[House Hearing, 119 Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]



   MARKUP OF: H.R. 1642, CONNECTING SMALL BUSINESSES WITH CAREER AND 
 TECHNICAL EDUCATION GRADUATES ACT OF 2025; H.R. 789, TRANSPARENCY AND 
  PREDICTABILITY IN SMALL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES ACT; H.R. 787, PLAIN 
    LANGUAGE IN CONTRACTING ACT; H.R. 1621, THE ENTREPRENEURS WITH 
   DISABILITIES REPORTING ACT; H.R. 1634, THE THINKDIFFERENTLY ABOUT 
  DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT ACT; H.R. 1816, WOSB ACCOUNTABILITY ACT; H.R. 
                  1804, 7(A) LOAN AGENT OVERSIGHT ACT

=======================================================================

                                HEARING

                               before the

                      COMMITTEE ON SMALL BUSINESS
                             UNITED STATES
                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                    ONE HUNDRED NINETEENTH CONGRESS

                             FIRST SESSION
                               __________

                              HEARING HELD
                             MARCH 5, 2025
                               __________


               [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT] 
                               
            Small Business Committee Document Number 119-004
             Available via the GPO Website: www.govinfo.gov 
                                ------
                                
                  U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE

59-817                    WASHINGTON : 2025 
  







































             
                   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
               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.............................................     2

                                APPENDIX

Additional Material Submitted for the Record:
    H.R. 1642....................................................    26
    H.R. 789.....................................................    30
    H.R. 787.....................................................    34
    H.R. 1621....................................................    37
    H.R. 1634....................................................    40
    H.R. 1816....................................................    43
    H.R. 1804....................................................    49
    Amendment to H.R. 787........................................    52
    Women's Procurement Circle (WPC) Letter......................    55
    Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP) Letter..................    57
    Women Construction Owners and Executives (WCOE) Letter.......    59
    Alford Letter................................................    60

 
   MARKUP OF: H.R. 1642, CONNECTING SMALL BUSINESSES WITH CAREER AND 
 TECHNICAL EDUCATION GRADUATES ACT OF 2025; H.R. 789, TRANSPARENCY AND 
  PREDICTABILITY IN SMALL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES ACT; H.R.787, PLAIN 
    LANGUAGE IN CONTRACTING ACT; H.R. 1621, THE ENTREPRENEURS WITH 
   DISABILITIES REPORTING ACT; H.R. 1634, THE THINKDIFFERENTLY ABOUT 
  DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT ACT; H.R. 1816, WOSB ACCOUNTABILITY ACT; H.R. 
                  1804, 7(A) LOAN AGENT OVERSIGHT ACT

