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June 23, 2026
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Download official House Record PDFReturn to issue contextMr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 8882) to amend the Small Business Economic Policy Act of 1980 to examine how the competitiveness of small businesses is affected by the enforcement of Federal antitrust laws, and for other purposes.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
H.R. 8882
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 “Main Street Competes Act”.
SEC. 2. CONGRESSIONAL DECLARATION OF SMALL BUSINESS ECONOMIC
POLICY.
Section 302(a) of the Small Business Economic Policy Act of
1980 (15 U.S.C. 631a(a)) is amended—
(1) by striking “and provide” and inserting “provide”;
and
(2) by striking the period at the end and inserting “; and
promote competitive markets, consumer choice, and business
ownership through enforcement of Federal antitrust laws in
the case of anticompetitive conduct and illegal mergers that
harms small businesses and the growth of small businesses.”.
SEC. 3. STATE OF SMALL BUSINESSES.
(a) In General.—Section 303 of the Small Business Economic
Policy Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 631b) is amended to read as
follows:
“SEC. 303. REPORT ON THE STATE OF SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS.
“(a) Specified Entity Report.—Not later than 180 days
after the end of the fiscal year in which the Main Street
Competes Act is enacted, and every two fiscal years
thereafter, the head of each specified entity shall submit to
the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Office of Advocacy of
the Small Business Administration a report including—
“(1) an analysis of how enforcement by the specified
entity of Federal antitrust laws promoted competition during
the preceding fiscal year by deterring and remedying
anticompetitive conduct, including illegal mergers, that
harms small businesses and the growth of small businesses;
“(2) the number of complaints of alleged antitrust
violations filed by self-identified small businesses with the
specified entity during such fiscal year, disaggregated by
type of offense and the specific Federal antitrust laws
allegedly violated;
“(3) the number of inquiries, investigations, and
enforcement actions undertaken by the specified entity in
response to complaints filed by small businesses with the
specified entity during such fiscal year; and
“(4) the number of inquiries, investigations, and
enforcement actions undertaken by the specified entity during
such fiscal year pursuant to an alleged antitrust violation,
opened for a reason other than a complaint filed by a small
business as described in paragraph (3), to deter and remedy
anticompetitive conduct that harms small businesses and the
growth of small businesses.
“(b) Office of Advocacy Report.—Not later than 180 days
after receipt of the report required by subsection (a), the
Chief Counsel for Advocacy shall submit to the Committee on
Small Business of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of Senate a
report that includes—
“(1) a summary of the report submitted under subsection
(a);
“(2) an analysis of the data in such report, disaggregated
by industry category;
“(3) an evaluation of the issues identified in such report
relating to—
“(A) anticompetitive conduct, including illegal mergers,
that harmed small businesses and the growth of small
businesses; and
“(B) administrative actions that promoted competition and
growth of small businesses;
“(4) as appropriate, recommendations for administrative
actions that could—
“(A) promote competition;
“(B) deter anticompetitive conduct, including illegal
mergers, that harmed small business and the growth of small
businesses; and
“(C) remedy such anticompetitive conduct; and
“(5) as appropriate, recommendations for legislative
actions that could—
“(A) promote competition;
“(B) deter anticompetitive conduct, including illegal
mergers, that harmed small business and the growth of small
businesses; and
“(C) remedy such anticompetitive conduct.”.
(b) Definitions.—The Small Business Economic Policy Act of
1980 (Public Law 96-302; 94 Stat. 848; 15 U.S.C. 631a et
seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new
section:
“SEC. 304. DEFINITIONS.
“In this title:
“(1) Antitrust violation.—The term `antitrust violation'
means any violation of Federal antitrust laws.
“(2) Federal antitrust laws.—The term `Federal antitrust
laws' has the meaning given the term `antitrust laws' in
subsection (a) of the first section of the Clayton Act (15
U.S.C. 12(a)), except that such term shall also include
section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 45)
to the extent that such section 5 applies to unfair methods
of competition.
“(3) Small business.—The term `small business' has the
meaning given the term
`small business concern' under section 3 of the Small
Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632).
