[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 68 (Tuesday, April 26, 2022)]
[House]
[Pages H4470-H4473]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  SCORE FOR SMALL BUSINESS ACT OF 2022

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 6450) to amend the Small Business Act to reauthorize the 
SCORE program, and for other purposes.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                               H.R. 6450

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

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``SCORE for Small Business Act 
     of 2022''.

     SEC. 2. SCORE PROGRAM PROVISIONS AND REQUIREMENTS.

       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 
     Association (as defined in subsection (c)) may''; and
       (2) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
       ``(c) SCORE Program.--
       ``(1) Definitions.--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 enters into a 
     cooperative agreement (as described under paragraph (2)) with 
     the Administrator to operate the SCORE program.
       ``(B) SCORE foundation.--The term `SCORE Foundation' means 
     an organization with a mission to support the SCORE 
     Association and volunteers of the SCORE program.
       ``(C) SCORE program.--The term `SCORE program' means the 
     SCORE program authorized by subsection (b)(1)(B).
       ``(2) Cooperative agreement.--The Administrator shall enter 
     into a cooperative agreement with the SCORE Association to 
     carry out the SCORE program, which shall include the 
     following requirements:
       ``(A) Administrator duties.--The Administrator shall--
       ``(i) every 2 years, conduct a financial examination of the 
     SCORE Association to ensure that any costs paid for with 
     Federal funds are allowable, allocable, and reasonable;
       ``(ii) review and approve contracts entered into by the 
     SCORE Association to provide goods or services for the SCORE 
     program of a value greater than an amount determined by the 
     Administrator;
       ``(iii) maintain a system through which the SCORE 
     Association provides documentation relating to such 
     contracts; and
       ``(iv) within 30 days of the receipt of a quarterly report 
     on the achievements of the SCORE program submitted by the 
     SCORE Association, reconcile differences between such report 
     and the performance results of the SCORE program reported in 
     a management information system of the Office of 
     Entrepreneurial Development.
       ``(B) SCORE association duties.--The SCORE Association 
     shall--
       ``(i) manage nationwide chapters of the SCORE program;
       ``(ii) provide annual training to employees of the SCORE 
     Association on generating and using program income from the 
     SCORE program;
       ``(iii) submit documentation to the Administrator verifying 
     such annual training is completed;
       ``(iv) separate funds donated to the SCORE Association from 
     program income and funds received pursuant to a cooperative 
     agreement; and
       ``(v) maintain and enforce requirements for volunteers 
     participating in the SCORE program, including requirements 
     that each such volunteer shall--

       ``(I) based on the business experience and knowledge of the 
     volunteer--

       ``(aa) provide personal counseling, mentoring, and coaching 
     on the process of starting, expanding, managing, buying, and 
     selling a business at no cost to individuals who own, or 
     aspire to own, small business concerns; and

[[Page H4471]]

       ``(bb) facilitate free or 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.

