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Senate bill · S. 3971 (119th Congress)

Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act

Latest action Apr 13, 2026

U.S. Senate

Sponsor

Joni Ernst

U.S. Senator for Iowa · Republican

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Summary

Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act This act reauthorizes through FY2031 and modifies the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program, and related pilot programs. (The SBIR and STTR programs are administered by various federal agencies and provide competitive awards for domestic small businesses to conduct research and development projects that have the potential for commercialization.) Specifically, the act expands the requirements for federal agencies administering these programs to evaluate the security risks of the small businesses that apply for awards under the programs. If an agency denies an application for security reasons, the agency must provide the small business with the basis for such determination. Further, each agency must set a maximum number of proposals per fiscal year that a small business concern may submit in response to Phase I and Phase II solicitations. The act expands the training requirements for agencies' contracting officers and acquisition workforce with respect to Phase III (commercialization of technologies) awards under the SBIR and STTR programs. The act also establishes strategic breakthrough allocations for critical technology areas. These are additional Phase II SBIR and STTR awards to small businesses that demonstrate an effective technology and receive matching funds.

Summary from the Congressional Research Service. How we handle summaries

From Congress.gov and official rosters. This record was last updated Jul 30, 2026. About our data

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Where it stands

Signed into law.

  1. Introduced
  2. In committee
  3. Up for a vote
  4. Passed one chamber
  5. Passed
  6. Enacted

Cosponsors

Edward J. Markey

Cosponsors listed on Congress.gov, shown A to Z.

  • Democratic1

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Recorded votes

  • Vote: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass

    U.S. HouseMar 17, 2026Result: Passed

    (345) (41) (0) (45)

Full history

  1. Apr 13, 2026

    Enacted

    Became Public Law No: 119-83.

  2. Apr 13, 2026

    Enacted

    Became Public Law No: 119-83.

    U.S. Senate

  3. Apr 13, 2026

    Signed

    Signed by President.

    President

  4. Apr 2, 2026

    Sent to the executive

    Presented to President.

    President

  5. Mar 17, 2026

    Considered as Unfinished business. (consideration: cr H2545-2546)

    Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2545-2546)

Show full history (9 earlier events)
  1. Mar 17, 2026

    Passed a chamber

    Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

  2. Mar 17, 2026

    Passed a chamber

    Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 345 - 41 (Roll no. 89).

    U.S. House of Representatives

  3. Mar 16, 2026

    At the Conclusion of Debate, the Yeas and Nays Were Demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the Provisions of Clause 8, Rule Xx, the Chair Announced That Further Proceedings on the Motion Would be postponed.

    At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

  4. Mar 16, 2026

    Debate - the House Proceeded With Forty Minutes of Debate on S. 3971.

    DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3971.

    U.S. House of Representatives

  5. Mar 4, 2026

    Held at the desk.

  6. Mar 4, 2026

    Message on Senate Action Sent to the House.

    Message on Senate action sent to the House.

    U.S. Senate

  7. Mar 4, 2026

    Sent to the executive

    Received in the House.

    U.S. House of Representatives

  8. Mar 3, 2026

    Passed a chamber

    Introduced in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed without amendment by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S752-756; text: CR S752-756)

    U.S. Senate

  9. Mar 3, 2026

    Introduced

    Introduced in U.S. Senate

    U.S. Senate