[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 115 (Tuesday, July 10, 2018)]
[House]
[Pages H6028-H6030]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  SCORE FOR SMALL BUSINESS ACT OF 2018

  Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 1700) to amend the Small Business Act to reauthorize the 
SCORE program, and for other purposes, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows

                               H.R. 1700

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This title may be cited as the ``SCORE for Small Business 
     Act of 2018''.

     SEC. 2. SCORE REAUTHORIZATION.

       Section 20 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 631 note) 
     is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsection (j) as subsection (f); and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(g) SCORE Program.--There are authorized to be 
     appropriated to the Administrator to carry out the SCORE 
     program authorized by section 8(b)(1) such sums as are 
     necessary for the Administrator to make grants or enter into 
     cooperative agreements in a total amount that does not exceed 
     $10,500,000 in each of fiscal years 2019 and 2020.''.

     SEC. 3. SCORE PROGRAM.

       Section 8 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637) is 
     amended--
       (1) in subsection (b)(1)(B)--
       (A) by striking ``a Service Corps of Retired Executives 
     (SCORE)'' and inserting ``the SCORE program described in 
     subsection (c)''; and
       (B) by striking ``SCORE may'' and inserting ``the SCORE 
     program may''; and
       (2) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
       ``(c) SCORE Program.--
       ``(1) Definition.--In this subsection:
       ``(A) SCORE association.--The term `SCORE Association' 
     means the Service Corps of Retired Executives Association or 
     any successor or other organization that receives a grant 
     from the Administrator to operate the SCORE program under 
     paragraph (2)(A).
       ``(B) SCORE program.--The term `SCORE program' means the 
     SCORE program authorized by subsection (b)(1)(B).
       ``(2) Management and volunteers.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Administrator shall provide a grant 
     to the SCORE Association to manage the SCORE program.
       ``(B) Volunteers.--A volunteer participating in the SCORE 
     program shall--
       ``(i) based on the business experience and knowledge of the 
     volunteer--

       ``(I) provide at no cost to individuals who own, or aspire 
     to own, small business concerns personal counseling, 
     mentoring, and coaching relating to the process of starting, 
     expanding, managing, buying, and selling a business; and
       ``(II) facilitate low-cost education workshops for 
     individuals who own, or aspire to own, small business 
     concerns; and

       ``(ii) as appropriate, use tools, resources, and expertise 
     of other organizations to carry out the SCORE program.
       ``(3) Plans and goals.--The Administrator, in consultation 
     with the SCORE Association, shall ensure that the SCORE 
     program and each chapter of the SCORE program develop and 
     implement plans and goals to more effectively and efficiently 
     provide services to individuals in rural areas, economically 
     disadvantaged communities, and other traditionally 
     underserved communities, including plans for electronic 
     initiatives, web-based initiatives, chapter expansion, 
     partnerships, and the development of new skills by volunteers 
     participating in the SCORE program.
       ``(4) Annual report.--The SCORE Association shall submit to 
     the Administrator an annual report that contains--
       ``(A) the number of individuals counseled or trained under 
     the SCORE program;
       ``(B) the number of hours of counseling provided under the 
     SCORE program; and
       ``(C) to the extent possible--
       ``(i) the number of small business concerns formed with 
     assistance from the SCORE program;
       ``(ii) the number of small business concerns expanded with 
     assistance from the SCORE program; and
       ``(iii) the number of jobs created with assistance from the 
     SCORE program.
       ``(5) Privacy requirements.--
       ``(A) In general.--Neither the Administrator nor the SCORE 
     Association may disclose the name, address, or telephone 
     number of any individual or small business concern receiving 
     assistance from the SCORE Association without the consent of 
     such individual or small business concern, unless--
       ``(i) the Administrator is ordered to make such a 
     disclosure by a court in any civil or criminal enforcement 
     action initiated by a Federal or State agency; or
       ``(ii) the Administrator determines such a disclosure to be 
     necessary for the purpose of conducting a financial audit of 
     the SCORE program, in which case disclosure shall be limited 
     to the information necessary for the audit.
       ``(B) Administrator use of information.--This paragraph 
     shall not--
       ``(i) restrict the access of the Administrator to program 
     activity data; or
       ``(ii) prevent the Administrator from using client 
     information to conduct client surveys.
       ``(C) Standards.--
       ``(i) In general.--The Administrator shall, after the 
     opportunity for notice and comment, establish standards for--

       ``(I) disclosures with respect to financial audits under 
     subparagraph (A)(ii); and
       ``(II) conducting client surveys, including standards for 
     oversight of the surveys and for dissemination and use of 
     client information.

