Expand research funding programs for small businesses while increasing foreign involvement restrictions?

Economy and Taxation Science and Technology
Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act (S. 3971)
This bill Became Law
Bill Summary

This bill would reform federal programs that provide research and development funding to small businesses, including the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. The bill would reauthorize these programs through September 30, 2031, allowing small businesses to continue receiving federal support for technology development. It would also strengthen security requirements to prevent funding from going to entities linked to foreign adversaries, establish limits on the number of applications submitted by companies, and improve reporting to track use of funds. Sponsor: Sen. Joni Ernst (Republican, Iowa)
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Opponents say

•      At the time of research and publication, no official opposing statements have been identified.  This does not mean that nobody opposes the bill, nor does it mean that opposing statements will not be made in the future. 

Proponents say

•      "The reauthorization of the SBIR and STTR programs is a critical win for the small businesses that drive American innovation. We have worked to provide entrepreneurs with the resources they need to transform bold ideas into technology that will fuel our economy, strengthen supply chains, and safeguard our future. We look forward to this bill becoming law and restoring certainty to Main Street America.” Source: Rep. Roger Williams (Republican, Texas), Chair of the House Small Business Committee; Rep. Nydia Velázquez (Democrat, New York), Ranking Member of the House Small Business Committee; Rep. Brian Babin (Republican, Texas), Chair of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee; and Rep. Zoe Lofgren (Democrat, California), Ranking Member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, in a joint statement.


•      "SBIR and STTR are proven engines of innovation that help transform early-stage research and development into commercially viable products and services. By providing competitive awards to small firms, these programs enable entrepreneurs to bridge the critical ‘valley of death’ between concept and commercialization, bringing cutting-edge technologies to market, strengthening U.S. supply chains, and supporting high-quality jobs in communities across the country.” Source: Rodney Davis, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.


•      "[SBIR and STTR] are overwhelmingly successful, boasting a demonstrated return across over 40 years of operation, resulting in groundbreaking technologies that have revolutionized medicine, telecommunications and military capabilities.” Source: Rep. Nydia Velázquez (Democrat, New York), Ranking Member of the House Small Business Committee

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