                              ----------                              

                        WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2025

                  House of Representatives,
               Committee on Small Business,
                                                    Washington, DC.
    The Committee met, pursuant to call, at 9:55 a.m., in Room 
2360, Rayburn House Office Building, Hon. Roger Williams 
[chairman of the Committee] presiding.
    Present: Representatives Williams, Stauber, Meuser, Alford, 
LaLota, Wied, Bresnahan, Schmidt, Velazquez, McIver, Latimer, 
Tran, Simon, Olszewski, and Goodlander.
    Chairman WILLIAMS. The Committee will now come to order. A 
quorum is present and without objection, the Chair is 
authorized to declare a recess of the Committee at any time. As 
required by House rules, a copy of the legislative measures 
have been made available to Members and the public at least 24 
hours in advance. And pursuant to Committee rule 13 and House 
rule XI, all votes will be rolled to the end of the meeting.
    I am excited to announce that for the first time in this 
Committee, we will be using electronic voting. Okay. We have 
moved up. All right. And remember, it is electric, so be 
careful. Right? But this is just another way we are raising the 
bar in the 119th Congress on this Committee. 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.
    In today's markup, we will discuss seven bills highlighting 
the work needed to usher Main Street America into the golden 
age. I will speak on each of the bills we bring up today in 
much greater detail, so I will keep these remarks brief.
    The Biden administration failed Main Street America. This 
presidency, or his presidency, resulted in nearly $1.8 trillion 
of regulatory costs, 335 million hours of unnecessary paperwork 
for hardworking Americans. It is no surprise that since 
President Trump's election, small business optimism is at an 
all-time high. My colleagues and I on this Committee will work 
with President Trump and Administrator Loeffler to ensure that 
small businesses have a voice in Washington that provides them 
with the resources they need to grow and to thrive.
    Today's bipartisan markup is a result of the numerous 
hearings conducted by this Committee last Congress on the 
harmful effects that the Biden administration had on Main 
Street America. Main Street America deserves commonsense 
legislation that simplifies contracting requirements, cuts 
bureaucratic red tape, and ensures that the SBA focuses on the 
needs of small businesses. Instead of helping small business 
owners, the Biden administration expanded regulations, removed 
lending guardrails, and used the SBA for electioneering. And 
instead of utilizing the SBA network to counsel small 
businesses in their workforce hiring needs, the previous 
administration simply ignored them. Small businesses deserves 
to have their voice heard in Washington, which is what we are 
doing here today.
    Here on this committee, we know it is our job to put 
forward meaningful policy solutions that will help, not harm, 
our nation's job creators. We aim to make the jobs of small 
business owners simpler, allowing them to focus on the growth 
of their business. I want to thank our Members for bringing 
these bills up for consideration and work in today's markup. 
Every piece of legislation we will look at today is a product 
of work we did last Congress and will help the 26 million small 
business owners the SBA serves.
    As the economy grows under this new administration, small 
businesses desperately need skilled workers to help their 
businesses succeed. They need an SBA that works for them. In 
support of President Trump's agenda, we will work with 
Administrator Loeffler to root out waste, fraud, and abuse, and 
we must continue to fight for the success of this nation's 
small businesses and these bills are a significant step in in 
the effort to usher main street to the golden age of America. I 
am excited to see our Committee work with Administrator 
Loeffler and President Trump to pass commonsense legislation 
allowing small businesses to focus on their growth.
    Now with that, I yield to my friend and distinguished 
Ranking Member from New York, Ms. Velazquez, for her opening 
statement.
    Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you for 
holding this mark up today.
    I would be remiss if I do not react to your statement about 
Joe Biden failing Main Street America. The facts speak for 
themselves: 20 million startups and most economists concluded 
that the economy of the United States was the envy of most 
industrialized countries.
    We are considering seven bills to make improvements to SBA 
programs and services, from focusing on career and technical 
education to disabled communities and improving the 7(a) 
program and contracting rules. We have a strong slate of bills 
before us.
    Main street small businesses are the lifeblood of our 
nation's economy, driving innovation and job creation and 
helping millions of people achieve their American dream. I 
stand committed to creating more opportunities for 
entrepreneurs so they can continue to thrive and, in turn, 
create good-paying jobs in our local communities. I plan to 
lend my support to the seven bipartisan bills we are 
considering today and I appreciate the Chairman's efforts to 
mark up a fair ratio of Republican and Democratic bills.
    While we are starting off on a positive note on this 
committee, I am afraid we are in the midst of troubling times 
with the Trump Administration's policy. Elon Musk and his DOGE 
team infiltrated the SBA, gaining access to all SBA systems, 
including HR, contract, and payment system, putting small 
business data at risk. Hundreds of dedicated SBA employees have 
been terminated. Small business contracts are being canceled 
governmentwide and program funding and grants that assist small 
employers has been paused. These cost-cutting actions are 
creating undue uncertainty for small employers and resulting in 
layoffs at small government contractors.
    What is more concerning is that we aren't even getting 
information about these changes. While I think many of us can 
agree that we want an efficient agency, the blanket 
terminations and funding freeze are creating chaos. We have 
essentially ceded our constitutional duties to the executive 
branch without even batting an eye. It is this Committee's 
responsibility to make decisions about the programs at SBA, 
just as we are doing today by marking up bills after thoughtful 
negotiations. It is incumbent upon us to oversee any pernicious 
action taken by the administration or DOGE which impact our 
collective goal to strengthen and support our nation's small 
business community. This is especially true as new tariffs hit 
our employers and consumers in a variety of industries.
    I hope we can work together to conduct oversight of SBA and 
any governmentwide actions jeopardizing the success of our main 
street businesses. They deserve no less.
    Thank you again, Mr. Chairman. I look forward to a 
productive markup. I yield back.
    Chairman WILLIAMS. The lady yields back. Does any other 
Member seek recognition for the purpose of making an opening 
statement?
    Okay. Seeing none, we will now move into consideration of 
this bill.
    H.R. 1642
    The Committee now moves into consideration of H.R. 1642, 
the Connecting Small Business with Career and Technical 
Education graduates Act of 2025, introduced by myself and 
Representative Olszewski. The bill is cosponsored by 
Representatives Bresnahan, Tran, and Wied. And the clerk will 
read the bill.
    The CLERK. H.R. 1642, a bill to amend the Small Business--
--
    Chairman WILLIAMS. Without objection, H.R. 1642 is 
considered as read and open for amendment. I now recognize 
myself for an opening statement on my bill.
    As we enter the golden age of America, main street is in 
critical need of skilled workers, plumbers, electricians, 
mechanics, and countless others who are the backbone of our 
economy. Without them, the American people would not have the 
critical goods and services we often take for granted. I am 
proud to lead in the charge and encouraging more young people 
to pursue valuable career and technical education, or CTE, 
professions and assist graduates in translating their skills 
into the workforce.
    Many graduates of these programs wish to start a small 
business of their own, but don't know where to turn for help. 
My bill clarifies that Small Business Development Centers, or 
CBDCs, and Women's Business Centers, or WBCs, should build 
relationships with CTE programs so their graduates know where 
to turn for business assistance. With these relationships my 
bill ensures that SBDCs and WBCs help small businesses 
understand what CTE programs are available, how graduates of 
these programs can fill critical employment needs, and help 
small businesses' clients connect with these programs. I urge 
all my colleagues support this legislation.
    I now recognize Dr. Olszewski for a statement on the bill.
    Mr. OLSZEWSKI. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
    I would be remiss if I didn't begin today just by taking a 
moment to recognize one of our dear colleagues who recently 
departed, Representative Sylvester Turner. I know that he was 
an outstanding leader for the city of Texas [sic] as its mayor 
and was a fierce advocate for the 18th District of Texas. He 
was a beloved member of the freshman class. And as we do this 
work, I just like to start in his honor, his memory, Mr. 
Chairman.
    So, I thank you for your leadership and your partnership on 
this bipartisan legislation that will ensure Small Business 
Development Centers and Women's Business Centers provide 
technical educational information to small businesses about CTE 
programs, who, in turn, can hire accomplished and competent 
graduates in these programs. My home state of Maryland has 46 
Maryland State Department of Education approved high school CTE 