       ``(C) Joint duties.--The Administrator, in consultation 
     with the SCORE Association, shall ensure that the SCORE 
     program and each chapter of the SCORE program--
       ``(i) develop and implement plans and goals to effectively 
     and efficiently provide services to individuals in rural 
     areas, economically disadvantaged communities, or other 
     traditionally underserved communities, including plans for 
     virtual, remote, and web-based initiatives, chapter 
     expansion, partnerships, and the development of new skills by 
     volunteers participating in the SCORE program; and
       ``(ii) reinforce an inclusive culture by recruiting diverse 
     volunteers for the chapters of the SCORE program.
       ``(3) Online component.--In addition to providing in-person 
     services, the SCORE Association shall maintain and expand 
     online counseling services including webinars, electronic 
     mentoring platforms, and online toolkits to further support 
     entrepreneurs.
       ``(4) Accounting.--The SCORE Association shall--
       ``(A) maintain a centralized accounting and financing 
     system for each chapter of the SCORE program;
       ``(B) maintain a uniform policy and procedures to manage 
     Federal funds received pursuant to a cooperative agreement 
     described in paragraph (2); and
       ``(C) maintain an employee of the SCORE Association to 
     serve as a compliance officer to ensure expenditures of the 
     SCORE program are fully compliant with any law, regulation, 
     or cooperative agreement relating to the SCORE program.
       ``(5) Compensation.--
       ``(A) Salaries.--The salary of an employee of the SCORE 
     Association may not exceed the equivalent of the maximum rate 
     of pay allowable for an individual in the career Senior 
     Executive Service employed at the Administration.
       ``(B) Performance awards.--The SCORE Association may spend 
     up to 5 percent of the aggregate salaries of employees of the 
     SCORE Association on individual performance awards to 
     employees of the SCORE Association, to be disbursed before 
     the last day of the fiscal year, if not later than 60 days 
     before such disbursement the SCORE Association submits to the 
     Administrator a report on the number and amount of such 
     awards to be disbursed.
       ``(C) SCORE foundation.--A member of the Board of Directors 
     of the SCORE Association or an employee of the SCORE 
     Association may not simultaneously serve on the Board of 
     Directors of, or receive compensation from, the SCORE 
     Foundation without written approval from the Administrator.
       ``(6) Whistleblower protection requirements.--The SCORE 
     Association shall--
       ``(A) annually update all manuals or other documents 
     applicable to employees and volunteers of the SCORE 
     Association or the SCORE program to include requirements 
     relating to reporting procedures and protectors for 
     whistleblowers; and
       ``(B) conduct an annual training for employees and 
     volunteers of the SCORE Association or the SCORE program on 
     the requirements described in paragraph (1) and encourage the 
     use of the hotline established by the Office of the Inspector 
     General of the Small Business Administration to submit 
     whistleblower reports.
       ``(7) Published materials.--The SCORE Association shall 
     ensure all published materials include written acknowledgment 
     of Small Business Administration support of the SCORE program 
     if such materials are paid for in whole or in part by Federal 
     funds.
       ``(8) 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 is 
     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 SCORE 
     program activity data; or
       ``(ii) prevent the Administrator from using SCORE program 
     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 
     described 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.
       ``(9) Annual report.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     date of the enactment of this subsection and annually 
     thereafter, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee 
     on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate and the 
     Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives a 
     report on the performance and effectiveness of the SCORE 
     program, which may be included as part of another report 
     submitted to such Committees by the Administrator, and which 
     shall include--
       ``(A) the total number and the number of unique clients 
     counseled or trained under the SCORE program;
       ``(B) the number of hours of counseling provided under the 
     SCORE program;
       ``(C) the number of local workshops provided under the 
     SCORE program;
       ``(D) the number of clients attending online and local 
     workshops provided under the SCORE program;
       ``(E) to the extent practicable, the demographics of SCORE 
     program clients and volunteers, which shall include the 
     gender, race, and age of each such client or volunteer;
       ``(F) with respect to businesses assisted under the SCORE 
     program, the cost to create a job, the cost to create a 
     business, and return on investment;
       ``(G) the number of referrals of SCORE program clients to 
     other resources and programs of the Administration;
       ``(H) the number of SCORE program clients receiving 
     financial assistance, including the type and dollar amount, 
     under loan programs of the Administration;
       ``(I) the results of SCORE program client satisfactory 
     surveys, including a summary of any comments received from 
     such clients;
       ``(J) the number of new businesses started up by SCORE 
     program clients;
       ``(K) the number of such new businesses realizing revenue 
     growth;
       ``(L) to the extent practicable, the number of jobs created 
     with assistance from the SCORE program;
       ``(M) the total cost of the SCORE program;
       ``(N) any recommendations of the Administrator to improve 
     the SCORE program; and
       ``(O) an explanation of how the SCORE program has been 
     integrated with--
       ``(i) small business development centers;
       ``(ii) women's business centers (described under section 
     29);
       ``(iii) Veteran Business Outreach Centers 20 (described 
     under section 32);
       ``(iv) other offices of the Administration; and
       ``(v) other public and private entities engaging in 
     entrepreneurial and small business development.''.

     SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE SCORE 
                   PROGRAM.

       Section 20 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 631 note) 
     is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(i) 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 
     $13,500,000 in each of fiscal years 2022 and 2023.''.

     SEC. 4. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.

       (a) Study and Report on the Future Role of the SCORE 
     Program.--
       (1) 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 such 5-
     year period.
       (2) 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 submit to the Committee on Small Business 
     of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Small 
     Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate a report 
     containing--
       (A) all findings and determination made in carrying out the 
     study required under paragraph (1);
       (B) the strategic plan developed under paragraph (1); and
       (C) an explanation of how the SCORE Association plans to 
     achieve the strategic plan, assuming both stagnant and 
     increased funding levels.
       (b) Administrator Report on Leased Space.--Not later than 1 
     year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the 
     Administrator of the Small Business Administration shall 
     submit to the Committee on Small Business of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Small Business and 
     Entrepreneurship of the Senate a report containing an 
     assessment of the cost of leased space that is donated to the 
     SCORE Association.
       (c) Online Component Report.--Not later than 3 months after 
     the last day of the first full fiscal year following the date 
     of the enactment of this Act, the SCORE Association shall 
     submit to the Committee on Small Business of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Small Business and 
     Entrepreneurship of the Senate a report on the effectiveness 
     of the online counseling services required under paragraph 
     (3) of section 8(c) of the Small Business Act, as added by 
     section 2 of this Act, including a description of--
       (1) how the SCORE Association determines electronic 
     mentoring and webinar needs, develops training for electronic 
     mentoring, establishes webinar criteria curricula, and

[[Page H4472]]

     evaluates webinar and electronic mentoring results;
       (2) the internal controls that are used and a summary of 
     the topics covered by the webinars; and
       (3) 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 services.

     SEC. 5. 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 ``the Service Corps of Retired 
     Executives'' and inserting ``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''.

     SEC. 6. DEFINITIONS.

       In this Act:
       (1) Administration; administrator.--The terms 
     ``Administration'' and ``Administrator'' mean, respectively, 
     the Small Business Administration and the Administrator 
     thereof.
       (2) SCORE association; score program.--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 2 of this Act.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
New York (Ms. Velazquez) and the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. 
Luetkemeyer) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Velazquez).


                             General Leave

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks 
and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from New York?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6450, the SCORE for 
Small Business Act of 2022.
  America's nearly 30 million small businesses represent more than 99 
percent of all businesses. Since its inception, the SBA has undertaken 
efforts to connect new entrepreneurs and small business owners with 
more experienced businessmen and -women.
  SCORE, one component of SBA's resource partner ecosystem, is uniquely 
situated to make these connections. SCORE'S expansive network consists 
of entrepreneurs, business leaders, and executives who volunteer as 
mentors to small businesses and entrepreneurs, both in person and 
online.
  SCORE volunteers provide personalized advice and pull from their 
personal business experience to help the next generation of business 
leaders. Providing consultation on topics such as business plan 
development, strategic marketing, and financing ideas, SCORE ensures 
their clients receive comprehensive counseling and training while 
meeting their individualized needs.
  In 2020, through SCORE'S network of over 250 chapters and 10,000 
volunteers, the program helped create over 45,000 new businesses and 
over 74,000 new jobs. In addition, SCORE had a return on Federal 
investment of over $67 for every $1 of Federal appropriations.
  Increasing funding for SCORE is important to its continued success, 
and I am pleased that H.R. 6450 increases its authorization to $13.5 
million for 2 fiscal years.
  H.R. 6450 not only reauthorizes this essential program but also takes 
necessary steps to restore integrity, accounting, and performance to 
the program.
  The measures in the bill to expand and promote client and volunteer 
diversity will ensure SCORE can reach all of America's small business 
owners and entrepreneurs, no matter their background or location.
  I commend Representatives Young Kim and Angie Craig for working 
together to make sure that the SCORE program is strengthened while 
maintaining efficient and effective operations.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to support this legislation, and I 
reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  I rise in support today of H.R. 6450, the SCORE for Small Business 
Act.
  SCORE is the largest network of free private-sector volunteer 
mentors. They provide entrepreneurs with trainings on starting a 
business; succession planning; and management, finance, and marketing 
tools.
  SCORE mentors have helped small businesses pivot their business model 
during the pandemic. They have shared marketing and data analytics 
expertise to help entrepreneurs grow their customer base and counseled 
numerous startups on the first steps to begin a business.
  In addition to reauthorizing the program, H.R. 6450 takes important 
strides to add new program safeguards, data standards, and reporting 
requirements.
  I am confident the provisions of this bill will support small 
business, improve SBA's and Congress' oversight of the SCORE program, 
and ensure that the integrity of the SCORE Association is restored and 
maintained.
  Congresswoman Kim is a great advocate for small businesses and their 
resource partners, and I appreciate her work on this legislation. I 
also thank Ms. Craig and the chair for advancing this legislation.
  H.R. 6450 was favorably reported out of the Committee on Small 
Business unanimously and passed the House last Congress in a similar 
form. I urge my colleagues to similarly pass the bill today on the 
House floor.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to 
the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Kim), the ranking member on the 
Small Business Subcommittee of Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and 
Workforce Development; a small business owner herself; and a great 
advocate for small businesses.

