Representative Kevin Hern (OK-01) announced that he will co-chair the House Small Business Caucus with Democrat Representative Chris Pappas (NH-01) for the 117^th Congress. The Small Business Caucus is a bipartisan group of lawmakers committed to strengthening small businesses throughout the country.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the bedrock of the American Dream,” said Rep. Hern. “The perspective of small business leaders is necessary to the legislative process; the work we do on Capitol Hill impacts every main street around the country. After a year of adversity and uncertainty for American small businesses, bipartisan cooperation and entrepreneurial legislating is essential to secure the future of our businesses and workers. I am proud to co-chair the Small Business Caucus with Congressman Pappas, ensuring that Congress continues to make America a place of opportunity for everyone.”

“Running a family restaurant business with 230 employees gives me a firsthand perspective into the pressures small businesses face. Every day brings unique challenges, and that is especially true during these unprecedented times,” said Rep. Pappas. “That’s why we must continue to focus the conversation on our struggling small business community. As the Co-Chair of the Small Business Caucus alongside Congressman Kevin Hern, I look forward to advocating for our small businesses across the nation that drive our economy and form the fabric of our communities, from Manchester to Tulsa. I know that by working together and advancing common-sense, bipartisan solutions, we will be able to help many businesses keep their lights on, retain their employees, and rebound from this period of economic uncertainty.”

Reps. Hern and Pappas both come to Congress from careers as small business owners, specifically as restaurant owners. Hern spent over 30 years as a business owner and McDonalds franchisee. Hern built KTAK Corp., which owns and operates numerous Tulsa-area McDonalds, as well as a manufacturing facility, real estate ventures, and multiple technology companies.

In addition to Reps. Hern and Pappas, there are currently 69 additional members of the Small Business Caucus.

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