Representative Steve Knight (CA-25) is an original cosponsor of a pair of bills introduced Tuesday that would empower the nation’s small business community.

The first measure, authored by Rep. Steve Chabot (OH-1) would support the designation of May 1-7, 2016 as “National Small Business Week,” to recognize the vital role small businesses play in the economy and the passion of entrepreneurs in the United States. The second bill, called the Improving Small Business Cyber Security Act, authored by Rep. Richard Hanna (NY-22) would help small businesses develop affordable cyber security plans and enhance their cyber infrastructure, which the Small Business Administration identifies as a substantial barrier for growing companies. Both measures have bipartisan support and have no cost to taxpayers.

“Small businesses are absolutely necessary for us to thrive as a nation. They provide our neighbors with jobs and our community with the products we need,” said Representative Knight. “I am pleased that Congress is working to support them with measures like the ones introduced today.”

Knight, who serves on the House Committee on Small Business, previously worked on other practical legislation to assist the hundreds of small firms in the Antelope, Santa Clarita, and Simi Valleys. Last year he introduced a bill that gives small businesses a better chance to compete for federal contracts, which was signed into law in November.

In January, he authored another that would reform the Department of Defense’s Mentor-Protégé program to help certain small businesses compete for federal contracts by making it easier for them to receive mentoring from larger, more experienced firms. Knight says he expects that bill to pass the House in the coming months.

“I look forward to working with my colleagues on this and other legislation that will give entrepreneurs in our community the tools they need to grow and thrive,” continued Rep. Knight.

Both measures currently await committee assignment.