Join Forces to Advance Aggressive Agenda to Assist Small Businesses in America

WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship incoming Chair Mary Landrieu (D-La.) and Ranking Member Senator Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine) will make history next year when they become the first two female lawmakers to lead a full committee in the U.S. Senate or the U.S House of Representatives. At the start of the 111th Congress, the senators will join forces to advance an aggressive policy agenda that will help to tackle the challenges facing American small businesses.

"Senator Snowe and I have a great working relationship as co-chairs of the Common Ground Coalition," Sen. Landrieu said. "I look forward to working with her to strengthen the Small Business Administration into an agency that can be a real champion for American small businesses - the backbone of our economy."

"We are also in a great position to promote opportunities for women- and minority-owned small businesses, which we have already begun to lay the groundwork for. Together we organized a bipartisan effort of all 16 women senators to call on the SBA to finally remedy the shortfall in federal contracting for women-owned businesses. The Bush Administration resisted, but we will continue to address this issue with the incoming administration."

"It is a distinguished honor to join Senator Landrieu during this historic moment that will further empower women to pursue leadership roles within our country," Senator Snowe said. "As a vital voice for women entrepreneurs in Congress, we will advance an ambitious policy agenda targeted toward renewing the federal government's commitment to women-owned small businesses - namely, by creating a meaningful and effective women's contracting procurement program and strengthening Women's Business Centers in Maine, Louisiana, and all across America. Indeed, I hope that one of the first bills that our Committee will consider next year will address these critical programs."

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid on December 15 announced that he has made his recommendations to the Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee regarding Committee Chairmanships for the 111th Congress. Final approval will be ratified with an Organizing Resolution when the Senate returns to session in January.

SOURCE U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship