Golden, Mann, Pappas, and Tenney Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Office of Rural Affairs

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02), Congressman Tracey Mann (KS-01), Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), and Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) announced new bipartisan legislation that would improve rural small businesses’ access to federal resources and create better lines of communication between Main Street and Washington. The bill, which passed with unanimous support out of the House Small Business Committee today, would appoint a permanent Assistant Administrator to run the Office of Rural Affairs, require webinars and outreach events, and create transparency by mandating an annual report on the activities of the agency. 

“It’s been over 30 years since Congress established the Office of Rural Affairs, which was intended to give small businesses in rural America a seat at the table,” said Golden. “However, since then, the Office has been little more than a name on a door somewhere in the halls of the Small Business Administration. This bill would complete this unfinished business and put SBA in compliance with Congressional intent.”

“Small businesses help drive the American economy and define the American dream,” said Rep. Mann. “They add brick and mortar to the values that make our country unique, like freedom, self-determination, and the pursuit of happiness. In 1953, President Eisenhower signed the Small Business Act into law to support the tireless efforts of American small business owners. Like President Eisenhower, I know that rural small businesses are the backbone of America. This legislation requires the Small Business Administration’s Office of Rural affairs to better serve the hardworking men and women of rural America whose businesses keep our country thriving.”

“I know from my own experience running a small business, as well as frequent meetings with businesses across New Hampshire, that rural businesses in particular can face unique challenges when it comes to accessing capital and contending with workforce shortages,” said Congressman Pappas. “This legislation to strengthen the Office of Rural Affairs will ensure rural businesses receive the support and resources they deserve from SBA, strengthening rural economies and communities.”

“As a small business owner in rural America, I know firsthand the challenges that small businesses on Mainstreet encounter each day,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “This legislation enhances the Office of Rural Affairs, giving the office the power necessary to strengthen rural small businesses' access to the federal resources provided by the federal government. This bill will work to break down the barriers separating Washington from what small businesses on Main Street need to flourish and support their communities.”  

The Office of Rural Affairs was created as a subsection of the Small Business Administration (SBA) in 1990 to act as a liaison between rural small businesses and the federal government. Throughout its existence, though, the office has had inconsistent leadership and remained effectively dormant to the detriment of the rural businesses it is intended to help. 

Maine’s Second District is one of the most rural districts in the country, and statewide, small businesses employ roughly 293,748 workers and account for 99.2 percent of all businesses. 

Since his election to Congress, Golden has been a champion of rural small business owners and entrepreneurs. As the Chairman of the Underserved, Agricultural, and Rural Business Development Subcommittee in the 117th Congress and a member of the House Small Business Committee this Congress, Golden consistently advocated for resources and support for small businesses. Earlier this month, Golden introduced bipartisan legislation to help more small businesses across the country launch, grow, and retain workers through the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) program. 

A copy of the bill can be found here. 

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