programs in 11 career sectors with a total of 259 schools 
participating in programs like SkillsUSA and the Future 
Business Leaders of America. The programs range from arts, 
media, and communication to manufacturing, engineering, and 
technology because in Maryland we believe that work-based 
learning opportunities are essential to prepare students for 
their next steps.
    In my previous role as county executive in Baltimore 
County, workforce development and CTE were among my top 
priorities. In that capacity, I oversaw the implementation of a 
$3.3 billion plan to improve schools, a plan that included 
significant investment in CTE. And I was proud to help create a 
Public Health Pathways program that is connecting underserved 
residents in the Baltimore area with high demand and high need 
nursing jobs.
    This bill ensures federal resources are being used to 
support entrepreneurs achieve the American Dream. It is one of 
just many steps I look forward to working with you and others, 
Mr. Chairman, to build a pipeline of skilled workers in need 
industries. I urge my colleagues to support the bill and I 
thank the Chairman again as well as the other Members who have 
joined on this important piece of legislation as well as all 
the other bipartisan bills we'll be considering today.
    And with that, I yield back.
    Chairman WILLIAMS. The gentleman yields back.
    Now I recognize Mr. Wied for a statement on his bill.
    Mr. WIED. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for giving me the 
opportunity to speak on this piece of legislation, H.R. 1642, 
the Connecting Small Businesses with Career and Technical 
Education Graduates Act of 2025. We will support students who 
have completed a career in technical education, CTE, program by 
providing them with resources they need to put their skills to 
use in the job market.
    In my home state of Wisconsin, there are over 250,000 high 
school students who have taken at least one CTE course. 
Students who have taken at least two CTE courses graduated high 
school at a rate 5 percent higher than Wisconsin state average. 
This is something we should all be encouraging. These students 
are motivated and are ready to contribute to our economy in a 
wide variety of industries, many of which face a critical 
shortage of qualified employees. This bill requires Small 
Business Development Centers and Women's Business Centers to 
support these CTE program graduates transitioning into the 
workforce by connecting them with employment opportunities.
    In addition, this bill will provide graduates with the 
knowledge to start their own small business. Supporting 
graduates of the CTE program utilize their skills benefits not 
only to students themselves, but also small businesses who need 
good, hardworking employees. I am proud to be an original 
cosponsor of this bill and I encourage my colleagues to support 
it.
    And with that, I yield back.
    Chairman WILLIAMS. The gentleman yields back.
    I now recognize Mr. Tran for a statement on the bill.
    Mr. TRAN. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
    H.R. 1642, the Connecting Small Businesses with Career and 
Technical Education Graduates Act, will help small business 
owners fill gaps in the workforce by connecting them with 
graduates of vocational programs to the Small Business 
Administration, Small Business Development Centers, and Women 
Business Centers. This is especially important because our 
economy is lacking skilled trade workers in key industries, 
such as construction and manufacturing, and cannot keep up with 
demand.
    Talented graduates coming out of vocational education 
programs in my district, such as Coastline College in Fountain 
Valley, have the skills that small businesses in Orange County 
need. This bill will help ensure graduates of career and 
technical education programs find good-paying jobs for which 
they are trained. It is pro small business, pro students, pro 
workforce, pro economic growth. It is a win for everyone 
involved.
    I am proud to colead H.R. 1642 and I want to thank my 
colleagues, Chairman Rogers, Congressman Olszewski, and 
Congressman Bresnahan and Congressman Wied for their leadership 
in championing this important piece of legislation. So, I urge 
my colleagues to advance this legislation out of committee 
today.
    Thank you. And I yield back.
    Chairman WILLIAMS. The gentleman yields back.
    And I now recognize Ms. Goodlander for a statement on the 
bill.
    Ms. GOODLANDER. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
    I want to join in saying a word about our colleague, 
Congressman Sylvester Turner. My heart breaks to hear about his 
passing yesterday and my heart is with his constituents and 
community in Texas.
    I want to join my colleagues, too, in proudly supporting 
H.R. 1642. I have had a chance in the last 61 days that I have 
been in this job to meet with career and technical education 
students and graduates all across my home state of New 
Hampshire. They are our future and our small businesses are the 
heart of our economy. I am really proud to support this bill 
and urge all of our colleagues to do the same.
    Thank you, Mr. Chair. I yield back.
    The gentlelady yields back.
    I now recognize Mr. Bresnahan for a statement on the bill.
    Mr. BRESNAHAN. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for 
introducing this important piece of legislation. I was proud to 
be an original cosponsor of H.R. 1642, the Connecting Small 
Business with Career and Technical Education Graduates Act of 
2025.
    Connecting our next generation of entrepreneurs and skilled 
workers to careers and opportunities will be vital for the 
future of small businesses in America. The resources and 
expertise of Small Business Development Centers and Women 
Business Centers can be the difference between a successful 
business which provides jobs and grows our economy and another 
missed opportunity.
    I believe that the districts such as mine and many others 
around the country are poised for growth and investment. We 
cannot afford to miss these opportunities. H.R. 1642 will help 
break down these barriers, barriers which hold back the future 
of our nation. I look forward to seeing this bill passed today.
    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?
    All right. Seeing none, I would like to recognize the 
Ranking Member to speak on the bill.
    Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And thank you for--
I commend you for your commitment to helping small businesses 
hire graduates of career and technical education programs and 
also giving graduates the tools to launch their own small 
businesses.
    While a college education is a sure, fast way to secure a 
successful career in today's global economy, it may not be the 
most prudent path for every high school graduate. Career and 
technical education programs offer viable alternatives. This 
program trains students with a wide variety of skills, 
oftentimes tailoring the curriculum to the workforce needs for 
their local economy. According to the NFIB Small Business 
Optimism Index, 35 percent of small businesses reported job 
openings they could not fill. This bill will go a long way in 
meeting the labor needs of small businesses and also give these 
graduates the tools they need to launch and grow successful 
small businesses.
    So, I want to thank you, Mr. Chairman, Mr. Olszewski, and 
Mr. Tran, Mr. Wied, and every other cosponsor of the bill. I 
urge Members to support this bipartisan piece of legislation, 
and yield back.
    Chairman WILLIAMS. The gentlelady yields back. Does anyone 
wish to offer an amendment?
    All right. Seeing none, the question is on how favorably 
reporting H.R. 1642, as amended, to the House.
    All those in favor, say aye.
    Opposed?
    The motion carries.
    Mr. WIED. Mr. Chairman, can I have a recorded vote?
    Chairman WILLIAMS. Yes, sir. With what purpose does the 
gentleman seek recognition for a recorded vote?
    Mr. WIED. Mr. Chairman, can I have a recorded vote?
    Chairman WILLIAMS. A recorded vote has been requested and a 
roll call vote is ordered. So, pursuant to Committee rule 13 
and House rule XI, further proceedings on the bill are 
postponed.
    H.R. 789
    Okay. The Committee now moves to consideration of H.R. 789, 
the Transparency and Predictability in Small Business 
Opportunities Act introduced by Representatives Latimer and 
Alford. The clerk will report the bill.
    The CLERK. H.R. 789, a bill to require the----
    Chairman WILLIAMS. Without objection, H.R. 789 is 
considered as read and open for amendment.
    I now recognize the bill's sponsor, Mr. Latimer, for a 
statement on the bill.
    Mr. LATIMER. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We 
appreciate the Committee considering this bill which was passed 
in the 118th Congress and to highlight why this important 
legislation is needed. I want to recognize Congressman Alford 
for his support of this bill. I know he will speak in a second.
    The Transparency and Predictability in Small Business 
Opportunities would improve accountability in the federal 
contracting process for small businesses. Small business owners 
are often resource-constrained. Every day these individuals 
engage in a variety of business-related activities. And when 
they submit a proposal to work with the federal government, 
they invest considerable time and resources into making their 
submission the best it can be. They are also forced to navigate 
a complex and time-consuming contracting process while 
balancing their other important responsibilities.
    It can be confusing and deeply frustrating for a small 
business owner if a federal agency decides to cancel a 
solicitation without transparency into why that decision was 
made. If we are serious about bringing more small businesses 
into federal contracting, we must ensure that business owners 
have the confidence and trust in their federal partners. In 