“(4) Specified entity.—The term `specified entity'
means—
“(A) the Department of Justice; and
“(B) the Federal Trade Commission.”.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Williams) and the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Olszewski) 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 strong support of H.R. 8882, the Main Street Competes Act, introduced by my good friend Representative Scholten from the great State of Michigan and Representative Schmidt from the great State of Kansas.
economy. Without robust competition, businesses have little incentive to innovate, weakening the U.S. economy. If competition is weak, innovation and the U.S. economy suffer.
H.R. 8882, the Main Street Competes Act, reinforces the SBA's mission to preserve free and fair competition and strengthen the American economy. This bill requires the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission to share data with SBA Office of Advocacy regarding antitrust complaints, investigations, and enforcement actions involving small businesses.
trends and provide recommendations to Congress on how to improve competition and address harmful anticompetitive conduct impacting small businesses.
competitive pressures in the marketplace and to assess whether existing antitrust enforcement is effectively protecting small businesses.
or expand Federal authority. By improving transparency and strengthening oversight, this bill ensures policymakers have the information needed to support a competitive marketplace here where Main Street businesses can grow, compete, and succeed.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support H.R. 8882, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. OLSZEWSKI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, Main Street America is a critical part of our economy and its success hinges on a competitive marketplace.
been eroded for decades as large companies have absorbed significant market share across many industries. Seventy-five percent of industries have seen increasing concentrations since the mid-1990s, and today, the average firm is roughly three times larger than it was 20 years ago.
corporate collusion and to protect small businesses' ability to compete. However, in recent decades, their enforcement has been limited, contributing to the continued consolidation in our economy.
Luckily, small businesses have a voice in the Federal Government: the SBA's independent Office of Advocacy. Its primary function by law includes “recommending specific measures for creating an environment in which all businesses will have the opportunity to compete effectively and expand to their full potential.”
entities like the Federal Trade Commission and the Justice Department. That is why the Main Street Competes Act was introduced. It directs Advocacy to assess the FTC and DOJ's antitrust work and produce an annual report on the competitive landscape for small businesses.
Mr. Speaker, I thank and commend my colleagues Ms. Scholten, Mr. Schmidt, Ranking Member Velazquez, and Chairman Williams for working on this bill and making sure that we take action on market consolidation.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support this bill, and 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 Kansas (Mr. Schmidt), my good friend.
Mr. SCHMIDT. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for bringing this bill forward and for his leadership. I also thank my colleague from Michigan (Ms. Scholten). It has been a pleasure to work with her on this bipartisan, commonsense piece of legislation.
Mr. Speaker, I add my voice to those advocating in support of the Main Street Competes Act. Our bill addresses the concerns that small businesses have limited visibility into how Federal antitrust enforcement efforts may affect their ability to compete.
small firms, there is currently no consistent governmentwide assessment of how enforcement actions by the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission may affect small business competitiveness or how such agencies respond to small business complaints.
{time} 1550
reporting and analysis of antitrust enforcement related to small businesses. It directs the two enforcement agencies to submit those biennial reports to the SBA Office of Advocacy, detailing their antitrust work.
and report and recommend to Congress steps that may be prudent for our consideration in increasing the competitiveness of small businesses in the marketplace.
businesses, Congress can make more informed policy decisions to promote competition, prevent harmful market consolidation, and ensure small businesses have a fair opportunity to grow.
Mr. Speaker, at the end of the day, a free-market economy requires that players compete in good faith and have an opportunity to be at the table when the competition occurs. Small businesses are where ideas come from. They are the lifeblood of our communities.
Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the work to make this happen, and I encourage my colleagues to vote for this bill.
Mr. OLSZEWSKI. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Michigan (Ms. Scholten), the sponsor of this bill.
Ms. SCHOLTEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend, Chairman Williams, for his assistance in getting this bill to the floor. It means so much to me.
debates I have ever participated in. I think we are all in agreement that this is an essential bill for this moment in America.
they are left to compete against a handful of large corporations, a real David and Goliath situation. Our Nation's antitrust laws exist for the purpose of helping to level the playing field, not giving anyone a special step up, but leveling the playing field for entrepreneurs.
threaten businesses across industries, it is clear that we have to do more to keep markets fair and competitive.
small businesses struggle to compete. The truth is that we all end up paying the price for unfair, monopolistic conduct. It is time for Congress to act. This is the job that the people have entrusted us with.
