[House Hearing, 119 Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
MARKUP OF: H.R. 5763, MAIN STREET PARITY
ACT; H.R. 5788, 504 PROGRAM RISK OVER-
SIGHT ACT; H.R. 3496, NORTHERN MARIANA
ISLANDS SMALL BUSINESS ACCESS ACT; H.R.
5764, AI FOR MAINSTREET ACT; H.R. 5784,
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE WISDOM FOR INN-
OVATIVE SMALL ENTERPRISES (AI-WISE) ACT;
H.R. 5778, IMPROVING SBA ENGAGEMENT ON
EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP ACT; H.R. 4305, DE-
STROYING UNNECESSARY, MISALIGNED, AND
PROHIBITIVE (DUMP) RED TAPE ACT OF 2025
=======================================================================
HEARING
BEFORE THE
COMMITTEE ON SMALL BUSINESS
UNITED STATES
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
ONE HUNDRED NINETEENTH CONGRESS
FIRST SESSION
__________
HEARING HELD
NOVEMBER 18, 2025
__________
[GRAPHIC NOT AVAILBLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
Small Business Committee Document Number 119-022
Available via the GPO Website: www.govinfo.gov
__________
U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE
62-202 WASHINGTON : 2026
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON SMALL BUSINESS
ROGER WILLIAMS, Texas, Chairman
PETE STAUBER, Minnesota
DAN MEUSER, Pennsylvania
BETH VAN DUYNE, Texas
JAKE ELLZEY, Texas
MARK ALFORD, Missouri
NICK LALOTA, New York
BRAD FINSTAD, Minnesota
TONY WIED, Wisconsin
ROB BRESNAHAN, Pennsylvania
BRIAN JACK, Georgia
TROY DOWNING, Montana
KIMBERLYN KING-HINDS, Northern Marina Islands
DEREK SCHMIDT, Kansas
JIMMY PATRONIS, Florida
NYDIA VELAZQUEZ, New York, Ranking Member
MORGAN MCGARVEY, Kentucky
HILLARY SCHOLTEN, Michigan
LAMONICA MCIVER, New Jersey
GIL CISNEROS, California
KELLY MORRISON, Minnesota
GEORGE LATIMER, New York
DEREK TRAN, California
LATEEFAH SIMON, California
JOHNNY OLSZEWSKI, Maryland
HERB CONAWAY, New Jersey
MAGGIE GOODLANDER, New Hampshire
Lauren Holmes, Majority Staff Director
Melissa Jung, Minority Staff Director
C O N T E N T S
OPENING STATEMENTS
Page
Hon. Roger Williams.............................................. 1
Hon. Nydia Velazquez............................................. 3
APPENDIX
Additional Material for the Record:
Text of Legislation:
H.R. 5763 - Main Street Parity Act........................... 32
H.R. 5788 - 504 Program Risk Oversight Act................... 34
H.R. 3496 - Northern Mariana Islands Small Business Access
Act........................................................ 39
H.R. 5764 - AI for Main Street Act........................... 41
H.R. 5784 - Artificial Intelligence Wisdom for Innovative
Small Enterprises (AI-WISE) Act............................ 44
H.R. 5778 - Improving SBA Engagement on Employee Ownership
Act........................................................ 53
H.R. 4305 - Destroying Unnecessary, Misaligned, and
Prohibitive (DUMP) Red Tape Act of 2025.................... 56
Amendments:
ANS to H.R. 3496, offered by Ms. King-Hinds.................. 59
ANS to H.R. 5764, offered by Mr. Alford...................... 61
ANS to H.R. 4305, offered by Mr. Wied........................ 64
Amendment #1 to the ANS to H.R. 4305 offered by Mr. Cisneros. 68
Amendment #1 to the ANS to H.R. 4305 offered by Ms. Scholten. 73
Support Documents:
E-Vote Results............................................... 74
OpenAI Letter................................................ 83
INTUIT Letter................................................ 85
Coalition for Sensible Safeguards (CSS) Letter............... 87
National Association of Development Companies (NADCO) - H.R.
5763 Letter................................................ 89
National Association of Development Companies (NADCO) - H.R.
5788 Letter................................................ 90
The National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA) Letter.. 91
Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council (SBE) - H.R. 5764
Letter..................................................... 93
Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council (SBE) - H.R. 4305
Letter..................................................... 94
Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council (SBE) - H.R. 5763
Letter..................................................... 95
Votes:
H.R. 3496 - ANS offered by Ms. King-Hinds agreed to by voice. 96
H.R. 5764 - ANS offered by Mr. Alford agreed to by voice..... 97
H.R. 4305 - ANS offered by Mr. Wied agreed to by voice....... 98
H.R. 5763 - Main Street Parity Act Ordered to be reported by
the Yeas and Nays: 27-0.................................... 99
H.R. 5788 - 504 Program Risk Oversight Act Ordered to be
reported by the Yeas and Nays: 27-0........................ 100
H.R. 3496 - Northern Mariana Islands Small Business Access
Act (As Amended) Ordered to be reported by the Yeas and
Nays: 27-0................................................. 101
H.R. 5764 - AI for Main Street Act (As Amended) Ordered to be
reported by the Yeas and Nays: 27-0........................ 102
H.R. 5784 - Artificial Intelligence Wisdom for Innovative
Small Enterprises (AI-WISE) Act Ordered to be reported by
the Yeas and Nays: 27-0.................................... 103
H.R. 5778 - Improving SBA Engagement on Employee Ownership
Act Ordered to be reported by the Yeas and Nays: 27-0...... 104
Amendment #1 to the ANS to H.R. 4305 offered by Mr. Cisneros
Ordered to be reported by the Yeas and Nays: 12-15......... 105
Amendment #1 to the ANS to H.R. 4305 offered by Ms. Scholten
Ordered to be reported by the Yeas and Nays: 12-15......... 106
H.R. 4305 - Destroying Unnecessary, Misaligned, and
Prohibitive (DUMP) Red Tape Act of 2025 (As Amended)
Ordered to be reported by the Yeas and Nays: 18-9.......... 107
MARKUP OF: H.R. 5763, MAIN STREET PARITY ACT; H.R. 5788, 504 PROGRAM
RISK OVERSIGHT ACT; H.R. 3496, NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS SMALL BUSINESS
ACCESS ACT; H.R. 5764, AI FOR MAINSTREET ACT; H.R. 5784, ARTIFICIAL
INTELLIGENCE WISDOM FOR INNOVATIVE SMALL ENTERPRISES (AI-WISE) ACT;
H.R. 5778, IMPROVING SBA ENGAGEMENT ON EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP ACT; H.R.
4305, DESTROYING UNNECESSARY, MISALIGNED, AND PROHIBITIVE (DUMP) RED
TAPE ACT OF 2025
----------
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2025
House of Representatives,
Committee on Small Business,
Washington, DC.
The Committee met, pursuant to call, at 9:54 a.m., in Room
2360, Rayburn House Office Building, Hon. Roger Williams
[chairman of the Committee] presiding.
Present: Representatives Williams, Stauber, Meuser, Van
Duyne, Ellzey, Alford, LaLota, Finstad, Wied, Bresnahan, Jack,
Downing, King-Hinds, Schmidt, Patronis, Velazquez, McGarvey,
Scholten, McIver, Cisneros, Morrison, Latimer, Tran, Simon,
Conaway, and Goodlander.
Chairman WILLIAMS. Before we get started, I want to
recognize Representative Meuser from the great state of
Pennsylvania to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance and a short
prayer.
Mr. MEUSER. Will you please stand and bow your heads? Dear
God, we appreciate this day bringing us together back here in
Washington, doing the best work we can for a great nation. And
we thank you for helping be creative. Give us the wisdom. We
ask for this often, but please give it to us to focus on the
greater good, to truly put you and country ahead of self.
And there is a biblical verse that is known as blessed are
the meek for they will inherit the Earth. The meek, of course,
are those that are humble, have humility, and appreciate the
people and the world around them most. They will inherit the
Earth. Allow us to follow this line from Scripture.
In the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost, God be
with you. Thank you. Amen.
We will now do the pledge.
ALL. I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States
of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one
nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for
all.
Chairman WILLIAMS. The Committee will now come to order and
a quorum is present. Without objection, the Chair is authorized
to declare a recess of the Committee at any time.
As required by the House rules, a copy of the legislative
measures have been made available to Members and the public at
least 24 hours in advance. Without objection, the Committee
will vote electronically in accordance with the Committee rules
and regulations developed by the House Committees on Rules and
Administration.
I now recognize myself for opening remarks.
Today we will mark up seven important bills that support
small business across the country. These bills reflect the
commitment to equipping entrepreneurs with the tools they need
to innovate, grow, and compete in our ever-evolving economy.
From the expanding access to artificial intelligence resources,
strengthening oversight, removing outdated barriers to capital,
and tackling burdensome regulations, each of these bills will
support Main Street America in a meaningful way.
As Chairman, I am proud of the network--or proud of the
work being done in this Committee to support the
administration's efforts and ensure that small businesses
remain at the forefront of the American economy. These bills
represent the Committee's bipartisan commitment to fostering an
environment where small businesses can grow, innovate, and
invest in their communities.
Several of the bills we are considering today focus on the
transformative role of artificial intelligence and ensure that
small businesses have access to resources and training to help
them utilize AI. Our bills today will also bring greater
accountability and oversight of the SBA 504 loan program and
improve access to SBA lending by all types of industries. We
will also consider a bill that would finally bring SBA
microlending to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
Islands.
I appreciate the Ranking Member and the Committee staff who
have supported the Committee's effort over the years on this
issue. Another bill will require the SBA to implement
requirements for the fiscal year 2019 NDAA to provide
information and outreach about employee ownership for small
businesses. And finally, we will consider a bill that empowers
small businesses to report burdensome regulations by codifying
the SBA Office of Advocacy's Red Tape Hotline.
I am proud of the continued bipartisan efforts that have
resulted in today's markup. These efforts have led to the
passage of 18 small business bills out of the House this year,
which now await Senate consideration. I look forward to working
with my colleagues so we can continue to pass meaningful
legislation that empowers small businesses and strengthens our
communities.
