Ranking Member Velázquez Applauds Committee Passage of Seven Bipartisan Small Business Bills

Summary

A March 5, 2025 release says the House Small Business Committee passed seven bipartisan bills aimed at expanding opportunities for small businesses, improving federal contracting transparency, helping entrepreneurs with disabilities and strengthening workforce pipelines. Ranking Member Velázquez (D-NY) is quoted saying the bills address critical gaps in SBA programs to ensure small firms have a fair shot at federal contracts. The release lists the Plain Language in Contracting Act, which requires federal procurement documents on SAM.gov to be written in clear, concise language. It also lists the 7(a) Loan Agent Oversight Act, which requires the SBA's Office of Credit Risk Management to submit annual reports to Congress on loan agent activity.

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Ranking Member Velázquez Applauds Committee Passage of Seven Bipartisan Small Business Bills

March 5, 2025

WASHINGTON- Today, the House Small Business Committee passed seven bipartisan bills aimed at expanding opportunities for small businesses, improving federal contracting transparency, helping entrepreneurs with disabilities, and strengthening workforce pipelines to support entrepreneurs and workers.

“These bills address critical gaps in SBA programs to ensure small firms have a fair shot at federal contracts, access to skilled workers, and the resources they need to grow,” said Ranking Member Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY). “From increasing transparency in government procurement to better supporting entrepreneurs with disabilities and women-owned businesses, these bills will help level the playing field for Main Street businesses across America.”

H.R. 1642 – Connecting Small Businesses with Career and Technical Education Graduates Act

Introduced by Reps. Roger Williams (R-TX), Johnny Olszewski (D-MD), Robert Bresnahan (R-PA), Derek Tran (D-CA), and Tony Wied (R-WI)

This bill directs Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) and Women’s Business Centers (WBCs) to provide small businesses with information about hiring graduates from career and technical education (CTE) programs.

H.R. 789 – Transparency and Predictability in Small Business Opportunities Act

Introduced by Reps. George Latimer (D-NY) and Mark Alford (R-MO)

This bill would require the Small Business Administrator to issue regulations addressing cancelled solicitations for small business contracts to provide for the disclosure of additional information; and to require Offices of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization to help small businesses seek additional opportunities if a solicitation on which they made an offer is canceled.

H.R. 787 – Plain Language in Contracting Act

Introduced by Reps. Nick LaLota (R-NY) and Derek Tran (D-CA)

Requires federal procurement documents on SAM.gov to be written in clear, concise language to make it easier for small businesses to compete for contracts.

H.R. 1621 – Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Reporting Act of 2025

Introduced by Reps. Morgan McGarvey (D-KY) and Pete Stauber (R-MN)

Mandates the SBA to submit a report to Congress on the challenges entrepreneurs with disabilities face and recommend legislative solutions.

H.R. 1634 – ThinkDIFFERENTLY About Disability Employment Act

Introduced by Reps. Pete Stauber (R-MN), Lateefah Simon (D-CA), and Chris Pappas (D-NH)

Requires the SBA to collaborate with the National Council on Disability to increase employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

H.R. 1816 – WOSB Accountability Act

Introduced by Ranking Member Nydia Velázquez (D-NY) and Rep. Nick LaLota (R-TX)

Ensures federal agencies only count contracts awarded to SBA-certified women-owned small businesses toward their procurement goals, strengthening accountability and expanding opportunities for women entrepreneurs.

H.R. 1804 – 7(a) Loan Agent Oversight Act

Introduced by Reps. Daniel Meuser (R-PA) and LaMonica McIver (D-NJ)

Requires the SBA’s Office of Credit Risk Management to submit annual reports to Congress on loan agent activity in the 7(a) loan program, enhancing oversight and reducing fraud risk.

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