this bill any plans to reissue the solicitation must be 
identified. If an agency does not plan to reissue the 
solicitation, the bill would create procedures for a small 
business to receive assistance in identifying similar 
contracting opportunities. I urge all my colleagues here to 
support this important bill.
    Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I yield back.
    Chairman WILLIAMS. The gentleman yields back.
    I now recognize the bill's cosponsor, Mr. Alford, for a 
statement on the bill.
    Mr. ALFORD. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
    I just also want to express my condolences to Sylvester 
Turner's family, the mayor of Houston. I grew up in Baytown, 20 
miles east of Houston, and he was a great leader. I am glad 
that I took the opportunity to go across the aisle last week 
and speak with him. And I am very sorry for the loss not just 
for this side of the aisle, but for our body in general. When 
good leaders come up here and make the sacrifices to be here, 
it is noteworthy, and our condolences from this side.
    That being said, I am honored to once again represent this 
piece of legislation. Last session, Mr. Nfume and I worked on 
this. And now, Mr. Latimer, it is good to work with you on 
this. And thank you to our Chair and Ranking Member.
    This Committee really exists in Congress to champion main 
street, to ensure that the small businesses that employ about 
half of all Americans can continue to thrive. Our role is to 
help lower the barriers to creating small businesses and to 
support small businesses that already exist. A major tool to 
help existing small businesses are government contracts 
specifically set aside for small businesses. However, federal 
agencies cancel contract solicitations, often with no warning 
and no reason, leaving the small businesses that spent 
thousands or tens of thousands of dollars preparing a bid out 
in the cold. This bill, the Transparency and Predictability in 
Small Business Opportunities Act, would help address this 
problem.
    This legislation would require agencies to provide to the 
SBA a justification for canceled contract solicitations. 
Additionally, it would require the agency canceling the 
contract solicitation to disclose available information about 
plans to reissue similar solicitations. And finally, if the 
agency does not plan on reissuing a solicitation, the agency's 
director of small and disadvantaged business utilization must 
assist the small business in identifying similar contracting 
opportunities.
    This is a commonsense bill for Main Street America, and 
that's why I am proud to support this legislation with Mr. 
Latimer that would help provide stability and predictability to 
small business contractors.
    Mr. Chair, 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 commend 
Congressmen Latimer and Alford for their work on this important 
and timely legislation.
    In a hearing last year, we heard testimony from Andrew 
Christ, a small employer who discussed how small businesses 
spend a significant amount of time and money responding to a 
solicitation for a government contract. He stated that putting 
together a proposal costs him an average of $10,000 and the 
government does not have to provide him with any assistance or 
information if that solicitation is later canceled. While the 
government has flexibility to change requirements and 
solicitations as needed, and we do not change that with this 
bill, small firms incur losses they cannot recoup when this 
happens. Unfortunately, this bill will not make them whole, but 
it will provide them with additional information to adjust 
their operations and plans to move forward and, hopefully, to 
continue their participation in the federal marketplace.
    In 2021, the Department of Defense issued a broad request 
for comments regarding barriers facing small businesses working 
with them. In their response, the Women's Chamber of Commerce 
stated that, and I quote, ``Numerous small business contracts 
just go away without explanation or discussion with the 
OSDBU.'' Providing a leader more predictability and stability, 
as this bill will do, can help reduce the barriers that keep 
small businesses from bidding on and winning government 
contracts.
    It is also a good reminder of why we must protect the SBA 
and the OSDBU and arm them with carefully crafted and 
deliberate authorities to advocate for small business 
government contractors. One cancelled solicitation for a large 
corporation is a blip on the radar, but for a small business 
who has to decide where to invest their more limited resources, 
those sum costs matter.
    SBA plays a unique governmentwide role in shaping and 
implementing contracting policies that are fair and provide 
opportunity for small business. I am hoping that the committee 
will work to ensure they continue to play this role and have 
the right resources and tools like we give them with this bill 
to advocate for small businesses working with any and all 
federal agencies. I urge my colleagues to support this bill, 
and I yield back.
    Chairman WILLIAMS. The gentlelady yields back. I thank you 
and I now recognize myself to speak in support of this 
legislation for 5 minutes.
    H.R. 789, the Transparent and Predictability in Small 
Business Opportunities Act, is intended to assist small 
businesses that submit bids on contract solicitations that are 
later canceled. Submitting a bid on a government contract 
requires tremendous time, effort, and money, But agencies often 
cancel their solicitations regardless of the cost to small 
business. This practice creates a fair amount of uncertainty 
and disincentivizes small business participation in government 
contracting.
    The bill will require agencies to justify their decision to 
cancel a contract solicitation to the SBA. It will also help 
small businesses that submitted bids or canceled contracts find 
other opportunities to compete for a contractor. Small 
businesses deserve to be treated fairly in the contracting 
process and to fully understand what opportunities are 
available to them. This bill should and will ensure that 
contracting opportunities are accessible and transparent so 
small businesses are not left out in the cold after spending 
months and valuable resources preparing a proposal. So, I urge 
all of my colleagues to support H.R. 789.
    Now, does anyone wish to offer an amendment?
    Okay. Seeing none, the question is now on favorably of 
reporting H.R. 789 to the House.
    All those in favor, say aye.
    All those opposed, say no.
    In the opinion of the Chair, the ayes have it. H.R. 789 is 
agreed to.
    Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Chair?
    Chairman WILLIAMS. The Member is recognized.
    Mr. ALFORD. I request a recorded vote, please.
    Chairman WILLIAMS. A recorded vote has been requested and a 
roll call vote is ordered. Pursuant to Committee rule 13 and 
House rule XI, further proceedings on the bill are postponed.
    H.R. 787
    Okay. The Committee now moves to consideration of H.R. 787, 
the Plain Language in Contracting Act, introduced by 
Representatives LaLota and Tran. The clerk report the bill.
    The CLERK. H.R. 787, a bill to require plain language----
    Chairman WILLIAMS. Without objection, H.R. 787 is 
considered as read and open for amendment.
    The bill sponsor, Mr. LaLota, 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. 
787.
    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 sponsor of the bill and the amendment, 
Mr. LaLota, for a statement on the bill and the amendment.
    Mr. LALOTA. Mr. Chairman, thank you.
    As an attorney licensed to practice law in the great state 
of New York, I wouldn't dare make any anti-lawyer jokes. I 
certainly wouldn't say that we should hate lawyers. But a small 
business ought not to have to hire a lawyer just to apply for a 
simple government contract. Unlike large corporations, small 
businesses lack teams of lawyers to navigate complex federal 
procurement rules. Government contracts should be accessible, 
not a bureaucratic maze favoring big firms. That is why I am 
proud to reintroduce the Plain Language in Contracting Act, 
ensuring federal agencies use clear, straightforward language 
in solicitations. This will remove barriers, increase 
transparency, and give small businesses a fair shot.
    A naval postgraduate school study of 1 million DOD 
solicitations found that less than 3 percent were in plain 
English and most were rated difficult or very difficult to 
read. With 33 million small businesses in America, only 74,000, 
just 0.22 percent, successfully secure federal prime contracts. 
Programs exist to help small businesses, but obscure and overly 
technical language often shuts them out. If government 
contracts remain too convoluted for even many attorneys to 
understand, how can we expect small businesses and their owners 
to navigate them?
    I want to thank Chairman Williams and my colleagues, 
Representatives Thanedar and Tran, for joining me in this 
bipartisan effort. I urge all of my colleagues to support this 
commonsense measure.
    And, Mr. Chairman, I yield.
    Chairman WILLIAMS. The gentleman yields back.
    And I now recognize Mr. Tran for a statement on the bill 
and the amendment.
    Mr. TRAN. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for this opportunity to 
discuss an essential piece of legislation today, H.R. 787, the 
Plain Language in Contracting Act. This bipartisan bill will 
help us make great progress in getting new first-time small 
businesses to apply for federal contracting opportunities and 
ensure that they are written in plain language.
    Far too often, bureaucratic barriers and complex government 
jargon prevent small business owners, especially veterans and 
immigrant entrepreneurs, from accessing and securing federal 
contracting opportunities. The number of small business 
contracting with government has been shrinking for years, a 