Now, with that, I look forward to today's markup and I
yield to the distinguished Member and my friend, the Ranking
Member from New York, Ms. Velazquez, for her opening remarks.
Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for convening this
markup today.
As we consider legislation to shape the future of small
businesses across the country, it is important to address both
the opportunities and challenges facing small businesses today.
I plan to lend my support to the six bipartisan bills under
consideration and I will lay out my concerns with the last
bill. And I appreciate the Chairman's efforts to mark up a fair
ratio of Republican and Democratic bills. I am encouraged to
see us working together on commonsense, bipartisan bills that
provide more opportunity for small businesses because expanding
opportunities shouldn't be a partisan issue.
With that said, we need the SBA to be a more accountable
partner. Ignoring congressional oversight letters and requests
for meetings undermines trust. It needs to change and my hope
is that you will join me in ensuring the agency is more
responsive to this Committee.
And I am hopeful we can work together on issues that really
matter: lowering costs for small businesses. These critical
employers who account for a large portion of jobs in this
country are not hiring because they are grappling with
inflation and escalating costs. According to the Center for
American Progress analysis, more than 5 million self-employed
small business owners have health insurance coverage through
the ACA. We cannot allow these tax credits to expire, causing
premiums to double for millions of Americans. And our ranchers
and farmers are reeling from decisions on tariffs and beef
purchases that have been unilaterally made by this
administration. I urge you to schedule a hearing so we can hear
directly from small businesses about these important issues.
Thank you again, Mr. Williams, and I look forward to a
productive markup. I yield back.
Chairman WILLIAMS. The lady yields back. And does any other
Member seek recognition for the purpose of making an opening
statement?
Okay. Seeing none, we will now move to consideration of the
first bill.
H.R. 5763
The Committee now moves to consideration of H.R. 5763, the
Main Street Parity Act, introduced by Chairman, myself, and
Representative Simon. The clerk will report the bill.
The CLERK. H.R. 5763, a bill to amend the Small Business--
--
Chairman WILLIAMS. Without objection, H.R. 5763 is
considered as read and open for amendment.
I now recognize myself for a statement on the bill.
Most small business owners applying for 504 loans must
contribute 10 percent as a form of down payment. However, if
their loan involves a limited purpose property, such as bowling
alley, dairy farm, or doctor's office, they must contribute an
extra 5 percent, a total of 15 percent down. And everyday
businesses on main street like these are unfairly burdened with
this extra equity requirement that is based on outdated,
inaccurate assumptions that these kinds of businesses pose a
greater risk to the program. So most of the loans in these
affected industries, like bowling alleys, hospitals, and
wineries, perform better on average than the entire 504
portfolio.
So this bill will remove unnecessary burdens for
entrepreneurs who are seeking loans for these special purpose
buildings and will put them on equal footing with their peers.
This change will support the countless small businesses at the
center of our communities and drive the economy. And it is time
to bring parity back to main street.
So I urge my colleagues to vote yes on H.R. 5763. And I
yield back.
And I now recognize the bill's cosponsor, Representative
Simon from the great state of California for her remarks.
Ms. SIMON. It is Simon. But I really like----
Chairman WILLIAMS. Simon.
Ms. SIMON. But I like Simone. It sounds a lot more
dignified.
Chairman WILLIAMS. She is my friend. I was just checking
her out. Thank you.
Ms. SIMON. Simone gives it a little French flair. My family
is from Louisiana, sir.
Thank you so much. And it has been an honor to work with
you on this bill together, you and I, championing this bill and
others. It has been a real honor. And I want to thank our
Ranking Member Velazquez for really lifting up the freshman
Members of this Committee to ensure that we are a part of this
legislative process full scale.
The Main Street Parity Act is a simple way to support a
broad range of small businesses in this country, not just the
ones with standard commercial property. So right now,
businesses in my district and in districts across the country
operate in what is called a special purpose property and they
are being penalized simply for having unique construction or
building needs. You referenced bowling alleys, and you are
absolutely right. These include places, not just bowling
alleys, but car washes and marinas and funeral homes and
recreation centers. These are the kind of small businesses in
our community that serve local families, that create real jobs,
and keep our communities running.
The Main Street Parity Act lowers the equity requirement
for these borrowers to the same 10 percent required for
everyone else. This is definitely a commonsense bill that
supports small business owners throughout the country. This
bill is a simple fix. It is nonpartisan and it really does what
our constituents have asked us to do, making small business
work on main street in rural and in urban communities
throughout this country. It is about promoting fair, inclusive
economic growth and recognizing that opportunity should not
depend on something as small as the type of building your
business happens to own or run in.
I urge all of my colleagues today to support the Main
Street Parity Act and ensure fair capital access across all
small business industries in our great nation.
Thank you, sir, and I yield back.
Chairman WILLIAMS. I thank Congressman Simon for that.
Are there any other Members who wish to be recognized for a
statement on the bill?
I now recognize the Ranking Member to speak on the bill.
Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I support H.R.
5763. This bill makes important adjustments to improve SBA 504
CDC program. I applaud Chairman Williams and Representative
Simon for their leadership on this issue.
The 504 CDC program has long supported small businesses in
accessing capital for the development of major fixed assets,
ensuring that these businesses have the resources they need to
be successful and support thousands of jobs across the country.
As part of the 504 CDC program, loans are guaranteed for so-
called special use properties, like bowling alleys, car washes,
and marinas. Since the special use designation was created in
1996, businesses developing these properties have been required
to pay a special use penalty when accessing 504 CDC loans. The
additional equity requirement was put in place by Congress
because of the belief that these special use properties will be
challenging to repurpose, shrinking the market pool of
potential buyers and making them more difficult to sell,
thereby posing a higher risk to the SBA loan portfolio if one
of these businesses ever faced financial hardship and needed to
be sold.
However, in almost 30 years since the designation was
created and the penalty was put in place, many of these
properties have been successfully repurposed for alternative
uses. More importantly, the shut-off rate since that time is
substantially similar to standard 504 CDC loans, demonstrating
that this loan poses no greater risk than standard loans.
Therefore, it is time to remove the special use penalty and
lower the equity barrier these properties face when accessing
capital through the 504 CDC program.
This bill reduces the minimum equity requirement for
special use property to at least 10 percent, in line with the
requirement for standard loans under the 504 CDC program. It
also maintains the discretionary authority to require higher
equity requirements of the borrower if the CDC so chooses.
I want to thank my Republican colleagues for their
collaboration on H.R. 5788, which we are also discussing, that
increases the SBA reporting requirements to Congress for 504
CDC loans, including for special use properties, so that we can
continue to monitor the changes we are making in this bill in
the future. This bill is supported by the National Association
of Development Companies.
I urge my colleagues to support the bill and I yield back.
Chairman WILLIAMS. The gentlelady yields back.
And does anyone wish to offer an amendment?
Okay. Seeing none, the question now occurs on favorably
reporting H.R. 5763.
All those in favor, say aye.
All those opposed, say no.
In the opinion of the Chair, the ayes have it. H.R. 5763 is
agreed to.
Ms. KING-HINDS. Mr. Chairman, I would like to request a
recorded vote.
Chairman WILLIAMS. A recorded vote has been requested. A
roll call vote is ordered. Pursuant to Committee rule 13 and
House rule XI, further proceedings on this bill are postponed.
H.R. 5788
The Committee now moves to consideration of H.R. 5788, the
504 Program Risk Oversight Act, introduced by Representative
Tran and Patronis. The clerk will report the bill.
The CLERK. H.R. 5788, a bill----
Chairman WILLIAMS. Without objection, H.R. 5788 is
considered as read and open for amendment.
I now recognize the bill's sponsor, Representative Tran
from the great state of California for a statement on the bill.
Mr. TRAN. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for the opportunity to
discuss an essential piece of legislation today, the 504
Program Risk Oversight Act. The 504 Program Risk Oversight Act
would require the SBA to conduct an annual risk assessment of
the 504 CDC program and provide Congress with a report
containing the results by December 1st each year.
The 504 Loan Program is SBA's premier economic development
program providing low-cost, fixed-rate capital to help small
businesses expand. Since its inception in 1986, the program has
provided approximately 400 billion in total project financing
and created over 3.3 million jobs. In California, that
translates to 95 billion in total capital and the creation of
over 715,000 good paying jobs.
The SBA's 504 program is central to long-term business
growth and competitiveness for many small business owners.
However, as small business grow and take on larger and more
complex projects, I have heard from my constituents that the
limitation in SBA's 504 financing imposes unnecessary
constraints on the organic and profitable growth of their
business. Many times I have heard that a limitation they faced
was when their financing needs were more than what the SBA
could lend due to the loan limits. That is why I support
increasing the maximum loan size for 504 to allow the program
to have a bigger impact and adjust the loan limits which have
not been changed since 2010. However, it is also important to
ensure program performance remains a top priority and the 504
program stays healthy for its long-term availability to small
businesses.
Currently, SBA is not required to conduct an annual
portfolio risk analysis of the 504 program and provide Congress
with a detailed report containing the results. This bipartisan
bill will address the problem and help more Americans launch
and grow small businesses by improving oversight and risk
assessment of the 504 program. Transparent data is the
cornerstone of a productive partnership between the SBA,
Congress, and the industry and the work we do to modernize the
504 loan limit for all borrowers while keeping the program
healthy.
I am proud to lead this bill and I want to thank my
colleague Representative Jimmy Patronis for his partnership in
co-leading this important piece of legislation with me.
I urge my colleagues to support this important bipartisan
bill. Thank you and I yield back.
Chairman WILLIAMS. The gentleman yields back.
I now recognize Representative Patronis from the great
state of Florida for a statement on the bill.
Mr. PATRONIS. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate my
colleague Congressman Tran's work on this good bill. I am
pleased also to be a original cosponsor on this legislation.
