    [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 36 (Monday, February 24, 2025)]
    [House]
    [Pages H742-H743]
    From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

                            DOE AND SBA RESEARCH ACT

      Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and
    pass the bill (H.R. 788) to provide for Department of Energy and Small
    Business Administration joint research and development activities, and
    for other purposes.
      The Clerk read the title of the bill.
      The text of the bill is as follows:

                                    H.R. 788

           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 ``DOE and SBA Research Act''.

         SEC. 2. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND SMALL BUSINESS
                       ADMINISTRATION JOINT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
                       ACTIVITIES.

           (a) In General.--The Secretary of Energy and the
         Administrator of the Small Business Administration (in this
         section referred to as the ``covered officials'') shall enter
         into a memorandum of understanding or other appropriate
         agreement to carry out cross-cutting and collaborative
         research and development activities focused on the joint
         advancement of Department of Energy and Small Business
         Administration mission requirements and priorities.
           (b) Memorandum of Understanding or Agreement.--The covered
         officials shall carry out and coordinate the activities
         described in subsection (a) by entering into one or more
         memoranda of understanding or other appropriate agreements,
         as jointly determined by the covered officials.
           (c) Inclusion of Small Business Concerns.--In carrying out
         the activities described in subsection (a), the covered
         officials shall ensure the inclusion of small business
         concerns (as defined under section 3 of the Small Business
         Act (15 U.S.C. 632)) in such activities, as appropriate.
           (d) Other Requirements.--In carrying out the activities
         described in subsection (a), the covered officials may--
           (1) carry out reimbursable agreements between the
         Department of Energy, the Small Business Administration, and
         appropriate entities in order to maximize the effectiveness
         of research and development activities carried out pursuant
         to a memorandum or agreement described in subsection (b); and
           (2) collaborate with other Federal agencies as appropriate
         to carry out such activities.
           (e) Report.--Not later than two years after the date of the
         enactment of this Act, the covered officials shall submit to
         Congress a report on activities carried out pursuant to a
         memorandum or agreement described in subsection (b) that
         includes the following:
           (1) Coordination between the covered officials involved in
         such activities.
           (2) Potential opportunities to expand the technical
         capabilities of the Department of Energy and the Small
         Business Administration.
           (3) Collaborative research achievements.
           (4) Areas of future mutually beneficial success.
           (5) Continuation of coordination activities between the
         Department of Energy and the Small Business Administration.
           (f) Research Security.--The activities carried out pursuant
         to a memorandum or agreement described in subsection (b)
         shall be applied in a manner consistent with subtitle D of
         title VI of the Research and Development, Competition, and
         Innovation Act (Public Law 117-167; 42 U.S.C. 19231 et seq.).

         SEC. 3. COMPLIANCE WITH CUTGO.

           No additional amounts are authorized to be appropriated to
         carry out this Act or the amendments made by this Act.

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

                                 General Leave

      Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. 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 bill.
      The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
    gentleman from Texas?
      There was no objection.
      Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
    consume.
      Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 788, the DOE and SBA
    Research Act, led by my colleagues, Representatives LaLota, Morrison,
    and Thanedar.
      This legislation would require the SBA and DOE to enter a memorandum
    of understanding to help unify and streamline research efforts between
    the national labs and American small businesses. Currently, the 17
    national laboratories across the United States provide the government
    with some of its most cutting-edge research.
      At the same time, our Nation's small businesses contribute
    extensively to public and private sector research and development
    efforts. Aligning research efforts between the DOE and the SBA would
    increase the efficiency of the national labs and better integrate small
    business innovation into government research.
      Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to join me in voting for H.R.
    788, and I reserve the balance of my time.
      Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
    consume.
      I rise today in support of H.R. 788, the DOE and SBA Research Act.
    This legislation would allow SBA and the Department of Energy to enter
    into an MOU to formalize the research and development activities that
    are currently underway.
      The Department of Energy has 17 national labs that play a crucial
    role in fostering innovation and driving small business growth. The
    labs form partnerships with small businesses so that they can leverage
    the expertise of DOE's scientists and also gain access to world-class
    labs to test new products. They also foster networking opportunities
    that enable small businesses to connect, collaborate, and expand their
    base.
      These types of partnerships are critical to increasing small business
    innovation, providing high-paying jobs for Americans, and ensuring our
    country remains competitive. I applaud Mr. LaLota, Dr. Morrison, and
    Mr. Thanedar for their bipartisan work.
      Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
      Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may
    consume to the gentleman from New York (Mr. LaLota).
      Mr. LaLOTA. Mr. Speaker, America's small businesses are the backbone
    of Main Street America, yet too many of them face roadblocks when
    trying to do business with the Federal Government's largest buyer, the
    Department of Energy. That is why I proudly introduced the DOE and SBA
    Research Act, which strengthens the relationship between America's
    small businesses and the Department of Energy.
      This legislation creates a partnership between the Department of
    Energy and the Small Business Administration for joint research. It
    expands opportunities for entrepreneurs to fuel innovation and drive
    economic growth, and it provides small businesses with a clear, more
    direct path to collaborate with our national labs on groundbreaking
    research and technology development.
      Brookhaven National Laboratory in my district is a perfect example of
    how small business and Department of Energy partnerships can transform
    a region into a premier center for scientific innovation. The
    partnerships made possible by the DOE and SBA Research Act will empower
    Main Street America to contribute to cutting-edge