roughly 40 percent decrease over the past decade. And I 
consistently hear from small business owners in Orange County 
that one of the main causes of this problem is that the 
barriers to entry are simply too high. H.R. 787 will address 
this barrier facing small business owners and mandate federal 
agencies to use clear and accessible language and their 
contracting opportunities.
    I am proud to be the Democratic colead of this bill and I 
want to thank Congressman LaLota from Long island for working 
with me to improve SBA and simplify the federal contracting 
process. Let's continue to empower local businesses and ensure 
that every entrepreneur has the opportunity to succeed. I urge 
my colleagues to support this important bipartisan bill.
    Thank you 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 and the amendment?
    Seeing none, I would like to recognize the Ranking Member 
to speak on the bill and the amendment.
    Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Thank you, Chairman Williams. And I really 
appreciate working with you and for you working with us on the 
amendment to ensure SBA and DOD are in sync on this effort and 
that we have one standard for the small business government 
contractors who support multiple general federal agencies. And 
I appreciate Representative Tran for cosponsoring LaLota's 
bill.
    The Committee hears regularly about the complexity of the 
government's procurement processes and how the requirements on 
contractors, especially those seeking a federal contract for 
the first time, can appear overwhelming. This complexity can be 
further compounded by the language used in contracting 
documents, which may be unfamiliar to a small business with no 
previous government work. This bill seeks to provide clarity. 
It requires certain contracting documents, including Requests 
for Proposals and solicitations, to be written in a way that is 
clear and concise and can be easily understood by a small 
business.
    The goals of this bill are commendable. There are certainly 
ways in which the federal government can better communicate 
with small businesses, and the language used around contracting 
opportunity is one.
    Thank you again and I yield back.
    Chairman WILLIAMS. The gentlelady yields back and thank 
you.
    And I now recognize myself to speak in support of this 
legislation.
    Plain Language in Contracting Act is a vital piece of 
legislation that will empower small businesses to have greater 
ability to compete for valuable government contracts. 
Currently, government contract solicitations are written in an 
overly complex way that makes it difficult to navigate unless 
you are an attorney. Small businesses often lack the army of 
attorneys and contract specialists needed to understand these 
contracts, which create difficulties in submitting successful 
bids.
    The wonky nature of this so-called government speak has 
contributed to the shocking loss of small businesses in 
government contracting. And over the past few years, the 
Committee has heard firsthand testimony from small business 
owners about how difficult it is to navigate the contracting 
processes and red tape, which is made more difficult by unclear 
or conflicting government speak. This only drives small 
businesses away from competing for government work, decreasing 
the resiliency of our industrial base. So, instead of providing 
the best product or most valuable service to the taxpayer at 
the best value, the firm with the best lawyers or contracting 
officer often wins the contract. So, the Plain Language in 
Contracting Act makes it easier for small business to navigate 
federal contracting by requiring agencies to write plainly.
    I want to thank the Ranking Member and her staff for 
working with us in drafting the bill for the second Congress in 
a row. And I will urge all my colleagues to vote for the Plain 
Language and Contracting Act.
    Now, does anyone wish to offer an amendment?
    Seeing none, the question now occurs on the adoption of 
the--on the substitute amendment offered, H.R. 787, by Mr. 
LaLota.
    All those in favor, say aye.
    Opposed?
    The opinion of the Chair, the ayes have it. The amendment 
in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 787, is adopted.
    Mr. LALOTA. Mr. Chairman?
    Chairman WILLIAMS. Yes, sir.
    Mr. LALOTA. No, go ahead. Keep going.
    Chairman WILLIAMS. Okay. All right. Now the question asked 
favorably reporting H.R. 787, 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.
    Mr. LALOTA. Mr. Chairman?
    Chairman WILLIAMS. The Member seeks recognition.
    Mr. LALOTA. I now request a recorded vote, sir.
    Chairman WILLIAMS. Okay. A recorded vote has been 
requested. A roll call vote is ordered. Pursuant to Committee 
rule 13 and rule XI, further proceedings on the bill are 
postponed.
    H.R. 1621
    The Committee now moves to consideration of H.R. 1621, the 
Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Reporting Act of 2025, 
introduced by Representatives McGarvey and Stauber. And the 
clerk, will report the bill.
    The CLERK. H.R. 1621, a bill to require the administrator 
of the Small Business----
    Without objection, H.R. 1621, is considered as read and 
open for amendment.
    I now recognize the bill's sponsor, Mr. McGarvey, for a 
statement on the bill. Okay. Okay. He is not here right now. I 
will now recognize Mr. Stauber for a statement on the bill.
    Mr. STAUBER. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
    I rise today in support of H.R. 1621, the Entrepreneurs 
with Disabilities Act of 2025. And I thank Mr. McGarvey for 
sponsoring this.
    Across this nation, individuals with disabilities have the 
talent, drive, and vision to start their own businesses, yet 
many face challenges that make entrepreneurship unnecessarily 
difficult. These are not challenges of ability, but of access: 
access to capital, resources, and the support needed to turn 
their ideas into successful businesses. The Entrepreneurs with 
Disabilities Act ensures that we take a hard look at the 
obstacles standing in the way of aspiring entrepreneurs with 
disabilities. It directs the Small Business Administration to 
assess whether current programs are effectively serving these 
individuals and to identify where improvements are needed.
    I would like to thank again, my colleague from Kentucky, 
Mr. McGarvey, for introducing the bill. If we are serious about 
fostering economic growth and opportunity, we cannot leave 
behind the millions of Americans with disabilities who want to 
contribute, innovate, and build something of their own. This is 
not just about fairness. It is about recognizing the economic 
power and potential of individuals with disabilities. Removing 
barriers to entrepreneurship benefits not only them, but also 
our entire communities, our small businesses, and the nation as 
a whole. I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense 
legislation so that all Americans, regardless of ability, have 
the opportunity to succeed.
    Thank you and I yield back.
    Chairman WILLIAMS. The gentlemen yields back. Are there any 
other Members who wish to be recognized for a statement on the 
bill?
    Ms. SIMON. Yes, I would love to be recognized.
    Chairman WILLIAMS. So moved.
    Ms. SIMON. Thank you.
    Well, thank you, Mr. Chair, and thank you, Ranking Member 
Velazquez. And I want to thank my colleague, Representative 
Stauber. This is an amazingly important bill, particularly at 
this time. Thank you for partnering with me and this side of 
the aisle. I am proud to support the ThinkDIFFERENTLY About 
Disability Employment Act, which takes an important and 
critical step at this point in time. And this bill really is 
about including all of us, expanding economic opportunity to 
people with disabilities like myself. Small business ownership 
has long been a key pathway to success in America. We know 
this.
    We also know that people with disabilities take up 
entrepreneurship at twice the rate of those without 
disabilities. Because folks know, particularly those in the 
disability community, trying to enter the entrepreneurial 
workforce is oftentimes our only way at making ends meet. Able 
bodied businesses, often, despite the ADA, don't make the 
necessary accommodations to support our sustainability in the 
workplace. This bill opens up doors for employment and 
entrepreneurship in the disability community by strengthening 
collaboration between small businesses, Small Business 
Administration, and the National Council on Disability.
    Right now, unemployment rates for people with intellectual, 
physical, developmental disabilities remain alarmingly high at 
almost 80 percent, leaving far too many excluded from the 
workforce and living up to their potential. We know that by 
hiring individuals with disabilities, it is not just the right 
thing to do, it is also good for our economy. U.S. GDP would 
grow by $25 billion if we close the employment gap between 
people with disabilities and people without.
    Our full participation in the workplace strengthens our 
workforce overall and drives economic growth. We know this. 
This bill helps us identify barriers that employees and 
employers face while ensuring that people with disabilities 
have access to meaningful career opportunities. I am so proud 
to support this effort. It is extremely timely. And I look 
forward to seeing its positive impact all across our country.
    Thank you. And 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. ALFORD. Mr. Chair.
    Chairman WILLIAMS. Yes, sir.
    Mr. ALFORD. I would like to be recognized to speak, please.
    Chairman WILLIAMS. So moved, the gentlemen from Missouri.
    Mr. ALFORD. Thank you, Mr. Chair. And thank you, 
Congressman Stauber, for your leadership on this very important 
issue. Individuals with disabilities, or as I like to call it, 
different abilities, often face additional barriers to 
traditional employment. This legislation seeks to help those 