Transparency and responsible government is key to an
effective government. This bill is an example of just that. As
a former CFO of the State of Florida, I was responsible for
overseeing the state's investments, especially in the
retirement space. We must ensure that the taxpayers' dollars
are being used effectively and not set on fire. This bill will
make sure that there is always risk analysis being done on 504
program activities.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I yield back.
Chairman WILLIAMS. The gentleman yields back.
Are there any of the Members who wish to be recognized for
a statement on the bill?
Seeing none, I would like to recognize the Ranking Member
to speak on the bill.
Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Let me start off by
thanking Representatives Tran and Patronis for working together
on a bipartisan basis to introduce this important bill.
Information and transparency are central to ensuring the proper
operation and functioning of the SBA lending programs,
including the 504 CDC program. And this bill will help our
Committee carry out our oversight responsibility.
For months I have investigated and warned about the rising
default levels in the SBA other main lending program, the
flagship 7(a) program. Federal law requires the SBA Office of
Credit Risk Management to conduct an annual portfolio risk
analysis of the 7(a) program and provide Congress with a
detailed report of the results. It is this report that has
helped our Committee examine the 7(a) program's rising defaults
and tailor our actions accordingly. The report provides
detailed information on the program's overall risks set forth
by industry concentration, risks created by individual lenders,
enforcement actions that have been taken, and other important
data points.
Unfortunately, a similar statutory requirement does not
exist for the 504 CDC program. H.R. 5788 will fix that by
compelling the SBA to conduct an annual risk analysis of the
504 CDC program and provide Congress with the results tailored
to meet the 504 CDC program's unique features. This bill will
require the SBA to provide many of the same data points on the
504 CDC program as it is currently providing us on the 7(a)
program.
Let me be clear, loan defaults do not currently seem to be
a concern in the 504 CDC program. Publicly available
information demonstrate responsible operation of the program,
but this bill will give us information we need to monitor the
program now and in the future so its zero subsidy requirement
is maintained.
Finally, H.R. 5788 will require that the 504 CDC risk
report also be posted on the SBA website and made available to
the public. H.R. 5788 is supported by the National Association
of Development Companies.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I yield back.
Chairman WILLIAMS. The gentlelady yields back, and thank
you.
And I now recognize myself to speak in support of this
legislation.
The SBA's 504 loan program plays a crucial role in
financing fixed assets for small businesses through community-
based partners. While these loans help local small businesses
grow, there is a clear lack of reporting on the health and risk
within the 504 portfolio. So as Americans and policymakers need
a clear timely information on the program to ensure that
taxpayer dollars are protected, we need to know that the
program is sustainable and effective for small businesses
nationwide.
The 504 Program Risk Oversight Act ensures that Congress
can carry out its constitutional duty of oversight by requiring
annual data-driven reports from the SBA on the health of the
504 loan program. By enhancing transparency and insight, this
legislation will help Congress identify and mitigate risk
early, strengthening the long-term viability of the 504 loan
program and ensuring continued support for American
entrepreneurs.
So I urge my colleagues to vote yes on H.R. 5788, and I
yield back.
Does anyone wish to offer an amendment?
Okay. Seeing none, the question is now on favorably
reporting H.R. 5788 to the House.
All those in favor, say aye.
All those opposed, say no.
In the opinion of the Chair, the ayes have it and H.R. 5788
is agreed to.
Mr. PATRONIS. Mr. Chairman?
Chairman WILLIAMS. Yes.
Mr. PATRONIS. I would like to request a recorded vote.
Chairman WILLIAMS. Okay. We have got a recorded vote has
been requested. A roll call vote is ordered. And pursuant to
Committee rule 13 and House rule XI, further proceedings on
this bill are postponed.
H.R. 3496
The Committee now moves to consideration of H.R. 3496,
Northern Mariana Island Small Business Access Act, introduced
by Delegate King-Hinds and cosponsored by Representative
Conaway. And the clerk will report the bill.
The CLERK. H.R. 3496, a bill to amend the Small Business--
--
Chairman WILLIAMS. Without objection, H.R. 3496 is
considered as read and open for amendment.
The bill sponsor Delegate King-Hinds has an amendment in
the nature of a substitute at the desk. The amendment has been
distributed in advance. The clerk will report the amendment.
The CLERK. Amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R.
34----
Chairman WILLIAMS. Without objection, the amendment is
considered as read and the substitute will be considered as a
base text for the purpose of further amendment.
I now recognize the bill's sponsor, Delegate King-Hinds
from the Great Northern Mariana Islands, for a statement on the
bill and the amendment.
Ms. KING-HINDS. Thank you, Chairman Williams and Ranking
Member Velazquez, for agreeing to include my bill, H.R. 3496,
the Northern Mariana Islands Small Business Access Act, in
today's markup. H.R. 3496 would include my district, the
Northern Mariana Islands, in the Small Business
Administration's Microloan Program. The Microloan Program
issues loans of $50,000 or less at low interest rates to help
small businesses that may be unable to access capital
elsewhere, grow their businesses, or create jobs.
Since the program became operational in 1992, it has issued
over 69,000 loans totaling over 900 million and supported over
250,000 American jobs. Despite the program's impressive impact
for Americans across the country, the Northern Mariana Islands
is the only state or territory not explicitly included under
the law. This bill would simply add the CNMI to be eligible for
the program alongside every other territory.
I thank my co-lead on the bill, Representative Conaway, for
his best support and Congressman Cisneros for cosponsoring this
legislation as well. Again, my bill simply adds my district to
the Microloan Program that is already available to all other
Americans. I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan,
commonsense, no-cost bill.
Thank you. I yield back.
Chairman WILLIAMS. The gentlelady yields back.
I now recognize Representative Conaway from the great state
of New Jersey for a statement on the bill and the amendment.
Mr. CONAWAY. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to echo
support for H.R. 3496, the Northern Mariana Island Small
Business Access Act, along with my colleague, Congresswoman
King-Hinds.
As has been said, the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana
Islands, you know, I don't say that very often, Northern
Mariana Islands is one of the six territories in the U.S. and,
despite its status as a territory, the Northern Mariana Islands
have been excluded from certain small business programs. This
is important legislation that would ensure that there are
expanded access to SBA's Microloan Program to small businesses
on the Northern Mariana Islands.
As you know, access to capital is vital for success and
stability of small businesses. The SBA's Microloan Program is
designed to assist women, low-income persons, veterans,
minority entrepreneurs, and small business owners. And said
loans can be used for a myriad of purposes, including working
capital, inventory, supplies, furniture, fixtures, machinery,
and equipment. Ensuring that the Northern Mariana Islands has
better access to this important SBA program is very important
and I urge all of my colleagues to support this important piece
of legislation.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I yield back.
Chairman WILLIAMS. The gentlemen yields back.
Are there any other Members who wish to be recognized for a
statement?
Seeing none, I would like to recognize the Ranking Member
to speak on the bill and the amendment.
Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to express
my support for H.R. 3496, as amended. I commend Delegate King-
Hinds and Dr. Conaway for reintroducing the bill we have worked
on for several years now.
The Northern Mariana Islands Small Business Access Act is a
straightforward but important bill that expands access to the
SBA Microloan Program to small businesses in the Commonwealth
of the Northern Mariana Islands. The program has been hugely
successful.
With that said, small businesses in the Northern Mariana
Islands face unique challenges as geographic isolation leads to
higher costs for goods and services, and their economy is
heavily reliant on tourism, which can ebb and flow with economy
and natural disaster. Having access to affordable credit gives
small businesses the ability to weather the storms and economic
uncertainty and fully prepare for the next opportunity.
I worked to ensure the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
Islands had access to the Microloan Program as part of a more
comprehensive bill to improve the Microloan Program. Despite
passing the House, that bill was not considered in the Senate.
While I would prefer to handle this issue in a more complete
review of the program to make much needed improvements, I am
willing to set aside those concerns today to ensure that small
business owners in CNMI have access to the SBA Macro Loan
program, and I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan
measure.
I yield back.
Chairman WILLIAMS. The gentlelady yields back. Thank you.
I now recognize myself to speak in support of this
legislation.
The SBA Microloan Program offers entrepreneurs access to
small dollar loans through intermediaries. By statute, the SBA
portions Microloan Program funding to each state and territory
except for the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands. This
exclusion makes it more challenging for small businesses in the
Northern Mariana Islands to access capital. And the Northern
Mariana Island Small Business Access Act amends the Small
Business Act to include the Northern Mariana Islands in the
program's geographic coverage.
Expanding microloan eligibility will spark
entrepreneurship. It strengthens that local economy for all
states and territories and further assisting constituents of
our colleague, Delegate King-Hinds, to access opportunities to
grow.
I urge my colleagues to vote yes on H.R. 3496, and I yield
back.
Does anyone wish to offer an amendment?
Seeing none, the question now occurs on the adoption of the
substitute amendment offered H.R. 3496 by Delegate King-Hinds.
All those in favor, say aye.
All those opposed, say no.
In the opinion of the Chair, the ayes have it, the
amendment in the nature of a substitute H.R. 3496 is adopted.
Okay. The question is now on favorably reporting H.R. 3496,
as amended, to the House.
All those in favor, say aye.
All those opposed, say no.
In the opinion of the Chair, the ayes have it and H.R.
3496, as amended, is agreed to.
Ms. KING-HINDS. Mr. Chairman.
Chairman WILLIAMS. For what purpose does the gentlelady
seek recognition?
Ms. KING-HINDS. I would like to request a recorded vote.
Chairman WILLIAMS. Okay. A recorded vote has been
requested. A roll call vote is ordered, and pursuant to
Committee rule 13 and House rule XI, further proceedings on
this bill are postponed.
H.R. 5764
The Committee now moves to consideration of H.R. 5764, AI
for Main Street Act, introduced by Representatives Alford and
Scholten. The clerk will report the bill.
The CLERK. H.R. 5764, bill to amend the Small Business----
Chairman WILLIAMS. Without objection, H.R. 5764 is
considered as read and open for amendment.
The bill sponsor, Representative Alford, has an amendment
in the nature of a substitute at the desk. The amendment has
been distributed in advance. The clerk will report the
amendment.
The CLERK. Amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R.
