Speeches & Testimony

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act, introduced by my colleague, Representative Sharice Davids of Kansas, and co-sponsored by me.

The Small Business Administration’s Office of Native American Affairs works with Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian Organizations to provide entrepreneurial development, contracting and capital access and to support the establishment and expansion of small businesses owned or controlled by our nation’s indigenous peoples, including Native Hawaiians. It helps our nation remain focused on our Native American, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian communities and their vital contributions to our national and local economies.

This bill will provide formal, statutory authority for the office so it can continue its efforts. Statutorily authorizing the Office of Native American Affairs will ensure continued access to federal programs and services that support entrepreneurs from our indigenous peoples across the country and help them launch and grow small businesses, and in turn, promote economic development in their communities.

This bill will especially help businesses in my home state of Hawai‘i. Small businesses are the lifeblood of Hawai‘i, and it is essential to equip Native Hawaiian-owned small businesses with the tools and resources they need to start, grow and thrive in our communities.

I urge my colleagues to join me in passing this bill and supporting small business owned by our nation’s indigenous peoples.