    [[Page H743]]

    research, drive the Department of Energy's mission, fuel American
    ingenuity, and keep America at the forefront of scientific innovation
    and technological advancements.
      I thank my colleagues, Representatives Morrison and Thanedar, for
    joining me in introducing this important bipartisan legislation.
      This legislation passed the House with unanimous support last
    Congress. Unfortunately, we couldn't get it over the finish line in the
    Senate in time, so I thank Chairman Williams for his important
    leadership in getting it back to the floor and across the finish line a
    second time in the House. We will get it done this time.
      I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense legislation.
      Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from
    Minnesota (Ms. Morrison).
      Ms. MORRISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 788, the DOE and
    SBA Research Act.
      As the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Rural Development,
    Energy, and Supply Chains, I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan
    legislation with the gentleman from New York (Mr. LaLota) and the
    gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Thanedar).
      This bill would require the Department of Energy and the Small
    Business Administration to enter into a memorandum of understanding
    that would improve collaboration between these two agencies. This joint
    agency effort would expand opportunities for small businesses to
    participate in research and development opportunities at DOE and its
    national laboratories.
      It is in our economic and national security interests for the United
    States to remain a leader in R&D and technological advancement. In
    order to maximize our impact, we must tap into talent wherever we can
    find it. Too often, small businesses are overlooked when it comes to
    research and development opportunities.
      Small businesses are not only the backbone of our economy, but they
    also drive forward American innovation and ingenuity. The DOE and SBA
    Research Act will help ensure that small business owners continue to
    play a central role in the United States' leadership in these areas.
      I thank my colleagues for their collaboration on this critical
    legislation. I thank Chairman Williams and Ranking Member Velazquez for
    their support. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this
    legislation.
      Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may
    consume to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Van Drew).
      Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 788. It is a
    good and innovative bill.
      I also today wanted to speak in support of H.R. 832, the Small
    Business Advocacy Improvements Act of 2025.
      I am proud to join my good friend and a great colleague and chairman,
    Roger Williams, in introducing this bill, which will ensure that
    American small businesses have a strong voice in trade and on the
    discussions that take place on the global stage.
      My home and my district of southern New Jersey represents--as so much
    of the United States of America--a small business community that is the
    backbone of our economy; driving innovation, creating jobs, and
    strengthening communities.
      In today's world, small businesses face competition not just from
    their neighbors and other States, but from businesses and corporations
    around the globe. These businesses face challenges that larger
    corporations are often better equipped to navigate.
      This bill will clarify the authority of the Small Business
    Administration's august Office of Advocacy to examine international
    economic data and represent small business interests in trade
    negotiations, ensuring that our small business people are not left
    behind.
      America, as we know it, can't exist without small businesses, and
    this bill will give them a leg up to make the American economy even
    stronger.
      I urge my colleagues to support both of these bills, H.R. 788 and
    H.R. 832, and stand with America's small businesses.
      Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
    Michigan (Mr. Thanedar).
      Mr. THANEDAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 788.
      First of all, I thank Chairman Williams and Ranking Member Velazquez
    for their bipartisan work. As a serial entrepreneur in the technology
    innovation sector, I couldn't be happier to stand here and support this
    bill along with my amazing colleagues, Representative LaLota and
    Representative Morrison.

                                  {time}  1645

      Mr. Speaker, I recognize the indispensable role in enhancing
    collaboration between the Small Business Administration and the
    Department of Energy, all in the name of improving research and
    development efforts.
      Let's not forget small businesses are a cornerstone of this country.
    The innovation we stimulate within this sector is not just important,
    it is vital for America's future. This legislation does not simply
    propose research collaboration. It carves a path for our small
    businesses to lead the way.
      It mandates a collaborative report within 2 years of its enactment.
    This report will empower us to monitor and comprehend the effectiveness
    of our research collaborations, providing us with the opportunity to
    revise and refine strategies as necessary.
      I am excited, and I hope my colleagues share my enthusiasm about the
    potential growth and broadening capabilities the DOE and SBA Research
    Act promise to bring.
      Let's always keep sight of the ultimate goal of this legislation
    which is creating high-paying jobs for our fellow Americans and
    safeguarding our Nation's competitive edge on the global stage.
    Remember, this isn't just about legislation. It is about our future.
      Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the sponsors of the bill, and I
    yield back the balance of my time.
      Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support
    this commonsense legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.
      The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
    gentleman from Texas (Mr. Williams) that the House suspend the rules
    and pass the bill, H.R. 788.
      The question was taken.
      The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
    being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
      Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and
    nays.
      The yeas and nays were ordered.
      The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further
    proceedings on this motion will be postponed.

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