57----
Chairman WILLIAMS. Without objection, the amendment is
considered as read and the substitute will be considered as
base text for the purpose of further amendment.
I now recognize the bill's sponsor, Representative Alford
from the great state of Missouri, for a statement on the bill
and the amendment.
Mr. ALFORD. Well, thank you, Mr. Chair. And thank you,
Ranking Member Velazquez, for holding this hearing today. It is
so good to see everyone on both sides of the aisle.
This Committee exists in Congress to champion main street,
to ensure that the small businesses that employ about half of
all Americans can continue to thrive. As we all know, the AI
revolution is not coming. It is already here. And if any
company from main street to wall street is not adapting, they
will be left behind. This is why I was proud to introduce the
AI for Main Street Act along with Congresswoman Scholten.
This bill directs Small Business Development Centers to
help small businesses evaluate and adopt artificial
intelligence by providing guidance, training, and outreach. It
builds on existing efforts, like America's SBDC AIU program. I
urge all of my colleagues to support this important legislation
to ensure that main street gets the counseling they need to
survive and thrive during the AI era, which is not going away
anytime soon.
And with that I yield back.
Chairman WILLIAMS. The gentleman yields back.
I now recognize Representative Scholten from the great
state of Michigan for a statement on the bill and the
amendment.
Ms. SCHOLTEN. Thank you so much, Mr. Chairman. I have been
so proud to partner with Rep. Alford to lead the AI for Main
Street Act.
He said it so well and this Committee has recognized the
absolute revolutionary power that AI can have for so many of
our small business owners. Yet far too many don't know how to
access its power in a responsible way. This bill will help
small businesses get quality guidance on how to adopt
artificial intelligence into their operations.
At a time when AI tools are becoming more accessible, but
also more complex, small business owners need trusted local
resources to help them navigate this new terrain. We have seen
firsthand in our district how cutting-edge AI help from Small
Business Development Centers can be just an absolute game-
changer, and that is where the AI for Main Street Act comes in.
Our bill will direct Small Business Development Centers to
provide guidance, training, and outreach to small business
owners so they can evaluate the use of AI for their businesses
and implement it according to their unique needs.
SBDCs are already a lifeline for small businesses, places
where they turn to for help, practical expertise, and real-
world solutions. By equipping these centers with AI-focused
training, we are meeting small business owners where they are
and giving them tools that they can put to work immediately.
In our increasingly connected world, AI presents major
changes to our economy and our way of life, from streamlining
bookkeeping to managing inventory to improving customer
outreach. AI can help small businesses save time, cut cost,
stay competitive, but only if they have the knowledge how to
use it effectively. That makes it all the more important that
small businesses have the right resources. The AI for Main
Street Act gives small businesses, again, the key word is
trust, that trusted place to turn as they decide how to use AI
to serve their goals.
I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield the
remainder of my time.
Chairman WILLIAMS. The gentlelady yields back.
Are there any other Members who wish to be recognized for a
statement on the bill?
Seeing none, I would like to recognize the Ranking Member
to speak on the bill and the amendment.
Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am really pleased
to support the AI for Main Street Act, which would allow the
Small Business Development Centers to assist small business
owners on how to evaluate artificial intelligence. I commend
Mr. Alford and Ms. Scholten for working together on this
bipartisan legislation.
Among other things, AI has the potential to boost
productivity, enhance customer service, and save costs, but
small businesses must learn to use and manage AI tools
effectively. If they don't, it can backfire and cause serious
problems. We all heard the story of the Chevy dealership in
Watsonville, California, that deployed an automated customer
service chatbot that was manipulated into offering a Tahoe for
a dollar and stating the deal is legally binding.
As AI advances, so do the inherent risks. That is why it is
important for SBA and its entrepreneurial ecosystem to help
small businesses make the most of this technology. And it also
makes sense to further empower the national network of SBDCs to
guide and train small businesses for the future. I urge my
colleagues to vote yes.
I yield back my time.
Chairman WILLIAMS. The gentlelady yields back, and thank
you.
And I now recognize myself to speak in support of this
legislation.
Evolving artificial intelligence tools are transforming the
business world and reshaping how entrepreneurs and small
businesses operate and compete. While larger corporations are
already harnessing new technologies, many small businesses are
struggling to help keep up due to limited resources, lack of
training, and concerns about cybersecurity. But the AI for Main
Street Act addresses this gap by directing the SBA Small
Business Development Centers to provide training, coaching, and
ongoing support for integrating AI responsibility into small
business.
SBDCs are a crucial public-private partnership that operate
in every state to assist all small businesses, whether they are
just starting or fully established. Ensuring that these
resource partners can provide AI education will give small
businesses the proper tools and safeguards to compete in
today's economy. As AI becomes an integral driver of
productivity and competitiveness across the economy, small
businesses must not be left behind. Technology won't wait for
small business to catch up and Congress must help bridge that
gap to help close the innovation divide.
I urge my colleagues to vote yes on H.R. 5764, and I yield
back.
Does anyone wish to offer an amendment?
Okay. Seeing none, the question now occurs in the adoption
of the substitute amendment offered to H.R. 5764 by Mr. Alford.
All those in favor, say aye.
All those opposed, say no.
In the opinion of the Chair, the ayes have it and the
amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 5764 is
adopted.
The question is now on favorably reporting H.R. 5764, as
amended, to the House.
All those in favor, say aye.
All those opposed, say no.
The opinion of the Chair, the ayes have it and H.R. 5764,
as amended, is agreed to
Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Chair?
Chairman WILLIAMS. For what purpose does the gentleman seek
recognition?
Mr. ALFORD. I request a recorded vote, please.
Chairman WILLIAMS. A recorded vote has been requested. A
roll call vote is ordered. Pursuant to Committee rule 13 and
House rule XI, further proceedings on the bill are postponed.
H.R. 5784
The Committee now moves to consideration of H.R. 5784, the
Artificial Intelligence Wisdom for Innovative Small
Enterprises, or AI WISE Act, introduced by Representatives
Scholten and Downing. And the clerk will report the bill.
The CLERK. H.R. 5784, a bill to amend the Small Business
Act----
Chairman WILLIAMS. Without objection, H.R. 5784 is
considered as read and open for amendment.
I now recognize the bill's sponsor, Representative Scholten
from the great state of Michigan, for a statement on the bill.
Ms. SCHOLTEN. Thank you so much, Mr. Chairman. You are
sensing a theme today. And I am so glad that this Committee
takes the inclusion and implementation of AI in the small
business arena seriously. It is absolutely critical.
As we know, artificial intelligence is rapidly shaping
industries across the globe. But small businesses, who are the
backbone of our economy, often struggle to keep up with fast-
paced technological change. My--oops, sorry, hold on. I think I
got the wrong--this is the AI for main street. Sorry, I was
like that sounds really familiar. AI WISE. We can vote on that
one now, too. We are on AI for main street--we are on AI WISE.
We are on AI WISE. Yes. Okay, sorry. Apologies. This is when
you get all these great AI bills.
The AI WISE Act requires the SBA to create AI literacy
resources tailored specifically to small businesses. Through
the SBA's e-learning platform, entrepreneurs and small business
owners will be empowered with clear, actionable information on
how to leverage AI in their operations, whether that is through
automating tasks, improving customer service, or making smarter
decisions using data.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly one in four
businesses do not know whether they will use AI in production
within the next 6 months. They just don't know if it is going
to be a part of their business or not. That is untenable in a
rapidly evolving technological landscape where small businesses
cannot afford to be left behind. This bill will level the
technological playing field for small businesses, providing
them the tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing global
economy.
AI isn't just for the tech giants. It is for everyone,
especially small businesses. Whether we are talking about a
local bakery, a landscaping company, or a digital startup, AI
has the potential to increase productivity, reduce costs, and
open up new growth opportunities. The AI WISE Act gives our
small businesses the knowledge they need to embrace AI and
remain the top job creators in our country.
I want to express my gratitude to Congressman Downing for
joining me in leading this bill. And I ask unanimous consent to
insert into the record letters of support for the AI WISE Act
from Intuit and OpenAI. I urge all of my colleagues to support
the AI WISE Act. The future of our economy depends on helping
small businesses harness the power of emerging technologies
like AI and this bill will help make that a reality.
I yield the remainder of my time.
Chairman WILLIAMS. Without objection, we will accept your
papers.
I now recognize Representative Downing from the great state
of Montana for a statement on the bill.
Mr. DOWNING. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And thank you to my
colleague, Representative Scholten, for the work on this bill.
You know, over the course of the last several years, we
have seen incredible advancements in the development of AI
technology. AI capabilities, like machine learning, language
processing, these will play a critical role in our economy
moving forward. Businesses across our country are rapidly
incorporating AI to streamline key operations, like workforce
recruitment, marketing, strategy development. However, like any
emerging technology, businesses with substantial and stable
access to capital tend to be better positioned for technology
adoption and dealing with its ramifications. Small businesses,
on the other hand, including businesses in rural communities
like in my home district of central and eastern Montana, often
lack the resources and information needed to facilitate
technology adoption.
Now, according to a 2025 report from the U.S. Chamber of
Commerce, 59 percent of Montana small businesses have adopted
AI into their operations. While this figure is significant, it
pales in comparison to the near universal adoption of AI that
we have seen with Fortune 500 companies. This is why I am proud
to co-lead H.R. 5784, the AI WISE Act, with my colleague
Representative Scholten.
The AI WISE Act directs SBA to establish educational
resources on AI for small businesses through its online
learning program. In doing so, this legislation seeks to
provide small businesses with the technical and practical
knowledge needed in order to best navigate AI adoption.
To assemble this information, this legislation directs the
SBA to work in coordination with the National Institute for
Standards and Technology, NIST, as well as an advisory working
group of public and private sector partners. The scope of this
new AI educational material will include resources for small
businesses on how AI models work, best practices for
coordinating with third-party providers of AI tools, and how
businesses can identify tasks that AI can reliably and
effectively perform.
I would like to again thank my colleague Representative
Scholten for co-leading this legislation with me. The AI WISE
Act will ensure SBA provides small businesses with the
information that they will need to most effectively utilize AI
to bolster their business.