       ``(ii) Maximum privacy protection.--The standards issued 
     under this subparagraph shall, to the extent practicable, 
     provide for the maximum amount of privacy protection.''.

     SEC. 4. ONLINE COMPONENT.

       (a) In General.--Section 8(c) of the Small Business Act (15 
     U.S.C. 637(c)), as amended by section 3, is further amended 
     by adding at the end the following:
       ``(6) Online component.--In carrying out this subsection, 
     the SCORE Association shall make use of online counseling, 
     including by developing and implementing webinars and an 
     electronic mentoring platform to expand access to services 
     provided under this subsection and to further support 
     entrepreneurs.''.
       (b) Online Component Report.--
       (1) In general.--At the end of fiscal year 2019, the SCORE 
     Association shall issue a report to the Committee on Small 
     Business of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
     Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate on the 
     effectiveness of the online counseling and webinars required 
     as part of the SCORE program, including a description of--
       (A) how the SCORE Association determines electronic 
     mentoring and webinar needs, develops training for electronic 
     mentoring, establishes webinar criteria curricula, and 
     evaluates webinar and electronic mentoring results;

[[Page H6029]]

       (B) the internal controls that are used and a summary of 
     the topics covered by the webinars; and
       (C) performance metrics, including the number of small 
     business concerns counseled by, the number of small business 
     concerns created by, the number of jobs created and retained 
     by, and the funding amounts directed towards such online 
     counseling and webinars.
       (2) Definitions.--For purposes of this subsection, the 
     terms ``SCORE Association'' and ``SCORE program'' have the 
     meaning given those terms, respectively, under section 
     8(c)(1) of the Small Business Act, as added by section 3 of 
     this Act.

     SEC. 5. STUDY AND REPORT ON THE FUTURE ROLE OF THE SCORE 
                   PROGRAM.

       (a) Study.--The SCORE Association shall carry out a study 
     on the future role of the SCORE program and develop a 
     strategic plan for how the SCORE program will meet the needs 
     of small business concerns during the 5-year period beginning 
     on the date of the enactment of this Act, with specific 
     objectives for the first, third, and fifth years of the 5-
     year period.
       (b) Report.--Not later than the end of the 6-month period 
     beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the SCORE 
     Association shall issue a report to the Committee on Small 
     Business of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
     Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate 
     containing--
       (1) all findings and determination made in carrying out the 
     study required under subsection (a);
       (2) the strategic plan developed under subsection (a);
       (3) an explanation of how the SCORE Association plans to 
     achieve the strategic plan, assuming both stagnant and 
     increased funding levels.
       (c) Definitions.--For purposes of this section, the terms 
     ``SCORE Association'' and ``SCORE program'' have the meaning 
     given those terms, respectively, under section 8(c)(1) of the 
     Small Business Act, as added by section 3 of this Act.

     SEC. 6. TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.

