119th Congress
S. 3971
Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To President
- Became law
- Sponsor
- Joni Ernst(R-IA)
- Introduced
- Mar 3, 2026
- Policy area
- Commerce
- Official text
- Considered and Passed Senate · Congress.gov page
Cosponsors (1)
Original cosponsors (1)
- Edward J. Markey (D-MA)
Summary
Summary by the Congressional Research Service· describes the “Public Law” version
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.
Roll-call votes
| Date | Vote | Result | Your members |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 17, 2026 House #89 | On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass: Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act | Passed | Set your home to see |
Actions
- Apr 13, 2026
Became Public Law No: 119-83. - Apr 13, 2026
Signed by President. - Apr 2, 2026 · House
Presented to President. - Mar 17, 2026 · House
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. - Mar 17, 2026 · 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). - Mar 17, 2026 · House
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2545-2546) - Mar 16, 2026 · House
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. - Mar 16, 2026 · House
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3971. - Mar 16, 2026 · House
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2491-2497; text: CR H2491-2495) - Mar 16, 2026 · House
Ms. Van Duyne moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. - Mar 4, 2026 · House
Held at the desk. - Mar 4, 2026 · House
Received in the House. - Mar 4, 2026 · Senate
Message on Senate action sent to the House. - Mar 3, 2026 · Senate
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) - Mar 3, 2026
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Introduced in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed without amendment by Voice Vote. - Mar 3, 2026
Introduced in Senate