I urge all my colleagues to support this legislation, and,
Mr. Chair, I yield back.
Chairman WILLIAMS. The gentleman yields back.
Are there any of the Members who wish to be recognized for
a statement on the bill?
Seeing none, I would like to recognize the Ranking Member
to speak on the bill.
Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am pleased to
support legislation to create artificial intelligence literacy
resources at the SBA and the resource partners. I thank Ms.
Scholten and Mr. Downing and the numerous AI and small business
stakeholders for working with me to develop this bill over the
last 2 years.
I has captured the imagination, excitement, and anxiety of
Main Street America and Congress since the launch of ChatGPT
just 2 years ago. While AI has the potential to make small
businesses more efficient and competitive, it also has risks
associated with its use. The AI WISE Act will empower America's
small businesses with the skill needed to evaluate and adopt AI
in this challenging landscape. It requires the SBA to create an
online AI literacy resource for small businesses and allow
their resource partners to build upon it with specialized and
localized resources to better serve their communities. As AI
revolutionizes our way of life, it is critical to ensure small
businesses are not left behind by the larger firms better
equipped to adopt the technology.
With that, I urge my colleagues to vote yes, and I yield
back.
Chairman WILLIAMS. The gentlelady yields back. Thank you.
And I now recognize myself to speak in support of this
legislation.
As we talked about today, nearly half of small businesses
are using the AI in some form, and more are exploring ways they
could make their businesses more efficient. As AI adoption
accelerates, it is critical that small businesses have the
tools and knowledge to stay competitive and thrive in the free
market. The AI WISE Act directs the SBA to establish
educational resources and online learning tools to help small
businesses understand the benefits and risks of integrating AI
into their operations.
This bill brings together the SBA, the National Institute
of Standards and Technology, and AI leaders to leverage
existing AI resources and develop educational tools that don't
just focus on the potential risks. It includes information
about how AI could enhance operations, customer service, and
productivity across main street's businesses. The AI WISE Act
puts the SBA at the forefront of streamlining information
directly for the many small businesses that don't know where to
access materials they need to fully scale their businesses
while leveraging AI.
I urge my colleagues to vote yes on H.R. 5784, and I yield
back.
Now, does anyone wish to offer an amendment?
Seeing none, the question is now on favorably reporting
H.R. 5784 to the House.
All those in favor, say aye.
All those opposed, say no.
In the opinion of the Chair, the ayes have it and H.R. 5784
is agreed to.
Mr. DOWNING. Mr. Chair?
Chairman WILLIAMS. The gentleman is recognized.
Mr. DOWNING. I request a recorded vote.
Chairman WILLIAMS. The gentleman requests, a recorded vote
has been requested. A roll call vote is ordered. Pursuant to
Committee rule 13 and House rule XI, further proceedings on the
bill are postponed.
H.R. 5778
The Committee now moves to consideration of H.R. 5778, the
Improving SBA Engagement on Employee Ownership Act, introduced
by Representatives McIver and Bresnahan and Ranking Member
Velazquez. The clerk will report the bill.
The CLERK. H.R. 5778, a bill to direct the administrator--
--
Chairman WILLIAMS. Without objection, H.R. 5778 is
considered as read and open for amendment.
I now recognize the bill's sponsor, Representative McIver
from the great state of New Jersey, for a statement on the
bill.
Mrs. MCIVER. Thank you so much, Chairman. And thank you to
our Ranking Member for holding this markup today. I would like
to speak in strong support of my bill, H.R. 5778, the Improving
SBA Engagement on Employee Ownership Act, a bipartisan bill
that I am proud to lead with my colleague, Congressman
Bresnahan, there we go--sorry for butchering that--of
Pennsylvania and Ranking Member Velazquez of New York.
Employee ownership is one of the most powerful tools we
have to help working people build real wealth and strengthen
local economies. When employees become owners, whether through
employee stock ownership plans or cooperatives, they share in
the profits, have a voice in decision-making, and gain direct
stake in the success of the business. These are concrete
pathways for everyday people to obtain financial security and
stable jobs and to increase community investment. We have seen
it through data and through real-world stories. Programs like
this help our communities and economy.
Employee ownership has made a difference for people like
Emilio in my district at the Urban Agriculture Cooperative in
Newark, New Jersey. The Urban Agriculture Cooperative operates
a food hub, distributing healthy New Jersey products through
farmers markets and wholesale. Most recently, they provided
high-quality, local-grown produce to families in need during
the SNAP crisis. As a cooperative, like those my bill would
further support, they help employees build retirement savings
and keep businesses rooted in the neighborhoods they serve.
Employee owners like Emilio give so much to their workplace and
with this model, they get something positive in return.
Yet for far too long, the Small Business Administration has
not met its obligation to support these models. Despite the
proven benefits of ESOPs and cooperatives, SBA lending
programs, especially the flagship 7(a) program, have reached
only a tiny fraction of employee-owned businesses. In fact,
over the last several years, the SBA approved just five 7(a)
loans for SOPs or ESOPs and fewer than 100 for cooperatives,
serving only a silver of the thousands of employees--a sliver,
excuse me, serving only a sliver of the thousands of employee-
owned businesses operating nationwide. That is not because the
models don't work. It is because the federal government has not
kept up with the growing demand of broad-based ownership.
My bill changes that. The Improving SBA Engagement on
Employee Ownership Act ensures that the SBA finally does its
job to support employee-owned businesses. It requires the
agency to show up consistently and at the highest levels in
federal discussions and about employee ownership and
cooperative development. It expands SBA outreach, especially
through the SBIC program, so lenders, investors, and
entrepreneurs understand how to use SBA tools to finance
transitions to employee ownership. And it directs the SBA to
finally start up the Small Business Employee Ownership and
Cooperatives Promotion Program, I must need another cup of
coffee, which Congress required 6 years ago, but has yet to be
implemented.
These are practical, commonsense steps that will help real
people, the blue collar worker at a manufacturing plant trying
to buy the business before it closes, the single mother working
at a home care agency who wants to keep serving families in her
community, or the young entrepreneur building a cooperative
that offers good jobs and share prosperity for their neighbors.
This bill helps them access capital, receiving technical
assistance, and navigate the federal programs that exist to
support them.
Employee ownership is critical to worker dignity and shared
success. It is about making sure workers are treated as
partners, not just laborers, and building an economy that
rewards hard work and not just wealth. I urge my colleagues to
support this bipartisan effort by improving SBA's engagement
with employee-owned businesses and cooperatives. We are
protecting good jobs, ensuring working people have a fair shot
at wealth. This is how we build a more inclusive economy for
all.
With that, Chairman, I yield back.
Chairman WILLIAMS. The gentlelady yields back.
I now recognize Representative Bresnahan from the great
state of Pennsylvania for a statement on the bill.
Mr. BRESNAHAN. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. So great to be
back. And thank you to my colleague Rep. McIver for leading
this important piece of legislation.
ESOPs are a proven asset to help workers become successful
partners in their businesses. When employees share in
ownership, they share in achievement, creating a workplace that
promotes personal investment and a group cooperation to grow a
business successfully. That is why I am proud to co-lead the
Improving SBA Engagement on Employee Ownership Act.
This legislation will strengthen the Small Business
Administration's ability to work with cooperative and employee-
owned businesses to enrich local economies and provide business
owners with critical assistance to preserve jobs and promote
broad-based ownership. I am looking forward to seeing this bill
passed through committee, so we can continue to support the
small businesses and strengthen their impact on our
communities' economic stability.
And with that, I yield back.
Chairman WILLIAMS. The gentleman yields back.
Are there any other Members who wish to be recognized for a
statement on the bill?
Seeing none, I would like to recognize the Ranking Member
to speak on the bill.
Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I support H.R.
5778, and I want to thank Representatives McIver and Bresnahan
for their leadership on this issue.
Employee-owned businesses are a valuable model that
empowers workers and create strong American businesses.
Employee-owned businesses, like ESOPs, and other common control
enterprises, like co-ops, play a significant role in the U.S.
economy. As of 2022, there were more than 5,500 ESOPs holding
more than $1.8 trillion in assets and approximately 65,000 co-
ops generating more than $324 billion in revenue.
These businesses need the backing of the products and
technical training that SBA provides in order to reach their
full potential. These businesses have had only limited access
to the SBA products, including the flagship 7(a) loan program.
Technical support for employee-owned businesses has also been
limited. The SBA has acknowledged these shortcomings and during
the Biden administration began to engage with ESOPs and co-ops
more directly. But more needs to be done. This bill will build
on the progress made by providing a framework for increasing
engagement between the SBA and other executive branch agencies
currently developing policies and regulations related to ESOPs
and co-ops.
I want to thank Representatives McIver and Bresnahan for
working on this bipartisan legislation and I encourage my
colleagues to support the bill. I yield back.
Chairman WILLIAMS. The gentlelady yields back, and thank
you.
And I now recognize myself to speak in support of this
legislation.
For some entrepreneurs, employee ownership and cooperative
business models can offer opportunities to empower their
employees and share the success of the company. The Improving
SBA Engagement on Employee Ownership Act requires the SBA to
finally implement requirements passed in the fiscal year 2019
NDAA to offer information and technical assistance on employee
ownership. It also gives the SBA a seat at the table where
other agencies are discussing these types of business models.
I urge my colleagues to vote yes on H.R. 5778, and I yield
back.
Does anyone wish to offer an amendment?
Seeing none, the question is now on favorably reporting
H.R. 5778 to the House.
All those in favor, say aye.
All those opposed, say no.
In the opinion of the Chair, the ayes have it and H.R. 5778
is agreed to.
Mr. BRESNAHAN. Mr. Chairman, I ask for a recorded vote.
Chairman WILLIAMS. Okay. The gentlemen asks for recorded
votes. It has been requested. A roll call vote is ordered.
Pursuant to Committee rule 13 and House rule XI, further
proceedings on the bill are postponed.
