Yesterday, the Small Business Administration (SBA) released a 60-day notice and request for approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on conducting a survey for intermediaries that are eligible to participate in the Agency’s Microloan Program. The survey will explore ways to encourage increased participation in the microloan program and decrease the costs associated with participation. Additionally, the Office of the United States Trade Representative released the 2019 Trade Policy Agenda and 2018 Annual Report.

On March 6th, the House Committee on Small Business will hold a hearing titled, “Rebuilding America: Small Business Perspective” as well as a hearing titled, “Budget Views and Estimates for Fiscal Year 2020.” The Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship will hold a hearing titled, “Small Business and the American Worker.” The House Financial Services Committee will hold a hearing titled, “Putting Consumers First? A Semi-Annual Review of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.” The House Committee on Ways and Means will hold a hearing titled, “Our Nation’s Crumbling Infrastructure and the Need for Immediate Action.”

On March 7th, the Committee will hold a hearing titled, “Small but Mighty: A Review of the SBA Microloan Program” The House Committee on Appropriations will hold a hearing titled, “Energy Workforce Opportunities and Challenges.” The House Committee on Ways and Means will hold hearings titled, “Promoting Competition on Lower Medicare Drug Prices,” “Hearing with the National Taxpayer Advocate on the IRS Filing Season,” and “Leveling the Playing Field for Working Families: Challenges and Opportunities.”