Dear producer for Countdown with Keith Olbermann,

I am writing to encourage you to produce a report on H.R. 5819, the SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act and its potential to allow billionaire venture capitalists to dominate federal programs designed for small businesses.

The bill, which was passed through the House of Representatives on April 23rd, contains a provision that will change the definition of a small business to allow billionaire venture capitalists to participate in federal programs designed for small businesses and will lead to the inappropriate subsidization of well-capitalized businesses. Additionally, while H.R. 5819 increases the size of the SBIR awards, it does not increase the overall size of the program. I believe that this will cut the number of SBIR contracts awarded each year in half and cost legitimate small businesses that rely on government SBIR awards billions of dollars in lost opportunities.

Finally, it is my understanding that thirteen members of the House Committee on Small Business have been the recipients of campaign contributions from the National Venture Capital Association. It is also my understanding that the Chair of the Committee and sponsor of H.R. 5819, Representative Nydia M. Velázquez (D - NY) has been the recipient of contributions from the NVCA, the Biotechnology Industry Organization and GlaxoSmithKline. This bill benefits venture capital firms at the expense of small businesses.

I strongly encourage you to examine this issue, and produce a story exposing the nature of this legislation and its imminent negative impact on small businesses. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Your signature will be added from the information you provided above.