H.R. 4305
The Committee now moves to consideration of H.R. 4305,
Destroying Unnecessary, Misaligned, and Prohibitive Red Tape
Act of 2025, or the DUMP Red Tape Act, introduced by the
Representative Wied. The clerk report the bill.
The CLERK. H.R. 4305, a bill to direct the chief----
Chairman WILLIAMS. Without objection, H.R. 4305 is
considered as read and open for amendment.
The bill sponsor, Representative Wied, has an amendment in
the nature of a substitute at the desk. The amendment has been
distributed in advance. The clerk will report the amendment.
The CLERK. Amendment in the nature of a substitute to
H.R.----
Chairman WILLIAMS. Without objection, the amendment is
considered as read and the substitute will be considered in
base text for the purpose of further amendment.
I now recognize the bill's sponsor, Representative Wied
from the great state of Wisconsin, for a statement on the bill
and the amendment.
Mr. WEID. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. After suffering through
4 years of regulatory onslaught by the Biden administration,
totaling nearly 1.8 trillion in new costs and requiring an
additional 360 million hours to comply with these new
regulations, small businesses are desperate for regulatory
relief. In response, earlier this year, the Small Business
Administration created the Red Tape Hotline under its Office of
Advocacy. This hotline gives small businesses a seat at the
table to highlight the prohibitive red tape regulations from
across federal agencies that hurt their ability to grow and
compete.
My bill, H.R. 4305, the Destroying Unnecessary, Misaligned,
and Prohibitive Red Tape Act, codifies the SBA's Red Tape
Hotline. It also requires annual reports to Congress from the
Office of Advocacy detailing the most burdensome regulations
for small business owners and what the steps the SBA has taken
to advocate on their behalf. This bill is a commonsense way to
gather input directly from the people most harmed by
overregulation. I urge all of my colleagues to support this
important piece of legislation and stand with America's small
businesses.
And with that, I yield back.
Chairman WILLIAMS. The gentleman yields back.
Are there any other Members who wish to be recognized for a
statement on the bill?
Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Chairman?
Chairman WILLIAMS. Representative Meuser, Pennsylvania,
recognized.
Mr. MEUSER. May I be recognized? Thank you. Thank you, Mr.
Chairman. H.R. 4305, the DUMP Red Tape Act, I commend my
colleague, Mr. Wied, for introducing. I do think, however, it
should have been named the DUMP Blue Tape Act.
Anyway, we would require--it requires the SBA Office of
Advocacy to codify the Red Tape Hotline and submit an annual
report to Congress and Administrator Loeffler. This will
provide small businesses with an outlet to report arbitrary and
unnecessary regulations, as stated, directly to Congress and
the public.
Small businesses are the backbone of the U.S. economy,
generating 44 percent of economic activity and employing over
60 percent of the workforce. Yet under the Biden
administration, small businesses were forced to navigate a
complex regulatory landscape, resulting in $1.7 trillion in new
regulatory costs and over 300 million hours of paperwork. These
burdens ultimately fell on small businesses, limiting their
ability to innovate, grow, and compete.
So the Red Tape Hotline demonstrates that the Trump
administration and Republicans want to hear directly from small
businesses about the regulatory challenge they are facing.
Unlike the Biden administration, we will continue delivering
for small businesses by increasing transparency, promoting pro-
growth policies, and streamlining communications.
I urge my colleagues to support the bill, and I yield back.
Chairman WILLIAMS. The gentleman yields back.
Are there any other Members who wish to be recognized for a
statement on the bill?
Seeing none, I would like to recognize the Ranking Member
to speak on the bill and the amendment.
Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to express
my opposition to H.R. 4305. While this bill is less
objectionable than other anti-regulatory bills we have
considered this Congress, it is simply not necessary.
To begin with, a deregulatory hotline already exists on
regulations.gov. Establishing another creates duplication and
drains SBA resources.
More concerning the proposal hasn't been vetted properly.
In the first 100-day report, Advocacy indicated there were 96
small business submissions. Yet despite repeated requests for
more detailed information, Advocacy has failed to provide any
specific information about this request. We have no way of
knowing if the submissions are related to rules. They could
have easily been about tariffs or unpaid invoices to
contractors. That is why I cannot support it. We have no
information and the bill is more slogan than substance,
ignoring other federal actions that are harming small
businesses.
We have heard testimony that small businesses are not
talking about regulations. It ranks near the bottom of their
list of concerns. Inflation, tariffs, and finding good
employees are some of the top challenges facing small
businesses. Take a walk down main street and you will hear the
same concern from small business owners up and down the block.
The uncertainty and rising costs tied to the Trump tariffs are
crushing their small businesses, plain and simple.
And to the best of my knowledge, Advocacy has not weighed
in with the administration, which raises concerns over their
lack of independence from the administration. I recall the many
times the administrator from the Biden administration came here
to testify and, you know, she was castigated, asking her if she
talked to Joe Biden, the President, about the impact of taxes
on them. Well, now my question is, is the administrator
discussing with Donald Trump the impact that tariffs is having
on small businesses. Or healthcare subsidy expirations, how
will that impact small businesses?
Instead of looking for ways to address inflation, tariffs,
and labor shortages, this bill is narrowly drafted to focus on
rolling back rules that protect our health, environment, and
safety. Turning to the specifics, the bill lacks adequate
reporting mechanisms to identify who is making the submissions,
leaving it vulnerable to abuse. Advocacy has come under fire
for doing the bidding of big businesses in the past, and they
are not reporting a requirement in this bill to distinguish
between a small business, trade association, or law firm. And
the bill focuses only on the cost of regulations, not the
benefits, which is only one-half of the equation.
We need to look at both sides of the ledger, and by doing
so, we will see that the benefits of the rule greatly outweigh
the costs. For this reason, I plan to oppose the bill.
With that said, if we can get the specific information from
Advocacy as to what small businesses are actually submitting on
the hotline and a better understanding of the mechanics of the
hotline to ensure independence between SBA and Advocacy, I may
be then willing to work with you on this bill.
I yield back.
Chairman WILLIAMS. The gentlelady yields back.
Are there any other Members who wish to be recognized for a
statement on the bill?
Mr. STAUBER. Mr. Chair?
Chairman WILLIAMS. Recognized.
Mr. STAUBER. Thank you very much. I support this bill. I
think the intentions are pure.
And whenever we have had witnesses in this Committee, we
have asked how many of you want more bureaucrat issues, more
regulations, more rules, more redundancy, more impact on small
businesses? Every one of them said the federal government, stay
off our backs, get out of our pockets, let us live the American
dream and work in our communities. Mr. Wied understands that in
his town of Wisconsin. I understand that in northern Minnesota.
This bill is a very good bill. It is a good start to make sure
that they have the opportunity to succeed.
And the gentlelady, the Ranker, talks about, you know,
asking small businesses beforehand. Well, I say the
Unaffordable Care Act, you never ask small businesses. They are
damaged because of that.
Mr. Wied, this is a very good piece of legislation and I
support it. I commend you for bringing it up. This is what the
small business is for, to make sure that the men and women
across this nation who risk everything to succeed.
This is one of those pieces of legislation that I am in
favor of, and I yield back.
Chairman WILLIAMS. The gentleman yields back.
I now recognize myself to speak in support of this
legislation.
H.R. 4305, the DUMP Red Tape Act, codifies the Red Tape
Hotline launched by the SBA Office of Advocacy on March 10,
2025. The hotline gives small businesses a direct line to SBA
Advocacy to report burdensome regulations that are holding them
back and further enhances our ability to combat job-crushing
red tape by requiring the Office of Advocacy to bring this
feedback straight to Congress. And by empowering small business
to speak up to federal agencies accountable, this bill will
strengthen our commitment to pro-growth, pro-innovation
economy. It is necessary to get the government out of the way
so that our small business owners can do what they do best.
I urge my colleagues to vote yes on H.R. 4305, and I yield
back.
Now, does anyone wish to offer an amendment?
Mr. CISNEROS. Mr. Chairman?
Chairman WILLIAMS. So moved. You are recognized.
Mr. CISNEROS. I have an amendment at the desk.
Chairman WILLIAMS. Okay. There is an amendment at the desk.
We will briefly pause while staff distributes the amendment.
Okay. The clerk will report the amendment.
The CLERK. Amendment to the amendment in the nature of a
substitute to H.R. 43----
Chairman WILLIAMS. Without objection, the amendment is
considered as read.
And I now recognize the Representative Cisneros for 5
minutes on the amendment.
Mr. CISNEROS. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And I want to thank
you and the Ranking Member on the great bipartisan work you
have done today on so many of these amendments.
My amendment would build on the ability of small businesses
and entities to not only report on potentially erroneous and
burdensome regulations, but to report rules that help safeguard
small business interests and competition. My amendment also
expands the hotline to better listen to small business concerns
on other government actions that impact them, such as tariffs,
healthcare, and immigration enforcement.
What I hear the most from small businesses is that they
need relief from tariffs and the uncertainty around them. If we
truly want to support small businesses, we need to provide them
with an avenue to express their grievances and truly hear what
they need and to act on it. Some Members of this Committee plug
their ears and close their eyes when tariffs are mentioned. But
that is what small businesses are overwhelmingly sharing as
their main concern right now. If the Office of Advocacy won't
advocate for small businesses regarding tariffs, who else in
our federal government will? Where can small businesses share
their concerns?
The Office of Advocacy is meant to advocate for small
businesses, period. Assertions about their limitations are a
fabrication of this administration and a byproduct of Project
2025. If you truly believe that Advocacy cannot advocate
against policies like tariffs that negatively impact small
businesses, then I am open to working with you to expand the
mandate to ensure small businesses have a voice in government
that advances their views and concerns before Congress, the
White House, across federal agencies, and the courts, as
appropriate.
The unfortunate thing about this hotline is that we have
not had anyone from the Office of Advocacy come to publicly
testify before this Committee, much less share what small
businesses have raised so far. So my amendment would require
more transparency from the Advocacy through the information it
needs to report to Congress. My amendment would do this by
ensuring Advocacy provides Congress information on all the
government actions small businesses are raising, the
recommendations for the actions to minimize those burdens, a
summary of actions taken by Advocacy, and a type of entity that
is making no submissions.
