Competition & Regulatory Policy

by Raymond J. Keating – In early November, two very different U.S. senators came together to propose “big tech” legislation. The “Platform Competition and Opportunity Act,” cosponsored by U.S. Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), would undermine not only U.S. firms that rank as global technology leaders, but also entrepreneurs, small businesses, investors […]

by Raymond J. Keating –  When government steps in with a massive regulatory scheme to control prices in an industry, the effort equates to a Rube Goldberg machine, that is, a way of doing something in an unnecessarily complicated way. Imposing Rube Goldberg price controls on the pharmaceutical industry means that lives will be diminished […]

In an October 25 Orange County Register Op-ed, SBE Council president & CEO Karen Kerrigan questions the wisdom of members of Congress who are working to dismantle big U.S. tech leaders through intrusive legislation and regulatory empowerment. The tech tools and platforms provided by “Big Tech” are extensively used by small businesses to access and […]

SMALL BUSINESS INSIDER OPINION By Karen Kerrigan – If there is one thing that the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us about American small businesses, it’s that they are resilient. Small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) have fought tooth and nail to overcome the devastating financial impact of pandemic lockdowns and restrictions. They’ve adapted to new consumer […]

by Karen Kerrigan – During the past year and a half, SBE Council has spoken regularly about the vital role technology and tech platforms have played in helping small businesses stay afloat and modify their operations and practices to keep sales flowing during the pandemic era. We’ve also provided analysis and reviewed various legislative and […]

by Raymond J. Keating – A favorite target on both sides of the political aisle these days has been so-called “Big Tech” – in particular, Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Google. Many Democrats, including President Joe Biden, and some Republicans have come to blame large technology businesses for an array of manufactured ills. Does any of […]

by Raymond J. Keating – The United States has the most productive freight railroad system in the world. The Biden administration has responded to this by effectively calling for a return to a burdensome, misguided regulatory system from decades past that will undermine the productivity and competitiveness of the American freight rail system. As SBE […]

Dear U.S. House Member: The Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council (SBE Council) has long supported an open, fair and competitive federal procurement marketplace that makes it simple for small to mid-size businesses (SMBs) to bid on and win federal contracts.  We are pleased to see interest by Congress to accelerate the testing of different e-commerce […]

Executive Order on “Competition” Would Damage Innovation, Endanger Health Consumers by RAYMOND J. KEATING – I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I’m always bewildered by the political attacks on pharmaceutical companies. After all, these businesses produce medicines, drugs and vaccines that improve and save lives. Why attack and undermine such worthy endeavors? […]

  by RAYMOND J. KEATING –  The enormous benefits generated by tens of billions of dollars in annual investments made in broadband networks have been evident for many years now, but they have been truly driven home during this pandemic. As entrepreneurs, small businesses and workers have had to deal with an unprecedented scenario, and […]