Washington, DC – Today it was announced that Congressman William J. Jefferson (D-La.) has been appointed by his colleagues to serve on two subcommittees of the U.S. House Small Business Committee. Jefferson now holds seats on the Subcommittee on Contracting and Technology, as well as the Subcommittee on Regulations, Health Care and Trade.

As a member of the Subcommittee on Contracting and Technology, Jefferson will be active in the oversight of business development programs and the Small Business Association’s technology and patent issues.  He will also help oversee the jurisdiction of the Women’s Procurement Program and Service-disabled veteran procurement.         

Jefferson’s responsibilities on the Subcommittee on Regulations, Health Care and Trade will include the oversight of the general rules and regulations that affect small businesses.  He will also oversee the jurisdiction of trade issues as they relate to small businesses, including SBA’s Office of International Trade.   

“I am pleased to have the opportunity to work to assist the nation’s small business owners, who employ countless Americans and contribute heavily to a prosperous economy.  I am especially motivated to enhance programs that can benefit the small business community of the New Orleans area.   81,000  Louisiana businesses were damaged during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.  Although 75-percent of those businesses have reopened their doors, many of them continue to struggle due to a significant decrease in both residential traffic and tourism.  It is mandatory that we create a more conducive environment for small businesses in Louisiana’s Second District as these businesses are essential in the ultimate recovery of New Orleans”, Jefferson said.