We all want to unleash the innovations and level the
playing field for our small businesses. I hope my colleagues
across the aisle will join me in supporting my amendment to
ensure that our small businesses truly have their voices heard
throughout the federal government.
And I yield back.
Chairman WILLIAMS. The gentleman yields back.
Is there further debate on the amendment?
Mr. Wied, you are recognized.
Mr. WEID. I noticed you even want to change the name of our
bill from DUMP Red Tape Act to Cut the Burden, Keep the
Benefits. Translation: Keep the red tape. But here is the
thing. Small businesses don't benefit from more bureaucracy.
They benefit when we actually cut the red tape holding them
back, which is exactly what my bill does.
This amendment tries to capture all federal actions,
including presidential actions, but that is far beyond the
scope of the SBA statutory mission. The SBA's Office of
Advocacy was created to be the voice of small businesses in the
regulatory process, not a catch-all for every executive or
presidential action. If you expand the scope of the Red Tape
Hotline, you will drown out legitimate small business concerns
in a sea of unrelated political disputes.
Ironically, this amendment adds layers of bureaucracy by
requiring SBA to track and report on presidential action,
something outside its expertise. That means more paperwork,
more delays, and fewer resources devoted to actually helping
small businesses. Our bill is about streamlining, not expanding
government paperwork.
I urge my colleagues to vote no on this amendment.
Chairman WILLIAMS. The gentleman yields back.
Is there any further debate on the amendment?
Okay. The Ranking Member?
Mrs. MCIVER. Chairman?
Chairman WILLIAMS. Yes, ma'am.
Mrs. MCIVER. I would like to yield some time to my
colleague.
Chairman WILLIAMS. And Mrs. McIver, you are recognized.
Mr. CISNEROS. Thank you, Ms. McIver, for yielding me my
time--this time. Just to answer back, you know, to my colleague
over there, this bill has no way of expanding red tape at all.
It actually simply, I think, helps make your bill better by
requiring the Small Business Association, the Office of
Advocacy, to actually come to us and report and share what they
are hearing from these small businesses, which only helps us be
more impactful in helping support their small businesses.
Really, that is simply all that we are asking. And we are
asking that they, you know, kind of broaden their scope as to
what, you know, as to what the small businesses can report.
Right? Whether it is tariffs, healthcare, other issues, you
know, collecting this information and then reporting what this
information is, what are they gathering, and bringing that to
us. That in no way increases the amount of red tape or anything
that we are asking for. We are just asking them to report on
what is being reported to them and sharing that information
with us, which helps us better help the small businesses.
And with that, I yield back.
Chairman WILLIAMS. The gentleman yields back.
Is there any further debate on the amendment?
Okay. Seeing none, the Ranking Member is now recognized to
speak on the amendment.
Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I lend my support
to the amendment being offered by my colleague, Mr. Cisneros.
The amendment will make a number of improvements to the
underlying bill. First, it strengthens the legislative text by
refining the definitions and scope to better align with
Advocacy's role and the requirements set forth in the
Regulatory Flexibility Act. The gentleman said that this
amendment is out of the scope of Advocacy. That is not true. So
let me read the statute. ``The Office of Advocacy should also
perform the following duties on a continuing basis: serve as a
local point for the receipt of complaints, criticism, and
suggestions concerning the policies and activities of the
administration, including the current administration and any
other federal agency which affects small businesses.''
Second, the amendment allows small entities to weigh in on
executive orders and other actions being taken by the
administration, and, more importantly, requires Advocacy to
report on the actions taken. This provision is particularly
critical now as the Trump tariffs are generating widespread
confusion and uncertainty and inflicting onerous burden on
small businesses. You don't want to talk about tariffs and the
impact that it is having on small businesses. You want to talk
about regulations. But when you go and walk down the street and
talk to small businesses, small farmers, they are all raising
the issue of the impact of tariffs in their businesses.
Surprisingly, or maybe not surprisingly, the Office of Advocacy
has been eerily silent on this topic as well as this Committee.
Finally, the amendment will strengthen the reporting
requirements and rename the bill to the Cut the Burden, Keep
the Benefits Act. Advocacy will be required to report on the
benefits of the rules, which must always outweigh the causes.
Mr. Cisneros is offering a commonsense amendment. I urge all my
colleagues to support this amendment.
Chairman WILLIAMS. The gentlelady yields back.
I now recognize myself to speak on the amendment.
After only 50 days of opening the hotline earlier this
year, the SBA Advocacy received 96 red tape hotline inquiries
from small businesses across the country. Small businesses have
been taking advantage of the hotline and Congress needs to
ensure stability by codifying the hotline. We need to focus on
how we can provide main street with the best avenues to reach
regulatory relief, and that is through the original amendment
in the nature of a substitute provided by Representative Wied.
I urge my colleagues to vote no on this legislation. Vote
no on the amendment on this legislation.
Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chair?
Chairman WILLIAMS. Yes, ma'am.
Ms. VELAZQUEZ. You know, you said just now that there has
been 96 submissions. Since our side has not been given the
opportunity to look at those submissions, have you seen those
submissions? Are they related to regulation?
Chairman WILLIAMS. We can--I mean, what we can--we can find
out. I have not seen them. No. Okay?
Ms. VELAZQUEZ. I rest of my case.
Chairman WILLIAMS. All right.
The question now occurs on the amendment offered by
Representative Cisneros.
All those in favor, say aye.
All those opposed, say no.
In the opinion of the Chair, the noes have it.
Mr. CISNEROS. Mr. Chairman, I ask for a recorded vote.
Chairman WILLIAMS. A recorded vote has been requested and a
roll call vote is ordered, so further proceedings on the
amendment are postponed.
Does anyone wish to offer an amendment?
Ms. SCHOLTEN. Mr. Chair?
Chairman WILLIAMS. Okay. There is amendment.
Ms. SCHOLTEN. Yes. Mr. Chair, sorry, I have an amendment at
the desk.
Chairman WILLIAMS. Oh, so moved. There is an amendment at
the desk. We will briefly pause while staff distributes the
amendment.
Okay. The clerk will report the amendment.
The CLERK. Amendment to the amendment in the nature of a
substitute to H.R. 4305, offered by----
Chairman WILLIAMS. Without objection, the amendment is
considered as read.
And I now recognize Representative Scholten for 5 minutes
on the amendment.
Ms. SCHOLTEN. Thank you, Mr. Chair. One of the best parts
of the Small Business Committee is how often Democrats and
Republicans can come together to solve real problems facing
main street. Small business owners don't cut corners to get
results and, most of the time, neither do Members of this
Committee. Unfortunately, with the DUMP Red Tape Act, Committee
Republicans have rushed a flawed bill to solve a problem we
could be addressing on a bipartisan basis.
Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. It has
been said several times today. If there is no greater bedrock
in this Committee, it is that. And we all agree that they need
support in navigating the complex web of challenges that they
face every day. Maintaining a hotline that will help small
business owners report some of their most significant hurdles
is a good idea. It is already in practice and something that
Democrats and Republicans can continue to do in a bipartisan
fashion.
The problem with today's bill is that Committee Republicans
are trying to codify a hotline where it seems that anyone,
small business or not, can register a complaint. And that is
because they get reported to Congress anonymously, and the
complaint has to be about a specific regulation. So the real
problem is individuals from lobbying firms, attorneys
representing major businesses can register complaints here
anonymously under the guise of being a small business. Large
businesses themselves can come here and register these
complaints anonymously. Is this really about helping small
businesses or is this a suggestion box for billionaires?
If we are going to spend taxpayer money on running this
hotline, it is our job to make that hotline help real small
businesses with real challenges. The DUMP Red Tape Act needs
significant changes to meet that bar, and today I am offering
an amendment to get us one step closer to legislation that is
worthy of the small businesses in our districts.
My amendment addresses a concern I hear from so many
business owners in West Michigan. Running a business is
challenging, and doing so in an unpredictable economic
landscape is even more difficult. President Trump promised to
lower prices starting on day one, but instead he has
implemented a series of tariffs that have created chaos and
real costs for entrepreneurs. As the cost of materials have
jumped across the board, small businesses have borne the brunt
of these policies. I know my Republican colleagues have heard
it, too.
As currently written, the hotline under the DUMP Red Tape
Act permits submissions on burdensome rules and regulations,
but it does not allow for submissions on executive actions like
tariffs. My amendment to the DUMP Red Tape Act will allow small
businesses to submit concerns to the hotline about executive
orders and proclamations relating to tariffs. We should not be
afraid to receive this feedback. We should not be limiting the
uses of the hotline, especially when tariffs remain one of the
biggest challenges small business owners deal with on a daily
basis.
The Trump administration has already set up a hotline that
has received 96 submissions. Unfortunately, we do not know what
these submissions are about, as the Ranking Member pointed out.
They could very well be about tariffs, rules, or nonpayment of
government contractors, not just burdensome regulations. This
Committee and the people that we represent deserve to know what
those submissions are about. If we are going to pass
legislation to make this hotline permanent, we need to ensure
that it can receive submissions accounting for all of the very
real challenges of small business ownership. My amendment would
help to do just that.
I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. We want to
make this hotline work and be a real tool for small businesses
to connect and make real change.
I yield back the remainder of my time.
Chairman WILLIAMS. The gentlelady yields back.
And is there further debate on the amendment?
Mr. WEID. Yes.
Chairman WILLIAMS. Representative Wied.
Mr. WEID. As a former small business owner for my entire
lifetime up to this point, I would say the purpose of this bill
is to give our hardworking small businesses a voice in, you
know, exposing overbearing regulations that hurt our small
businesses from growing.
Tariffs are a matter of national trade and foreign policy
overseen by Congress and the administration, not the SBA.
Tariffs right now, they are used to protect American
industries, enforce fair trade, and respond to global
imbalances in trade. They are not red tape. They don't impose
compliance paperwork or permitting delays that continue to hurt
small businesses. Including presidential tariff actions, that
would turn the hotline into a political complaint desk about
trade policy. That undermines its credibility as a neutral,
business-focused tool.
