[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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