(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on June 18, 2003. The summary of that version is repeated here.)
Small Business Advocacy Improvement Act of 2003 - Requires appointment to the position of Chief Counsel of the Office of Advocacy of the Small Business Administration (SBA) without regard to political affiliation and on the basis of fitness to perform duties. Prohibits appointment of an individual who has served as an SBA officer or employee within the last five years.
Requires the Office to: (1) recommend methods for the delivery of financial assistance to small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, women, and veterans (currently, to minority enterprises); (2) make recommendations and submit relevant reports to the President, the chairmen and ranking members of the congressional small business committees, and the SBA Administrator; (3) maintain economic databases and make such information available to the Administrator and Congress; and (4) coordinate functions with the Small Business and Agriculture Regulatory Enforcement Ombudsman.
Requires the Chief Counsel to submit annually to the Office of Management and Budget and the congressional small business and appropriations committees the Office's appropriation estimate and request. Requires each budget of the United States submitted by the President to include a separate statement of the amount of appropriations requested for the Office of Advocacy that indicates whether the proportion of funds requested for the Office compared to those requested for the SBA has increased, decreased, or stayed the same relative to the amounts appropriated for each for the previous year.
Authorizes the Chief Counsel to appoint a Principal Deputy Chief Counsel, as well as regional advocates.
Requires the Administrator (currently, the Chief Counsel) to conduct an SBA program for the development of rural small businesses engaged in tourism-related activities.
Requires the Chief Counsel to report annually to specified congressional committees and the Administrator on SBA compliance with Federal agency regulatory requirements.
Increases and extends through FY 2006 the authorization of appropriations for the Office.