Advocacy to work with the FTC and DOJ to examine the gaps in our antitrust laws.
We can't fix a problem that we don't understand. This bill will help us ensure that we have the information we need to boost competition in every industry.
I include in the Record a letter of support.
Main Street,
Competition Coalition,
June 23, 2026.
Members of Congress: On behalf of thousands of Main Street
businesses and agricultural producers across the United
States, the Main Street Competition Coalition writes to
express our support for the Main Street Competes Act.
This bipartisan legislation, introduced by Reps. Derek
Schmidt (KS-02) and Hillary Scholten (MI-03), would refocus
the Small Business Administration on promoting competitive
markets, enhancing consumer choice, and encouraging business
ownership.
The Main Street Competition Coalition represents a diverse
group of Main Street businesses and agricultural producers
dedicated to revitalizing and reforming the antitrust laws.
We support antitrust policies that establish a level playing
held for businesses and consumers alike. Our primary
objective is to promote competition so consumers have real
choices.
Rigorous enforcement of U.S. antitrust laws is critical to
preserving competitive markets empowering small businesses to
compete, and preventing dominant players from undermining
competition and free enterprise.
The Main Street Competes Act would empower the Small
Business Administration to evaluate the effectiveness of
antitrust law enforcement in maintaining a competitive
landscape for small businesses. We respectfully request that
members of the House of Representatives vote YES on the
legislation when it comes to a vote.
Sincerely,
The Main Street
Competition Coalition.
Ms. SCHOLTEN. Mr. Speaker, as the voice for Main Street in our Federal Government, the Office of Advocacy is uniquely equipped to bring small businesses to the forefront of antitrust issues.
our Nation's top antitrust enforcement agencies, enhancing collaboration and bringing a unified response to monopolistic practices. It will also require the Office of Advocacy to submit a report to Congress, detailing antitrust violations reported by small businesses, so the people, through their Representatives, can have ready access to this information, as well.
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Kansas, Mr. Schmidt, again, for working with me on this legislation. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, we must pass H.R. 8882 to help ensure small businesses remain competitive. This legislation will help us identify barriers to growth and ways to improve access. I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. OLSZEWSKI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from New Jersey (Ms. Mejia).
Ms. MEJIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 8882, the Main Street Competes Act.
great part because of our thriving Main Streets. As I engage my constituents across New Jersey's 11th, I spend a lot of time talking to entrepreneurs, family-owned businesses, and local employers.
Morristown, or a retailer trying to keep their doors open on Main Street, I hear the same thing over and over again: They don't want special treatment. They just want a fair shot.
Unfortunately, that is not always the reality. Too often, small businesses find themselves competing against companies with enormous market power and deep pockets. When anticompetitive behavior goes unchecked, it is the mom-and-pop businesses that pay the price. Small businesses face higher costs, fewer opportunities, and an increasingly uneven playing field.
That is why this bill matters. The Main Street Competes Act strengthens coordination between the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of Justice, and the Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy to ensure small business concerns don't get lost in the shuffle.
anticompetitive practices are affecting small businesses and helps make sure that the voices of entrepreneurs are actually being heard.
Frankly, this is long overdue. Small businesses are responsible for nearly half of the private-sector jobs in this country, yet often our policy discussions are dominated by the biggest players.
workforce shortages, and economic uncertainty, the last thing they need is a marketplace rigged against them.
work better for the people who take the risk of opening a business, hiring workers, and investing in their communities, like the incredible businesses in New Jersey's 11th Congressional District.
Mr. Speaker, I speak on behalf of small business owners across New Jersey and across my district, and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 8882.
Mr. OLSZEWSKI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time for closing.
Mr. Speaker, the Main Street Competes Act would direct the SBA's Office of Advocacy to evaluate the Federal Trade Commission's and Justice Department's efforts to protect small businesses from unfair, anticompetitive practices and to report annually on the state of the competitive landscape.
Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support this bill, and I strongly urge my colleagues to vote “yes.”
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 8882 because it promotes a stronger, more competitive environment for the Main Street of America and businesses to succeed and create jobs. 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. 8882.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.