Congress already has oversight mechanisms for tariffs and
trade policy. Our bill avoids duplication by keeping the
hotline focused on regulations. If every tariff proclamation is
subject to hotline review, it signals to foreign competitors
that U.S. trade policy is fragmented and negotiable. That
weakens America's hand in trade negotiations and could harm the
very small businesses the amendment claims to protect.
I urge my colleagues to vote no on this amendment.
Chairman WILLIAMS. The gentleman yields back.
Is there further debate on the amendment?
Mr. McGarvey is recognized.
Mr. MCGARVEY. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I yield my time to
Congresswoman Ms. Scholten.
Ms. SCHOLTEN. Mr. Chairman, most small business owners
don't necessarily know the difference between a regulation, a
point of law, or the tariffs that are harming their small
businesses, but they sure know what is impacting their bottom
line. This Committee should not be afraid to receive feedback
and, further, to know what is included in those 96 complaints
that have already been received. This is a commonsense
amendment that would open this up for small business owners to
be able to have the freedom to share with this Committee how we
can best help them.
I yield back.
Chairman WILLIAMS. Is there any further debate on the
amendment?
Mr. CISNEROS. Mr. Chairman? Mr. Chairman?
Chairman WILLIAMS. Mr. Cisneros is recognized.
Mr. CISNEROS. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Look, I just want to
address the issue we do need--the one thing that I hear from my
small businesses in my district is just give us stability. I
need stability. But when we have a President who makes a whim
on a tariff and raises them for Canada because he didn't like a
commercial that he saw during the World Series, that is no
stability there. Right? That is not what our small businesses
are asking for, and they need to be able to kind of make that
complaint and bring it forward. And that is something the
Office of Advocacy should be reporting to us in Congress, so
that we can help address these issues.
But with that, we just want to make this bill better. Give
the small businesses the opportunity to report what they are
hearing and have the SBA come to us and tell us what they are
hearing, which is, obviously, which is not happening now with
the way this is working now.
And with that, I yield back.
Chairman WILLIAMS. The gentleman yields back.
Is there further debate on the amendment?
Okay. The Ranking Member is now recognized to speak on the
amendment.
Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And I lend my
support to the amendment offered by my colleague, Ms. Scholten.
The amendment would allow small businesses to submit
concerns about tariffs and require Advocacy to report on its
action to limit the burden. The Office of Advocacy is the voice
of small businesses. It is not limited only to complaints about
regulations. It is open to anything that impacts small
businesses. The 96 submissions to the advocacy hotline could
have easily been about tariffs, but we don't know. The Chairman
doesn't know. I just asked him. He hasn't seen any of the
submissions. The administration didn't provide information to
us. So if we are here passing legislation based on what we hear
and what the SBA wants to tell us, but not to share the
specific information, we need to do better by small businesses.
Tariffs, not regulations, are crushing small businesses.
Small businesses all across the country are shouldering the
costs of the Trump tariffs. The cost of goods is rising
exponentially, making it harder and hard for small businesses
to do what they do best: create jobs, innovate, and flourish.
Despite promises made by the Trump administration to lower
costs on day one, President Trump's policies have inflicted
pain on every sector of the small business economy.
And where is the Office of Advocacy when small businesses
are under siege? Nowhere to be found.
I strongly support the amendment, which would allow us to
get a better understanding of how many small businesses are
contacting Advocacy about tariffs and see if Advocacy is
advocating for them.
I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I yield
back, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman WILLIAMS. The gentlelady yields back.
I now recognize myself to speak on the amendment.
As my colleague mentioned, the amendment is unnecessary
because the Red Tape Hotline needs to be targeted to address
the regulatory burdens main street is feeling every day, not
what is defined in this proposed amendment. I urge my
colleagues to vote no on this amendment.
Now, the question now occurs on the amendment offered by
Representative Scholten.
All those in favor, say aye.
All those opposed, say no.
In the opinion of the Chair, the noes----
Ms. SCHOLTEN. Mr. Chairman, I request a recorded vote.
Chairman WILLIAMS. The Member is recognized and a recorded
vote has been requested. A roll call vote is ordered. Further
proceedings on the amendment are postponed.
Okay. Now, the question now occurs on the adoption of the
substitute amendment offered to H.R. 4305 by Representative
Wied.
All those in favor, say aye.
All those opposed, say no.
In the opinion of the Chair, the ayes have it. The
amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 4305 is
adopted.
The question is now on favorably reporting H.R. 4305, as
amended, to the House.
All those in favor, say aye.
All those opposed, say no.
In the opinion of the Chair, the ayes have it and H.R.
4305, as amended, is agreed to.
Mr. WEID. Mr. Chairman, ask for a recorded vote.
Chairman WILLIAMS. Okay, we recognize that and a recorded
vote has been requested. A roll call vote is ordered. And
pursuant to Committee rule 13 and House rule XI, further
proceedings on the bill are postponed.
Now, the Committee will stand in recess subject to the call
to the Chair. Members, please return, do we know 11:40? Please
return at 11:40 to resume consideration of the bill on which
the roll call votes were requested and postponed.
[Recess.]
Chairman WILLIAMS. Okay. The Committee will now come to
order.
The Committee will resume consideration of the bills on
which roll call votes were requested and postponed. We start
with H.R. 5763.
The question now is on adopting H.R. 5763 and ordering it
favorably to the House. The clerk will open the vote.
[The vote was taken.]
Chairman WILLIAMS. Are there any other Members who have not
voted or wish to change their vote?
If not, the clerk will close the vote and the clerk will
report.
The CLERK. Mr. Chairman, on this vote, the ayes are 27 and
the noes are 0.
Chairman WILLIAMS. Okay. The motion is agreed to and H.R.
5763 is adopted and will be reported favorably to the House.
The question now is adopting H.R. 5788 and ordering it
favorably to the House. The clerk will open the vote.
[The vote was taken.]
Chairman WILLIAMS. Are there any other Members who have not
voted or wish to change their vote?
Okay. If not, the clerk will close the vote and the clerk
will report.
The CLERK. Mr. Chairman, on this vote, the ayes are 27 and
the noes are 0.
Chairman WILLIAMS. The motion is agreed to and H.R. 5788 is
adopted and will be reported favorably to the House.
The question now is adopting H.R. 3496, as amended, and
ordering it favorably to the House. The clerk will open the
vote.
[The vote was taken.]
Chairman WILLIAMS. Are there any other Members who have not
voted or wish to change the vote?
If not, the clerk will close the vote and the clerk will
report.
The CLERK. Mr. Chairman, on this vote, the ayes are 27 and
the noes are 0.
Chairman WILLIAMS. Okay. The motion is agreed to and H.R.
3496, as amended, is adopted and will be reported favorably to
the House.
The question now is on ordering H.R. 5764, as amended, and
ordering it favorably to the House.
The clerk will open the vote.
[The vote was taken.]
Chairman WILLIAMS. Are there any other Members who have not
voted and wish to change their vote?
If not, the clerk will close the vote and the clerk will
report.
The CLERK. Mr. Chairman, on this vote, the ayes are 27 and
the noes are 0.
Chairman WILLIAMS. The motion is agreed to and H.R. 5764,
as amended, is adopted and will be reported favorably to the
House.
The question now is on adopting H.R. 5784 and ordering it
favorably to the House. The clerk will open the vote.
[The vote was taken.]
Chairman WILLIAMS. Are there any of the Members who have
not voted or wish to change their vote?
If not, the clerk will close the vote and the clerk will
report.
The CLERK. Mr. Chairman, on this vote, the ayes are 27 and
the noes are 0.
Chairman WILLIAMS. The motion is agreed to and H.R. 5784 is
adopted and will be reported favorably to the House.
The question now is on adopting H.R. 5778 and ordering it
favorably to the House. The clerk will open the vote.
[The vote was taken.]
Chairman WILLIAMS. Are there any other Members who have not
voted or wish to change their vote?
If not, the clerk will close the vote and clerk will
report.
The CLERK. Mr. Chairman, on this vote, the ayes are 27 and
the noes are 0.
Chairman WILLIAMS. The motion is agreed to and H.R. 5778 is
adopted and will be reported favorably to the House.
Now, we will now vote on H.R. 4305. The question is on the
amendment offered by Representative Cisneros. The clerk will
open the vote.
[The vote was taken.]
Chairman WILLIAMS. Are there any other Members who have not
voted or wish to change their vote?
If not, the clerk will close the vote and the clerk will
report.
The CLERK. Mr. Chairman, on this vote, the ayes are 12 and
the noes are 15.
Chairman WILLIAMS. The amendment is not agreed to.
The question is on the amendment offered by Representative
Scholten. The clerk will open the vote.
[The vote was taken.]
Chairman WILLIAMS. Are there any other Members who have not
voted or wish to change their vote?
If not, the clerk will close the vote and the clerk will
report.
The CLERK. Mr. Chairman, on this vote, the ayes are 12 and
the noes are 15.
Chairman WILLIAMS. Okay. The amendment is not agreed to.
Now, the question is now, is adopting to H.R. 4305, as
amended, and ordering it favorably to the House. The clerk will
open the vote.
[The vote was taken.]
Chairman WILLIAMS. Are there any other--okay. Are there any
Members who have not voted or wish to change their vote?
Okay. If not, the clerk will close the vote and the clerk
will report.
The CLERK. Mr. Chairman, on this vote, the ayes are 18 and
the noes are 9.
Chairman WILLIAMS. The motion is agreed to and H.R. 4305,
as amended, is adopted and will be reported favorably to the
House.
Now, if there is--okay. If there is no further business,
this concludes today's markup. I want to say I think we had a
good markup. Bipartisanship is strong in this Committee, and we
are getting things done.
So, without objection, the Committee staff is authorized to
make technically conforming changes and Members have 2 business
days to file additional supplemental, dissenting, and minority
views.
I want to thank all of you for being here today. Without
objection, the Committee stands adjourned.
[Whereupon, at 11:51 a.m., the committee was adjourned.]
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