       (a) Small Business Act.--The Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 
     631 et seq.) is amended--
       (1) in section 7 (15 U.S.C. 636)--
       (A) in subsection (b)(12)--
       (i) in the paragraph heading, by inserting ``program'' 
     after ``SCORE''; and
       (ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``Service Corps of 
     Retired Executives'' and inserting ``SCORE program''; and
       (B) in subsection (m)(3)(A)(i)(VIII), by striking ``Service 
     Corps of Retired Executives'' and inserting ``SCORE 
     program''; and
       (2) in section 22 (15 U.S.C. 649)--
       (A) in subsection (b)--
       (i) in paragraph (1), by striking ``Service Corps of 
     Retired Executives'' and inserting ``SCORE program''; and
       (ii) in paragraph (3), by striking ``Service Corps of 
     Retired Executives'' and inserting ``SCORE program''; and
       (B) in subsection (c)(12), by striking ``Service Corps of 
     Retired Executives'' and inserting ``SCORE program''.
       (b) Other Laws.--
       (1) Small business reauthorization act of 1997.--Section 
     707 of the Small Business Reauthorization Act of 1997 (15 
     U.S.C. 631 note) is amended by striking ``Service Corps of 
     Retired Executives (SCORE) program'' and inserting ``SCORE 
     program (as defined in section 8(c)(1) of the Small Business 
     Act)''.
       (2) Veterans entrepreneurship and small business 
     development act of 1999.--Section 301 of the Veterans 
     Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Act of 1999 
     (15 U.S.C. 657b note) is amended by striking ``Service Core 
     of Retired Executives'' and inserting ``SCORE program''.
       (3) Military reservist and veteran small business 
     reauthorization and opportunity act of 2008.--Section 3(5) of 
     the Military Reservist and Veteran Small Business 
     Reauthorization and Opportunity Act of 2008 (15 U.S.C. 636 
     note) is amended by striking ``means the SCORE program''.
       (4) Children's health insurance program reauthorization act 
     of 2009.--Section 621 of the Children's Health Insurance 
     Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 (15 U.S.C. 657p) is 
     amended--
       (A) in subsection (a), by striking paragraph (4) and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(4) the term `SCORE program' means the SCORE program 
     authorized by section 8(b)(1)(B) of the Small Business Act 
     (15 U.S.C. 637(b)(1)(B));''; and
       (B) in subsection (b)(4)(A)(iv), by striking ``Service 
     Corps of Retired Executives'' and inserting ``SCORE 
     program''.
       (5) Energy policy and conservation act.--Section 
     337(d)(2)(A) of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 
     U.S.C. 6307(d)(2)(A)) is amended by striking ``Service Corps 
     of Retired Executives (SCORE)'' and inserting ``SCORE 
     program''.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Ohio (Mr. Chabot) and the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Adams) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Ohio.

                              {time}  1915


                             General Leave

  Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include 
extraneous material on the bill under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Ohio?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today, this evening, in support of H.R. 1700, the 
SCORE for Small Business Act of 2018, which was introduced by the 
gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Adams), and I want to commend her 
for her leadership on this legislation. This legislation will allow the 
SCORE program to continue to offer business mentoring and training to 
thousands of entrepreneurs and small business owners each year.
  The SCORE program currently includes over 11,000 volunteer mentors, 
with expertise across 62 industries, who collectively provide more than 
a million hours of business counseling each year.
  When an entrepreneur seeks a SCORE mentor, they are purposely paired 
with a business professional with knowledge in a specific field or 
experience facing specific challenges. This process ensures that the 
concerns of the entrepreneur are met by the volunteer mentor.
  In addition to SCORE's mentorship services, the program also offers 
in-person business training classes at its 350 chapter locations 
nationwide. Entrepreneurs can also utilize the extensive online 
training opportunities and free business tools available on SCORE's 
national website.
  Last fiscal year, SCORE trained over a half million clients, 
empowering them to start, run, and scale their business. This 
legislation will allow SCORE to continue to provide these important 
services.
  H.R. 1700 reauthorizes the SCORE program at $10.5 million for fiscal 
years 2019 and 2020, providing for enhanced services to SCORE clients. 
This legislation also formally changes the program's name from the 
Service Core of Retired Executives to the more commonly used name of 
SCORE.
  Additionally, H.R. 1700 requires the SCORE Association to further 
utilize webinars and electronic mentoring as a way of increasing 
SCORE's presence nationwide.
  H.R. 1700 will require the SCORE Association to develop a strategic 
plan for how the program will adapt to meet the needs of America's 
entrepreneurs over the coming years. This requirement will not only 
allow for better congressional oversight of the SCORE program, but will 
also guarantee that taxpayer dollars contributing to the program are 
effectively used to serve the needs of the small business community.
  Considering the important role that small businesses play throughout 
our Nation and our communities, it is our responsibility to ensure that 
our entrepreneurs and small businesses have the resources that they 
need to be successful. H.R. 1700 is the way of doing just that, and I 
urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1700, the SCORE for Small Business 
Act of 2018.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. ADAMS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my bill, H.R. 1700, the SCORE for 
Small Business Act of 2018.
  There are nearly 30 million small businesses in the United States, 
representing more than 99 percent of all businesses. These small firms 
employ nearly 50 percent of all private sector employees in the United 
States.
  These trailblazers play a critical role in the American economy. They 
take great risks by launching new ventures, developing new products, 
and establishing new industries; and, ultimately, these brave efforts 
help spur growth in our economy.
  The Small Business Administration, SBA, is a vital part of their 
support system. The SBA administers a portfolio of Entrepreneurial 
Development programs, which includes the Service Corps of Retired 
Executives, better known as SCORE.
  Through this program, the SBA has undertaken efforts to connect new 
entrepreneurs and small-business owners with more experienced 
businessmen