                              {time}  1445

  Mrs. KIM of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Luetkemeyer and 
Chairwoman Velazquez for their leadership on the Small Business 
Committee.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of my legislation, H.R. 6450, 
the SCORE for Small Business Act of 2022. This bipartisan bill 
reauthorizes the SCORE program for fiscal years 2022 and 2023, and it 
will allow SCORE to expand counseling and training through online

[[Page H4473]]

webinars, electronic mentoring platforms, and online toolkits to better 
serve small businesses and entrepreneurs across U.S. communities, 
including the rural and underserved areas.
  Additionally, this bill would better protect taxpayers' dollars 
through oversight mechanisms. Since 1964, SCORE has helped over 11 
million entrepreneurs to establish, expand, or service a small 
business. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began early 2020, SCORE has seen 
a 30 percent increase in demand for their services. Despite challenges 
faced, 89 percent of SCORE clients stayed in business throughout 2020.
  In 2021, the SCORE chapter in Orange County in my district helped 
start 269 new small businesses and create nearly 4,000 jobs. In 2019, 
prior to the pandemic, Orange County SCORE delivered 11,154 total 
services. In 2021, they delivered 25,146 total services. This is a 125 
percent increase and over double the rate of pre-pandemic levels.
  Thanks to the volunteers and mentors in SCORE, countless small 
businesses in my district have been able to keep their businesses 
running and keep their employees on their payroll.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, Representative Craig, for her 
partnership on this. I urge all my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 
6450 and allow SCORE to continue this public-private partnership to 
support small businesses across the country.
  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, small businesses consistently highlight the importance 
of resources to grow their business and serve their communities.
  The private sector driven SCORE mentorship program is an important 
tool for small businesses seeking assistance and guidance during these 
challenging economic times.
  Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 6450, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, the SCORE program has made good progress improving the 
transparency, accountability, and efficacy of their organization. 
Today's legislation builds upon that progress so that a critical 
program can succeed well into the future.
  SCORE is unique among SBA's resource partners in that they connect 
clients directly with successful business mentors who have firsthand 
experience and knowledge to help them with their unique situations.
  H.R. 6450 will expand SCORE's ability to reach more small business 
owners and entrepreneurs, particularly those in underserved and rural 
communities while maintaining the program improvements SCORE has worked 
hard to develop.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues for their bipartisan support of 
the SCORE program. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'', and I yield 
back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Velazquez) that the House suspend the 
rules and pass the bill, H.R. 6450.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________