Americans with different abilities by requiring the SBA and the 
National Council on Disability to enter into a memorandum of 
understanding to collaborate on employment and entrepreneurship 
opportunities for folks who are differently abled. I am proud 
to support this legislation to help ensure that all Americans, 
all Americans, can find dignity in the workplace.
    Thank you. 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.
    Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And I want for the 
record to show that Mr. McGarvey, who is the main sponsor of 
the bill, is not here because he is the Ranking Member on the 
Veterans' Subcommittee and he is attending a hearing.
    Chairman WILLIAMS. So moved.
    Ms. VELAZQUEZ. I am pleased to support the legislation 
offered by Mr. McGarvey and Mr. Stauber, which will require the 
SBA to submit a comprehensive report to Congress on the 
challenges facing entrepreneurs with disabilities. There are 44 
million people with disabilities in the United States.
    While progress has been made to increase employment rates, 
disabled individuals lag behind people without disabilities. 
Only 23 percent participate in the labor force. 
Entrepreneurship can be a way to address employment gaps and 
provide a path to prosperity. It offers more flexibility, 
inclusion, and the ability to work remotely. In fact, 1.8 
million small businesses are owned by people with disabilities.
    I strongly support this bill, which will require SBA to 
conduct comprehensive study of the resources that are available 
to entrepreneurs with disabilities, examine their 
effectiveness, and determine what actions need to be taken to 
help support entrepreneurs with disabilities.
    I yield back to you.
    Chairman WILLIAMS. The gentlelady yields back and thank you 
for that. And I now recognize myself to speak in support of 
this legislation. H.R. 1621, the Entrepreneurs with 
Disabilities Reporting Act, will require SBA to issue a report 
to Congress on the challenges individuals with disabilities 
face when starting a business. It will also examine existing 
resources across the federal government that are tailored to 
help such individuals.
    The Government Accountability Office estimates that dozens 
of programs across nine federal agencies support employment 
opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Unfortunately, 
federal agencies often fail to coordinate or collaborate on 
such programs to ensure that their efforts are efficient and 
not duplicative. This commonsense legislation requires the SBA 
carefully examine the fragmented system and do its part to 
consolidate and streamline efforts to help individuals with 
disabilities.
    I thank, also, Representatives McGarvey and Stauber for 
introducing this legislation, and urge all our Members to vote 
yes. Does anyone wish to offer an amendment? There is an 
amendment at the desk. We will briefly pause. Well, okay. 
Seeing no amendments, the question is now in favor of reporting 
H.R. 1621 to the House.
    All those in favor, say aye.
    All those opposed, no.
    In the opinion of the Chair, the ayes have it.
    Mr. STAUBER. Mr. Chair.
    Chairman WILLIAMS. Member is recognized.
    Mr. STAUBER. Mr. Chair, may I request a recorded vote?
    Chairman WILLIAMS. A recorded vote has been requested and 
all roll call vote is ordered. Pursuant to Committee Rule 13 
and House Rule 11, further proceedings on the bill are 
postponed.
    H.R. 1634
    The committee now moves to consideration of H.R. 1634, the 
ThinkDIFFERENTLY About Disability Employment Act, introduced by 
Representative Stauber and Simon. The bill is also co-sponsored 
by Representatives Alford and Pappas and the clerk will report 
the bill.
    The CLERK. H.R. 1634, a bill to provide for----
    Chairman WILLIAMS. Without objection, H.R. 1634 is 
considered and read and open for amendment. I now recognize the 
bill sponsor Mr. Stauber for a statement on the bill.
    Mr. STAUBER. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I rise today to speak in 
favor of my bill, H.R. 1634, ThinkDIFFERENTLY About Disability 
Employment Act. As a father to a young man with down syndrome, 
I have seen firsthand the potential talent and determination 
individuals with disabilities bring to all of our communities. 
Yet far too often, they face unnecessary barriers to employment 
and entrepreneurship. These roadblocks do not just limit their 
opportunities. They deprive our economy of their incredible 
contributions.
    The ThinkDIFFERENTLY About Disability Employment Act takes 
a critical step toward breaking down these barriers. This bill 
directs the Small Business Administration and the National 
Council on Disability to work together in providing resource 
and assistance for individuals with disabilities who want to 
start their own businesses or find meaningful employment. It 
also ensures that small businesses have the guidance they need 
to hire and support employees with disabilities.
    I want to thank Representatives Simon, Alford, and Pappas 
for their support of this important legislation. This bill is 
not just about helping those with disabilities find jobs. It is 
about recognizing their strengths, expanding economic 
opportunities, and fostering a more inclusive workforce. 
Individuals with disabilities should never be overlooked. They 
should be empowered. I urge my colleagues to support this 
legislation so that every American, regardless of ability, has 
the opportunity to contribute, succeed, and thrive in our 
economy.
    Mr. Chair, I yield back.
    Chairman WILLIAMS. The gentlemen yields back. I now 
recognize Ms. Simon for a statement on the bill.
    Ms. SIMON. Representative--Thank you, Mr. Chair. 
Representative Stauber, I want to thank you for your leadership 
and it has been a joy to watch you and your leadership putting 
folks with disabilities first and centering them, understanding 
that there are so few who are leading in that space. Thank you 
so much for your commitment not only to your son, but the 
disability community throughout the United States. We look to 
your leadership and I am certainly learning from your 
leadership and hope to partner with you on numerous efforts 
during our time here in Congress.
    I won't repeat what I said earlier, but knowing that this 
committee is going to be standing front and center in this 
Congress, in the 119th Congress, advocating and ensuring that 
folks who want not a handout, but a hand up, that they get the 
resources that they so deserve. The innovation, the hard work 
ethic of members of the disability community throughout this 
country should be met with the resource to not only uplift them 
individually, but to uplift our communities.
    I am so excited to be a co-sponsor on this bill and I look 
forward not only to this committee continuing to advocate for 
the needs and wellbeing for our disabled Americans, but showing 
the Congress at large how it is done. Thank you, Representative 
Stauber.
    Thank you Ranking Member and Mr. Chair. And I will yield 
back.
    Chairman WILLIAMS. Gentlelady yields back. Are there any of 
the Members who wish to be recognized for a statement on the 
bill? Okay. Seeing none, I would like to recognize the Ranking 
Member to speak on the bill.
    Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Thank you Mr. Stauber and Ms. Simon, for 
introducing this bill. And I just would like to remind you that 
when we conducted a hearing on this topic, I believe that that 
was one of the most moving experience that we all had with the 
witnesses that participated in the hearing that we conducted to 
discuss this, the disabilities, individuals with disabilities 
in this country. And to have the opportunity to listen to their 
stories was something that is lacking in the hearings that are 
conducted here. Because we need to put a face in order to 
understand the important role that we and this committee could 
play in improving people's lives.
    So again, Mr. Stauber and Ms. Simon, thank you so much for 
this legislation. As I said before, there is only 23 percent of 
individuals with disabilities that participate in the 
workforce. So we need to do better. Despite having the skills 
and desire to work, individuals with disabilities face barriers 
to employment, including discrimination, lack of flexibility 
and transportation. Helping small firms hire people with 
disabilities can have a direct benefit on their company and in 
turn boost the overall economy.
    Through this bipartisan legislation, SBA can collaborate 
with the National Council on Disability to help employers hire 
people with disabilities and provide much needed support to 
these entrepreneurs.
    I am pleased to support this bill, but I will be remiss if 
I didn't mention that while we are working together to improve 
the lives of the disabled, President Trump is creating new 
barriers by terminating the diversity, equity, and inclusion 
policies which have been critical to leveling the playing field 
for individuals with disability.
    I thank my colleagues for their support of this bill and I 
yield back.
    Chairman WILLIAMS. The gentlelady yields back and I thank 
you for that and now recognize myself to speak in support of 
this legislation. Individuals with disabilities are more likely 
to be self-employed. However, resources tailored to 
entrepreneurs with disabilities at the SBA are sorely lacking.
    H.R. 1634, the ThinkDIFFERENTLY About Disability Employment 
Act will require the SBA to enter into a memorandum of 
understanding with the National Council on Disability and to 
collaborate on entrepreneurship and employment opportunities 
for individuals with disabilities. The National Council on 
Disabilities mission is to provide recommendations to those 
policymakers on issues protecting or impacting individuals with 
disabilities. By ensuring they coordinate with the SBA, 
Entrepreneurs with disabilities will have greater access to 
resources needed to achieve the American Dream.
    I want to thank Representative Stauber for his commitment 
