Budget & Taxes (Small Business)

in committee · United States · House Jul 21, 2025

HR 4573: Innovate to Save Lives Act

The Innovate to Save Lives Act creates a new 10% federal tax credit for small businesses that spend money on research to combat specific drug threats. It directly affects small businesses conducting qualifying research focused on mitigating the effects of fentanyl, methamphetamine, or emerging drugs designated as threats. The credit applies to eligible research expenses related to discovering ways to treat drug use, prevent it, or reduce its harm, excluding most clinical research unless it follows NIH guidelines. The bill defines "fentanyl-related substances" by specific chemical structures and requires a government report five years after enactment to track the credit's use.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates 10% federal tax credit for small businesses on qualifying drug research, providing direct tax relief per fiscal policy indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Tags Small Business

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passed · United States · House Jun 24, 2026

HR 4238: DLARA

The Disaster Loan Accountability and Reform Act (DLARA) requires the Small Business Administration (SBA) to improve transparency and accountability for disaster loans. It mandates monthly reports detailing loan funding status, new budget requests with historical cost comparisons, and strict limits on loan obligations when funds fall below 10% of a 10-year average. The bill also requires GAO and SBA Inspector General reviews of funding shortfalls, cost impacts of recent policy changes, and enhanced forecasting for disaster loan budgets. These provisions directly affect the SBA’s operations and its reporting to Congress, aiming to prevent future funding crises through better data and oversight.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesPromotes fiscal responsibility through SBA loan accountability measures, aligning with fiscal management indicators like transparency and funding oversight.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Tags Small Business

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in committee · United States · House Jun 12, 2025

HR 3986: Small Business Liberation Act

HR 3986 exempts small businesses (as defined by the Small Business Act) from import taxes imposed under Executive Order 14257. This means small businesses importing goods for their own use will no longer pay these specific taxes. The bill directly affects small businesses meeting the size standards outlined in the Small Business Act. It removes an existing tax burden without creating new regulations or requirements.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExempts small businesses from import taxes, reducing tax burden per Small Business Act definitions, aligning with tax relief support indicators.95% confidence

Tags Small Business

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in committee · United States · House Aug 12, 2025

HR 4949: Apprenticeships for Small Businesses Act of 2025

This bill creates a new tax credit for small businesses to support workforce training. It allows eligible small businesses to claim a credit equal to 50% of qualified wages paid to employees under 21 or enrolled in approved apprenticeships, community college programs, or career training related to the business, plus qualified workmen’s compensation expenses, capped at $10,000 per year. The credit applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025, and is designed to directly benefit small businesses seeking to train young workers through structured educational programs. It does not change existing labor laws but provides a financial incentive to invest in employee development.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates tax credit reducing small business tax burden for workforce training, directly providing tax relief under Budget & Taxes policy framework.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill creates tax credit for businesses supporting apprenticeships and community college programs, directly expanding career training access for youth under 21.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProvides tax credit for small businesses to fund apprenticeships and workforce training, directly advancing worker skill development and employment opportunities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Career & Technical Education Higher Education Apprenticeships Child Labor Workforce Development Tags Small Business

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passed · United States · House Sep 16, 2025

HR 5100: To extend the SBIR and STTR programs, and for other purposes.

HR 5100 extends the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs through fiscal year 2026, instead of ending on September 30, 2025. This bill directly affects small businesses and research institutions that rely on federal funding for research and development through these programs. The key mechanism is updating expiration dates across multiple program provisions in the Small Business Act to maintain funding authority and program operations for one additional year. The extension does not alter program eligibility, funding levels, or core requirements.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExtends SBIR/STTR funding through 2026, maintaining federal R&D spending for small businesses and research institutions, directly supporting fiscal continuity of essential programs.92% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyExtends SBIR/STTR programs providing federal R&D funding to small tech businesses, directly advancing technology innovation through sustained financial support.95% confidence

Tags Small Business

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in committee · United States · House Sep 26, 2025

