Democrats made inroads with a key Republican constituency — small business owners — during the midterm congressional elections and appear anxious to cement their relationship.

In a wide-ranging interview, Rep. Nydia Velázquez, D-N.Y., incoming chair of the House Small Business Committee, pledged to restore the Small Business Administration "to the economic powerhouse it once was" and said Congress would solve the health care crisis facing small businesses.

She told Entrepreneur magazine that her agenda includes reducing the cost of capital, encouraging greater small business participation in federal contracting, and restoring full funding for SBA programs. She also cited simplifying the tax code and cutting regulatory red tape as major priorities.