to ensuring Congress works to pave the way to success for 
entrepreneurs, employees with disabilities. And I also thank 
Ms. Simon for introducing this legislation. So, I urge all my 
colleagues to vote yes on this legislation. Does anyone wish to 
offer an amendment? Seeing none, the question is now in favor 
of reporting H.R. 1634 to the House.
    All those in favor, say aye.
    All those opposed, no.
    In the opinion of the Chair, the ayes have it.
    Mr. STAUBER. Mr. Chair.
    Chairman WILLIAMS. Recognized Member.
    Mr. STAUBER. Mr. Chair, I request a recorded vote.
    Chairman WILLIAMS. Recorded vote has been requested. A roll 
call vote is ordered, and pursuant to Committee Rule 13 in 
House Rule 11, further proceedings on the bill are postponed.
    H.R. 1816
    Committee now moves to consideration of H.R. 1816, the WOSB 
Accountability Act introduced by Ranking Member Velazquez and 
Mr. LaLota. The clerk will report the bill.
    The CLERK. H.R. 1816 to establish requirements----
    Chairman WILLIAMS. Without objection----
    The CLERK.--relating----
    Chairman WILLIAMS. Without objection, H.R. 1816 is 
considered as read and open for amendment. I now recognize the 
bill sponsor Ranking Member Velazquez for a statement on the 
bill.
    Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Thank you, Chairman Williams and Congressman 
LaLota for co-sponsoring this bill. Our committee has a 
bipartisan history of working together to strengthen and 
protect the SBA's contracting programs. This legislation 
continues that tradition. It will require federal agencies to 
only count contracts awarded to SBA 35 WOSB toward the 5 
percent contracting goal.
    We want to ensure that women-owned firms are who they say 
they are because that is who the program is designed for. We 
also want federal agencies to have confidence working with 
WOSBs knowing that SBA checked and verified them. The 
government-wide WOSB goal is not regularly met, but there are 
two other goals that are just important for women owned firms. 
First, each federal agency attempts to meet their own 5 percent 
goal. This help WOSBs with products or services unique to that 
agency's mission compete for their first contract. Once a WOSB 
sells their product to one federal agency, the company has met 
the government's requirements, and they can more easily sell 
those products to other agencies. This process assists in 
expanding their markets and diversifying their customer base.
    Second, large prime contractors have to meet subcontracting 
goals. For many small businesses, subcontracting is how they 
get a foot in the door to the federal marketplace. Even then, 
the numbers show that women-owned small businesses are not 
seeing the contracting opportunities that should accompany 
their level of participation in the federal marketplace. Of the 
nearly $31 billion awarded to women-owned small businesses in 
fiscal year 2023, less than $2 billion was awarded in a way 
that only SBA 35 WOSBs could compete. This represents only 0.3 
percent of all eligible contract dollars and shows the WOSBs 
are competing for and winning work against other small 
businesses and larger companies. The goals are not anti-
competition, rather they foster and enhance it.
    Mr. Chairman, I appreciate your willingness to work with us 
to provide sufficient time and to ensure WOSBs will not be 
penalized if SBA face delays.
    Thank you and I yield back.
    Chairman WILLIAMS. The gentlelady yields back. I now 
recognize Mr. LaLota for a statement on the bill.
    Mr. LALOTA. Mr. Chairman, this bipartisan bill addresses 
two questions. One, should federal contracts meant for women-
owned small businesses actually go to women owned small 
businesses? Or two, should contracts meant for women go to 
fraudsters, men, exploiting the system for financial gain? The 
answer is pretty obvious to us. The bipartisan group of members 
behind this effort want to guarantee that contracts meant to go 
to women actually go to women.
    Right now, both certified and self-certified businesses 
count towards the government's WOSB contracting goals, creating 
a misleading representation of how many contracts actually go 
to legitimate women-owned firms. Unfortunately, this issue is 
not new. The SBA's inspector general has consistently warned 
that self-certification creates a risk for fraud. This was 
especially apparent with the SBA's COVID-19 lending programs 
where fraudulent self-certification led to billions of dollars 
in taxpayer losses.
    That is why I'm proud to join with Ranking Member Velazquez 
, my colleague from across the aisle and fellow New Yorker in 
championing the Women-Owned Small Business Accountability Act. 
This legislation will phase out self-certification from 
government wide procurement goals, ensuring that only verified 
and certified women-owned businesses are counted towards 
federal contracting requirements. In doing so, we will prevent 
abuse and fraud in federal small business contracting goals, 
ensure contracts go to legitimate women-owned small businesses, 
and encourage more federal agencies to award contracts to fully 
certified women-owned businesses.
    If we truly want to empower women in business, we need to 
make sure the system works for them, not against them. It is 
time to stop allowing fraudsters to steal opportunities meant 
for legitimate women entrepreneurs. I want to thank Chairman 
Williams and Ranking Member Velazquez for their bipartisan 
leadership on this very important issue that will ensure women-
owned small businesses owners get the opportunities they 
deserve and the ones they have earned. I urge all of my 
colleagues to support this legislation and vote yes on the WOSB 
Accountability Act.
    Thank you, Chairman. I yield.
    Chairman WILLIAMS. The gentleman yields back. Are there any 
of the Members who wish to be recognized for a statement on 
this bill? Okay. I now recognize myself to speak in support of 
this legislation for five minutes.
    H.R. 1816, the WOSB Accountability Act would remove self-
certified firms from inclusion in the government wide women-
owned small business procurement goals. This effectively 
eliminates the incentive to self-certify in order to utilize 
small business and the set aside contract competitions. And 
after years of hard work improving self-certification and other 
contracting goals, only two statutory defined goals remain open 
to fraud. The women-owned small business and the small, 
disadvantaged business procurement goals.
    There are ongoing conversations about how Congress can 
better align small business contracting to rely on merit-based 
opportunities while ensuring a resilient American industrial 
base. While those discussions continue to play out, we can 
still address avenues for fraudsters who take advantage of the 
system that is currently in place. And that is what we are 
doing here today. Cutting fraud in the current contract and 
operations defined in statute. Fraudsters shouldn't be taking 
advantage of existing programs while the government looks to 
ensure the future of small business procurement is based on 
merit.
    It has been known for years that self-certification in any 
program presents clear pathway for fraud and abuse. And self-
certification SBA's pandemic loans opened the door even more 
for fraudsters. However, because self-certification has been 
allowed for years in government contracting, the floodgates are 
even installed for WOSB and SDB procurement. And this allowed 
the Biden Administration to redistribute contracting priorities 
to SDP firms who simply self-certify themselves by checking the 
box online, prioritizing DEI agenda to the detriment of small 
businesses like those owned by self-service disabled veterans.
    So I am proud of this committee's work to remove self-
certification and other programs. Now it is time to do the same 
with WOSB and program to help ensure integrity across SBA 
programs, while we look to ensure no small business is limited 
in their ability to compete.
    I urge all my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 1816 
to address current fraud concerns and with the hope that we can 
find common ground to make meaningful merit-based improvements 
to federal procurement. Does anyone wish to offer an amendment? 
Seeing none, the question is now in favor of reporting H.R. 
1816 to the House.
    All those in favor, say aye.
    All those opposed, no.
    In the opinion of the Chair, the ayes have it.
    Mr. LALOTA. Mr. Chairman.
    Chairman WILLIAMS. Member recognized.
    Mr. LALOTA. I request a recorded vote, sir.
    Chairman WILLIAMS. A recorded vote has been requested and a 
roll call vote is ordered. Pursuant to Committee Rule 13 of 
House Rule 11, further proceedings on the bill are postponed.
    H.R. 1804
    Okay. The committee now moves to consideration of H.R. 
1804, the 7(a) Loan Agent Oversight Act introduced by 
Representatives Meuser and McIver. The clerk will report the 
bill.
    The CLERK. H.R. 1804, a bill to amend the Small Business 
Act----
    Chairman WILLIAMS. Without objection, H.R. 1804 is 
considered read and open for amendment. I now recognize the 
bill sponsor Mr. Meuser for a statement on the bill.
    Mr. MEUSER. Well, thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. As 
this committee has discussed extensively in recent months, it 
is imperative that the SBA has the oversight capabilities in 
place to responsibly manage its loan programs. The SBA 
inspector general has reported that nearly 15 percent of all 
7(a) loans involved a loan agent. Unfortunately, the OIG has 
also reported within the last decade that there has been more 
than $335 million in documented loan agent fraud.
    My bill, H.R. 1804, 7(a) Loan Agent Oversight Act, will 
require the SBA's Office of Credit Risk Management to collect 
and report the number of fraudulent loans and a default rate on 
loans where a loan agent is involved in the transaction.