HR 5568: Funding Small Businesses During Shutdown Act

HR 5568, the "Funding Small Businesses During Shutdown Act," ensures certain Small Business Administration (SBA) loan programs continue during government shutdowns by appropriating specific funds from the Treasury. It allocates $500,000 for section 7(m) loans, $2.9 billion for section 7(a) loans, $1.25 billion for Small Business Investment Act loans, and $13.775 million for administrative costs related to section 7(m) loans. These funds cover salaries and expenses to maintain loan servicing during any 30-day shutdown period (or pro-rated for shorter lapses), directly affecting small businesses relying on SBA loans. The bill creates a targeted funding mechanism to prevent program interruptions without requiring new appropriations during shutdowns.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates $2.9B for SBA 7(a) loans and other funds to maintain small business lending during shutdowns, directly advancing government spending for essential programs under budget management.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Tags Small Business

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in committee · United States · House Oct 24, 2025

HR 5826: IDEA Act of 2025

HR 5826, the IDEA Act of 2025, creates a federal grant program to increase access to entrepreneurship resources for minority business enterprises. The bill authorizes $25 million annually (2026-2030) to provide $1 million grants to business accelerators, which must use funds for capital, networking programs, or other support directly benefiting minority businesses in regions with at least 15 qualifying enterprises (each with $250k+ annual revenue). Grants require 25% non-federal funding match and mandate annual reports to Congress tracking grant distribution and program outcomes. This policy directly supports minority-owned businesses seeking capital and growth opportunities through established business accelerator networks.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAuthorizes $25M annual federal grants for minority business support, increasing government spending on economic development programs.95% confidence

Tags Small Business

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in committee · United States · House Nov 20, 2025

HR 6039: Commonsense Legislating Act

The Commonsense Legislating Act (HR 6039) makes several significant changes to federal programs. It extends the FAST Program through 2030, requires enhanced outreach to minority and Hispanic-serving institutions for small business grants, and expands the work opportunity tax credit to include military spouses. The bill establishes a Working Families Task Force to address challenges like affordability and childcare, and mandates annual mental health consultations for veterans with service-connected mental health disabilities. Additionally, it creates Native American tourism grant programs with $35 million in funding for 2026-2030 and establishes a Fentanyl Disruption Steering Group within the National Security Council.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExpands work opportunity tax credit (tax relief) and funds small business grants via outreach programs, aligning with support indicators.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates annual mental health consultations for veterans with service-connected disabilities, directly advancing mental health services under healthcare topic.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill expands work opportunity tax credit for military spouses and creates Working Families Task Force to address childcare/affordability challenges, directly advancing employment support.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationExtends FAST Program (transportation infrastructure funding) through 2030, directly advancing highway/road infrastructure projects as per bill summary.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExpands tax credit for military spouses and mandates annual mental health consultations for veterans with service-connected disabilities95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Mental Health Military Families Veteran Mental Health Tags Small Business Tribal Nations

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in committee · United States · House Nov 7, 2025

HR 5958: National Worker Cooperative Development and Support Act

This bill establishes a federal council to coordinate support for worker cooperatives - businesses owned and controlled by their employees - and requires key agencies like the Small Business Administration and Treasury to remove barriers, provide capital access, and offer training to help these businesses form and grow. It amends existing laws to expand a small business lending program for worker cooperatives and directs community development funds to include cooperative support. The council must identify regulatory obstacles, develop a national strategy, and report progress to Congress annually. These changes aim to make federal resources more accessible for employee-owned businesses through concrete policy adjustments.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill directs community development funds to support worker cooperatives, increasing government spending for this purpose. This aligns with funding essential programs under budget & taxes.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill creates federal council to advance worker cooperatives, providing capital access, training, and removing barriers to strengthen employee ownership and rights within labor framework.95% confidence

Tags Small Business

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in committee · United States · Senate May 8, 2025

S 1688: Growing America’s Small Businesses and Manufacturing Act

This bill increases tax deductions for small businesses and manufacturers by raising limits on expensing equipment and assets. It permanently extends a business interest deduction rule and boosts the Section 179 deduction cap from $1 million to $2.5 million (with the phaseout threshold rising from $2.5 million to $4 million). The changes apply to property placed in service after December 31, 2024, and include inflation adjustments starting in 2025. These provisions directly benefit eligible small businesses and manufacturers by reducing their taxable income when purchasing qualifying equipment.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases tax deductions for small businesses via higher Section 179 cap ($1M→$2.5M) and extends business interest deduction, providing direct tax relief.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Procurement Tags Small Business

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