The Coronavirus Relief packages passed by congress. Good morning. I call this hearing to order. Without objection the chair is authorized to declare a recess at any time. I want to thank everyone especially our witnesses for joining us today for our committees hybrid hearing. I want to make sure to note some important requirements. Let me begin by saying that standing house and Committee Rules and practice will continue to apply during hybrid proceedings. House regulations require members to be visible through a video connection throughout the proceeding. So, please, keep your cameras on. And remember to remain muted until you are recognized to minimize background noise. In accordance with the rules established under hr965, staff have been advised to mute participants only in the event there is inadvertent background noise. For those members here in the room, i urge members and staff to wear masks while in the hearing room and i thank you in advance for your commitment to a safe enviro
Committee on Small Business member states, hearing on response, we had a hard stop, we could move as quickly as we can and could not accommodate every member in person today and we are accepting statements until thursday april 30th. Today is a chance for the committee to hear directly from members of congress about thoughts on the covid19 response for the next package to Small Business issues for the committee of jurisdiction. I would like to remind everyone we are practicing social distancing and taking other precautions for all in attendance. I appreciate your cooperation so that we can protect ourselves and our hardworking staff. Three weeks ago when congress created the Paycheck Protection Program we did so with the goal of providing a lifeline, the program experienced Unprecedented Demand and proven successful, helping more than 1. 6 million entities to support employees. As a result we will be replenishing the Program Later today. While we are moving quickly to provide an additio
Everyone for joining us for our first Small Business committee during a 2020. I want to especially thank the witnesses for taking the time to travel across the country to take time away from their businesses in some instance you have this important discussion. As is the case with these hearings, there will be members coming and going forward, or overlapping hearings and other committees so you will see some folks come and go through out and ask questions, so we just ask for your patients in bearing with that as well for. Farming and agricultural are at the heart of strong economies around the country. Investing in agriculture is crucial to ensure that our communities will thrive. Coming from colorado, i understand the importance that farming and agriculture have on our states way of life and economic wellbeing. Nearly half of colorado 66 million acres are dedicated to over 30,000 farms and ranches. Many of these are small, locally owned operations. Colorado is a leading producer of cat
Some instance you have this important discussion. As is the case with these hearings, there will be members coming and going forward, or overlapping hearings and other committees so you will see some folks come and go through out and ask questions, so we just ask for your patients in bearing with that as well for. Farming and agricultural are at the heart of strong economies around the country. Investing in agriculture is crucial to ensure that our communities will thrive. Coming from colorado, i understand the importance that farming and agriculture have on our states way of life and economic wellbeing. Nearly half of colorado 66 million acres are dedicated to over 30,000 farms and ranches. Many of these are small, locally owned operations. Colorado is a leading producer of cattle, corn, wheat and dairy, and the small farms for everything from bison to auspice and growing grapes and mushrooms, to name a few. In the 24 Century Technology innovation or changing everyday life. Its a drin
Modi in a joint meeting of congress on june 8th. Well have live coverage of his speech on cspan. Employing people with disabilities and disorders was the subject of a hearing on capitol hill yesterday. Members of the Small Business Committee Heard testimony on the role the businesses play in creating Job Opportunities for the disabled. This is just over an hour. [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] Committee Comes to order. I want to thank everyone for being here today. Before i give my Opening Statement id like to welcome here the cochairs of the conference. Chris smith from new jersey is here, and mike doyle from pennsylvania is the democratic counterpart and we thank you for your work. And when this Committee Meets its to discuss the challenges facing Small Businesses. Today, however, we get to talk about some of the truly inspiring opportunities they have been offering. Small businesses are not just the backbone of the American Economy but t