[[Page H6030]]

and -women. This expansive network consists of entrepreneurs, business 
leaders, and executives who volunteer as mentors to small firms both 
in-person and online.
  SCORE has grown to become one of the Federal Government's largest 
volunteer business adviser and mentoring programs. In 2017, 59 percent 
of SCORE's clients were women, 39 percent minorities, and 11 percent 
veterans.
  My legislation reauthorizes this essential program so that it will 
continue to have the ability to meet the needs of entrepreneurs. With 
technology enhancements and streamlined service processes, SCORE 
mentoring will now be accessible to business owners, no matter their 
location.
  I urge Members to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance 
of my time.
  Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, I would ask the gentlewoman from North 
Carolina if she has any further speakers this evening, and, if not, I 
believe I have the right to close. So if she has any concluding 
remarks, I would be happy to yield if the gentlewoman has any other 
speakers to speak on this issue because I would be closing then.
  Ms. ADAMS. Mr. Speaker, I do have the gentleman from Pennsylvania 
(Mr. Evans), who will speak on this issue.
  Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. ADAMS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Evans).
  Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, I want to lend my voice to this very 
important essential legislation. Nothing is more important than 
mentoring, particularly in small businesses. I know in the particular 
case of the city of Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, 
SCORE is an important asset.

  I thank the gentlewoman from North Carolina for her leadership on 
something that is extremely essential, something that transcends 
parties. It is about economic growth and economic opportunity, and I 
thank her for her leadership that she has shown in understanding the 
importance of mentoring.
  Ms. ADAMS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
  I do want to thank Chairman Chabot for his support.
  There is no question that we need to support our small businesses 
across the country, no matter their location, industry, or expertise 
level. My bill, H.R. 1700, provides that critical support by 
reauthorizing a major component of SBA's entrepreneurial programs and 
clarifying the utilization of the volunteer base.
  This bill is supported by the SCORE Association and is reflective of 
the growth of this program that actively engages business owners, as 
well as retired executives, to mentor the next generation of job 
makers.
  I want to again thank Chairman Chabot for working in a bipartisan 
manner to help our Nation's small businesses and for his support to 
reauthorize SCORE.
  I would urge all of the Members to support this bill, and I yield 
back the balance of my time.
  Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
  Mr. Speaker, the commonsense improvements in this bill will allow the 
SCORE program to continue its mission: helping entrepreneurs to start 
and grow their businesses.
  With over 99 percent of all businesses in the United States being 
classified as small, it is vital that these business owners have access 
to effective entrepreneurial resources.
  H.R. 1700 would ensure that, regardless of location, a small-business 
owner can access SCORE mentoring and training.
  Mr. Speaker, I would, again, like to commend the gentlewoman from 
North Carolina for her leadership on this important matter. I urge my 
colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of 
my time.
  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1700, 
the SCORE for Small Business Act of 2017.
  H.R. 1700 amends the Small Business Act to reauthorize the SCORE 
program (Service Corps of Retired Executives) for FY2018-FY2019.
  The program is renamed as simply the SCORE program.
  The Small Business Administration (SBA) shall award a grant to the 
SCORE Association (or any successor group) in order to strengthen 
resources for entrepreneurs.
  By passing this bill, we are ensuring that the program and each of 
its chapters develop and implement plans and goals to provide services 
more effectively and efficiently to individuals in rural areas, 
economically disadvantaged communities, and other traditionally 
underserved communities.
  Such requirements includes plans for electronic initiatives, web-
based initiatives, chapter expansion, partnerships, and the development 
of new skills by participating volunteers.
  The SBA's SCORE program embodies the power of public-private 
partnerships and is dedicated to educating and assisting entrepreneurs 
and small business owners in the formation, growth and expansion of 
their small businesses.
  I want to thank all the trained volunteers that serve as counselor's 
advisors and mentors to aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners.
  Further, there are approximately 13,000 volunteer business counselors 
with 348 chapters across the country.
  Established in 1965, the Houston chapter has more than 130+ 
volunteers covering the 9-county Greater Houston Area.
  These services are offered at no fee, as a community service.
  According to the SCORE Association, in FY13, SCORE estimates that it 
served over 400,000 clients, and helped to create more than 40,500 new 
businesses and more than 67,098 new jobs.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in voting for H.R. 1700 as it is 
vital that we support.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Lewis of Minnesota). The question is on 
the motion offered by the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Chabot) that the 
House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1700, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________