommittee is authorized to meet, hold hearings, receive evidence, and report to the full committee on all matters referred to it. Subcommittee chairmen shall hold such meetings and hearings after approval of the Chairwoman of the full committee. Meetings and hearings of subcommittees shall not be scheduled to occur simultaneously with meetings or hearings of the full committee. 14. RECORDS The committee shall keep a complete record of all actions, which shall include a record of the votes on any question on which a record vote is demanded. The result of each subcommittee record vote, together with a description of the matter voted upon, shall promptly be made available to the full committee. A record of such votes shall be made available for inspection by the public at reasonable times in the offices of the committee. The committee shall keep a complete record of all committee and subcommittee activity which, in the case of any meeting or hearing transcript, shall include a substantially verbatim account of remarks actually made during the proceedings, subject only to technical, grammatical, and typographical corrections authorized by the person making the remarks involved. The records of the committee at the National Archives and Records Administration shall be made available in accordance with rule VII of the Rules of the House. The Chairwoman of the full committee shall notify the Ranking Minority Member of the full committee of any decision, pursuant to clause 3(b)(3) or clause 4(b) of rule VII of the House, to withhold a record otherwise available, and the matter shall be presented to the committee for a determination of the written request of any member of the committee. 15. ACCESS TO CLASSIFIED OR SENSITIVE INFORMATION Access to classified or sensitive information supplied to the committee and attendance at closed sessions of the committee or its subcommittees shall be limited to members and necessary committee staff and stenographic reporters who have appropriate security clearance when the Chairwoman determines that such access or attendance is essential to the functioning of the committee. The procedures to be followed in granting access to those hearings, records, data, charts, and files of the committee which involve classified information or information deemed to be sensitive shall be as follows: (A) Only Members of the House of Representatives and specifically designated committee staff of the Committee on Small Business may have access to such information. (B) Members who desire to read materials that are in the possession of the committee should notify the clerk of the committee. (C) The clerk will maintain an accurate access log, which identifies the circumstances surrounding access to the information, without revealing the material examined. (D) If the material desired to be reviewed is material which the committee or subcommittee deems to be sensitive enough to require special handling, before receiving access to such information, individuals will be required to sign an access information sheet acknowledging such access and that the individual has read and understands the procedures under which access is being granted. (E) Material provided for review under this rule shall not be removed from a specified room within the committee offices. (F) Individuals reviewing materials under this rule shall make certain that the materials are returned to the proper custodian. (G) No reproductions or recordings may be made of any portion of such materials. (H) The contents of such information shall not be divulged to any person in any way, form, shape, or manner, and shall not be discussed with any person who has not received the information in an authorized manner. (I) When not being examined in the manner described herein, such information will be kept in secure safes or locked file cabinets in the committee offices. (J) These procedures only address access to information the committee or a subcommittee deems to be sensitive enough to require special treatment. (K) If a member of the House of Representatives believes that certain sensitive information should not be restricted as to dissemination or use, the member may petition the committee or subcommittee to so rule. With respect to information and materials provided to the committee by the executive branch, the classification of information and materials as determined by the executive branch shall prevail unless affirmatively changed by the committee or the subcommittee involved, after consultation with the appropriate executive agencies. (L) Other materials in the possession of the committee are to be handled in accordance with the normal practices and traditions of the committee. 16. OTHER PROCEDURES The Chairwoman of the full committee may establish such other procedures and take such actions as may be necessary to carry out the foregoing rules or to facilitate the effective operation of the committee. 17. AMENDMENTS TO COMMITTEE RULES The rules of the committee may be modified, amended or repealed by a majority of the members, at a meeting specifically called for such purpose, but only if written notice of the proposed change has been provided to each such member at least 3 days before the time of the meeting. 18. BUDGET AND TRAVEL (A) From the amount provided to the Committee in the primary expense resolution adopted by the U.S. House of Representatives for the 111th Congress, the Chairwoman, after consultation with the Ranking Minority Member, shall designate one-third of the budget under the direction of the Ranking Minority Member for the purposes of minority staff, travel expenses of minority staff and members, and minority office expenses. (B) The Chairwoman may authorize travel in connection with activities or subject matters under the general jurisdiction of the Committee. (C) The Ranking Minority Member may authorize travel for any minority member or minority committee staff member in connection with activities or subject matters under the general jurisdiction of the Committee. Before such travel, there shall be submitted to the Chairwoman in writing the following at least seven calendar days prior: (a) The purpose of the travel. (b) The dates during which the travel is to occur. (c) The names of the States or countries to be visited and the length of time spent in each. (d) The names of members and staff of the committee participating in such travel. At the conclusion of such travel, a summary of the activity and its accomplishments shall be provided to the Chairwoman within ten calendar days. 19. COMMITTEE WEBSITE The Chairwoman shall maintain an official Committee website for the purpose of furthering the Committee's legislative and oversight responsibilities, including communicating information about the Committee's activities to Committee members and other Members of the House. The Ranking Minority Members may maintain a similar website for the same purpose, including communicating information about the activities of the minority to Committee members and other Members of the House. 20. VICE CHAIR Pursuant to House Rules, the Chairwoman shall designate a member of the majority party to serve as Vice Chairman of the Committee. The Vice Chairman shall preside at any meeting or hearing during the temporary absence of the Chairwoman. The Chair also reserves the right to designate a committee member of the majority to serve as the Chair at a hearing or meeting. 21. AVAILABILITY OF RECORD VOTES ON THE COMMITTEE'S WEBSITE In addition to any other requirement of these rules or the Rules of the House, the Chair shall make the record of the votes on any questions on which a record vote is demanded available on the Committee's website and for inspection by the public at reasonable times in the Offices of the Committee not later than 2 business days after such a vote is taken. Such record shall include a description of the amendment, motion, order, or other proposition, the name of each member voting for and each member voting against such amendment, motion, order, or proposition, and the name of those members of the committee present but not voting.