    The SBA 7(a) loan program exists to assist American small 
businesses in obtaining affordable access to capital. Given 
this important mission, Congress and the SBA must conduct the 
appropriate level of oversight and ensure the program remains a 
successful public-private partnership.
    I look forward to working with Administrator Loeffler to 
continue the 7(a) program's record of success. And I am pleased 
to see that her day-one priorities include restoring the 
prudent underwriting standards that existed in the program 
before the Biden administration removed them. Last Congress, 
this legislation passed that of the committee unanimously and I 
look forward to a similar result today.
    Mr. Chairman, thank you and for bringing this bill forward. 
And I urge my colleagues to support its passage. I yield back.
    Chairman WILLIAMS. The gentlemen yields back. I now 
recognize Ms. McIver for a statement on the bill.
    Mrs. MCIVER. Thank you. I just want to start in joining my 
colleagues with offering sincere condolences to the Rep. 
Turner's family and his friends and to the people of Texas. 
Definitely a huge loss for this body.
    Thank you, Chairman, and to my Ranking Member for having 
this markup today. I would like to speak in support of H.R. 
1804, the 7(a) Loan Agent Oversight Act, which I co-lead with 
my colleague Congressman Meuser.
    The Section 7(a) loan program is the Small Business 
Administration's flagship loan program, providing a critical 
financial lifeline for small businesses that struggle to secure 
traditional loans, with the SBA guaranteeing 50 to 90 percent 
of loan amounts to encourage private sector lending. While we 
must applaud the work done by the 7(a) program to expand access 
to capital for small businesses, we must, at the same time, 
work to ensure we keep a keen eye on how this program is 
administered to protect small businesses.
    This issue is particularly important for the people of my 
district, the 10th District of the great state of New Jersey, 
where small businesses, especially those in underserved 
communities, rely on SBA loans to start and grow their 
enterprises. Without sufficient oversight, fraudulent or 
predatorial loan agent practices can disproportionately harm 
minority-owned businesses, startups, and those already facing 
systematic barriers to access to capital.
    As we conclude the bills to be considered during this 
markup, let us make sure to continue our efforts to foster a 
more secure lending environment for Americans--for America's 
small businesses, which serve as vital vehicles for economic 
prosperity and advancements for millions of hardworking 
Americans.
    With that, 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? Seeing none, I would like to recognize the Ranking 
Member to speak on the bill.
    Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to start off 
by thanking the bill's co-sponsors, Mr. Meuser and Ms. McIver, 
for working in a bipartisan way on this legislation.
    The 7(a) Loan Agent Oversight Act requires the Director of 
the Office of Credit Risk Management to submit annual reports 
to Congress assessing and analyzing the performance of 7(a) 
loans generated through loan agent activity. The report will 
also include an analysis, without naming individuals, of the 
risks created by individual agents responsible for generating 
at least 1 percent of the 7(a) portfolio.
    Dating back to 1998, the SBA's Office of Inspector General 
has repeatedly identified the increased risk to the 7(a) 
portfolio created by loan agents as a top agency management 
challenge. Heeding the OIG's warning, the SBA has taken several 
steps over the years to identify and track loan agents. The SBA 
created and then enhanced its Fee Disclosure and Compensation 
Agreement, commonly known as Form 159, and required this form 
to be electronically submitted through the Capital Access 
Financial System. And I hope the form is updated before the 
bill moves to the floor.
    According to an October 2023 OIG report, the SBA has made 
great progress in resolving its oversight of loan agents and 
therefore determined that this management challenge had been 
appropriately resolved and closed out the recommendation. Yet, 
because loan agent involvement in the 7(a) program is so 
significant and has been a long-standing concern for this 
committee, it is important for Congress to continue to have the 
oversight tools to monitor loan agent involvement in the 
Agency's flagship program.
    I urge all Members to support the bill and I yield back, 
Mr. Chairman.
    Chairman WILLIAMS. the gentlelady yields back. I now 
recognize myself to speak in support of this legislation. H.R. 
1804, the 7(a) Loan Agent Oversight Act is an important piece 
of legislation that brings much-needed transparency to fraud in 
the flagship 7(a) loan program. Specifically, when third-party 
loan agents are involved in the lending process.
    Loan agents play an essential role with SBA lending 
programs. They facilitate access to capital by connecting 
prospective borrowers with lenders offering SBA lending 
products. Despite risk and loss being reported at times as a 
result of loan agents, the ability for the SBA to track loan 
agent data accurately presents a challenge.
    This commonsense legislation requires the Small Business 
Administration's Office of Credit Risk Management to submit an 
annual report containing specific information about 7(a) loans, 
including the number and dollar value of fraudulent loans 
associated with the loan agreements. And this is information 
the SBA already collects. And requiring annual reporting will 
bring about greater visibility.
    In supporting President Trump's agenda to root out fraud 
and abuse, the bill is about providing accountability and 
protections for the American taxpayer in Main Street America 
which can be done immediately.
    And I want to personally thank my colleague from 
Pennsylvania, Mr. Meuser for introducing this bill. It is a 
great bill. And I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1804.
    Does anyone wish to offer an amendment? All right. Seeing 
none, the question is now in favor of the report of H.R. 1804 
as amended to the House.
    All those in favor, say aye.
    All those opposed, no.
    In the opinion of the Chair, the ayes have it. H.R. 1804 is 
agreed to.
    Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Chairman.
    Chairman WILLIAMS. So moved. Yes.
    Mr. MEUSER. Like to be recognized.
    Chairman WILLIAMS. You are.
    Mr. MEUSER. I would like to request a recorded vote.
    Chairman WILLIAMS. Okay. Recorded vote has been requested 
and the roll call vote is ordered. Pursuant to Committee Rule 
13 and House Rule 11, further proceedings on the bill are 
postponed.
    Now, because we have several Members who would like to 
attend Mass at 11:00 a.m., we will recess until 11:45 a.m. We 
will provide instructions at that time on electronic voting at 
11:45. So, if you could please be on time, that would be great. 
Committee stands in recess.
    [Recess.]
    Chairman WILLIAMS. Okay. The committee will now come to 
order. The committee will resume consideration of the bills 
which roll call votes were requested and postponed. We will 
start with H.R. 1642. The question now is on adopting H.R. 1642 
and ordering it favorably to the House. The clerk will open the 
vote.
    [The vote was taken.]
    Chairman WILLIAMS. Okay. Are there any other Members who 
have not voted or wish to change their vote? Okay. If not, the 
clerk will close the vote. The clerk will report.
    The CLERK. Mr. Chairman, on this vote, the ayes are 25 and 
the noes are 0.
    Chairman WILLIAMS. Okay. The motion is agreed to, and H.R. 
1642 is adopted and will be reported favorably to the House.
    All right, the question now is on adopting H.R. 789, 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 25 and 
the noes are 0.
    Chairman WILLIAMS. All right. The motion is agreed to, and 
H.R. 789 is adopted and will be reported favorably to the 
House. The question now is on adopting H.R. 787 as amended and 
ordering it favorably to the House. The clerk will open the 
vote.
    [The vote was taken.]
    Chairman WILLIAMS. All right. 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 25 and 
the noes are 0.
    Chairman WILLIAMS. All right, the motion is agreed to, and 
H.R. 787 is amended, and is adopted, and will be reported 
favorably to the House.
    Question now is on adopting H.R. 1621 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 25 and 
the noes are 0.
    Chairman WILLIAMS. Motions agreed to, and H.R. 1621 is 
adopted and will be reported favorably to the House.
    The question now is on adopting H.R. 1634 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 will report.
    The CLERK. Mr. Chairman, on this vote, the ayes are 25 and 
the noes are 0.
    Chairman WILLIAMS. The motion is agreed to, and H.R. 1634 
is adopted and will be reported favorably to the House.
    The question now is on adopting H.R. 1816 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 25 and 
the noes are 0.
    Chairman WILLIAMS. The motion is agreed to, and H.R. 1816 
is adopted and will be reported favorably to the House.
    The question now is adopting H.R. 1804 in 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 25 and 
the noes are 0.
    Chairman WILLIAMS. H.R. 1804 is adopted. The motion is 
agreed to and will be reported favorably to the House.
    Now, without objection, the committee staff is authorized 
to make technical and conforming changes. And Members have two 
business days to file additional supplemental dissenting and 
minority views. I want to thank all of you for being here 
today. This was certainly a bipartisan effort and it shows it 
can be done. And if there is no further business, this 
concludes today's markup. Without objection, the committee 
stands adjourned.
    [Whereupon, at 12:03 p.m., the committee was adjourned.] 
    
    
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