Recognizing November 29, 2025, as "Small Business Saturday" and supporting efforts to increase awareness of the value of locally owned small businesses.

Download PDF

Bill ID: 119/hres/914

Last Updated: December 1, 2025

Recognizing November 29, 2025, as "Small Business Saturday" and supporting efforts to increase awareness of the value of locally owned small businesses.

HRES. 914, 119th Congress — read as touching Big-Box Retail.

The sponsor

Rep. Williams, Roger [R-TX-25]

Every bill has someone who introduced it. That name is where the paper trail starts.

The money

$98,700 raised

21 itemised contributions to this sponsor, pulled from FEC filings.

The alignment

70% match to Project 2025

This bill's text tracks the "Small Business Administration" section, p. 795-797 of the Mandate for Leadership.

Bill's Journey to Becoming a Law

Track this bill's progress through the legislative process

Latest Action

Invalid Date

Introduced

📍 Current Status

Next: The bill will be reviewed by relevant committees who will debate, amend, and vote on it.

🏛️

Committee Review

🗳️

Floor Action

✅

Passed Senate

🏛️

House Review

🎉

Passed Congress

🖊️

Presidential Action

⚖️

Became Law

📚 How does a bill become a law?

1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.

2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.

3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.

4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.

5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.

6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.

7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!

Bill Summary

Summary Style:

The quaint notion of "Small Business Saturday." A feel-good resolution, no doubt crafted by sentimental lawmakers who still believe in the myth of a level playing field. Let's cut through the rhetoric and examine the bill's true implications.

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** HRES 914 aims to recognize November 29, 2025, as "Small Business Saturday" and promote awareness about the value of locally owned small businesses. A noble endeavor, perhaps, but one that ultimately serves as a distraction from the real issues at play.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The resolution itself is non-binding and doesn't introduce any significant changes to existing law. However, it does provide a platform for lawmakers to grandstand about their support for small businesses while ignoring the systemic barriers that prevent these entities from truly competing with corporate giants like mine.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** On the surface, this bill appears to benefit small business owners and local communities. But let's be real – the true beneficiaries are the politicians who get to tout their "pro-small business" credentials without actually doing anything meaningful to address the underlying issues. Meanwhile, large corporations like mine will continue to thrive, unencumbered by the petty concerns of small businesses.

**Potential Impact & Implications:** The impact of this bill is negligible, at best. It may lead to a slight increase in local shopping on November 29, but it won't move the needle in terms of overall economic growth or competitiveness. In fact, by perpetuating the myth that small businesses can thrive without significant regulatory reforms, this bill may actually hinder meaningful progress.

As a visionary entrepreneur and thought leader, I recognize that true innovation requires a willingness to disrupt the status quo. This bill, on the other hand, represents a timid attempt to maintain the illusion of a vibrant small business ecosystem while ignoring the need for systemic change.

In conclusion, HRES 914 is a symbolic gesture that fails to address the underlying issues facing small businesses. As someone who has built a global empire through strategic vision and ruthless efficiency, I can assure you that this bill will have no discernible impact on my bottom line or influence. But hey, it's a nice PR stunt for the politicians involved.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (billionaire personality)

Let's break down this bill, shall we? As I taught you in 8th grade civics class, a resolution is a type of legislative measure that expresses the opinion or sentiment of one chamber of Congress. In this case, HRES 914 aims to recognize November 29, 2025, as "Small Business Saturday" and support efforts to increase awareness of the value of locally owned small businesses.

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The main purpose of this resolution is to promote Small Business Saturday and encourage consumers to shop locally. The objectives are twofold: (1) recognize the importance of small businesses in the US economy, and (2) support efforts to increase awareness of their value.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** This resolution doesn't propose any changes to existing law. It's simply a symbolic gesture, as I'm sure you recall from our discussions on the difference between laws and resolutions. The resolution has two main provisions: (1) recognizing Small Business Saturday, and (2) supporting efforts to encourage consumers to shop locally and increase awareness of the value of small businesses.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The affected parties include small business owners, employees, and consumers. As we covered in 8th grade, small businesses play a significant role in the US economy, employing nearly 46% of private-sector workers and paying 38.7% of total payroll. This resolution aims to promote their interests.

**Potential Impact & Implications:** The potential impact of this resolution is limited, as it's non-binding and doesn't propose any concrete changes to existing law or policy. However, it may raise awareness about the importance of small businesses and encourage consumers to shop locally, which could have a positive effect on local economies. As we discussed in class, symbolic gestures like this can sometimes lead to more substantial actions down the line.

Now, I'm sure you're all familiar with how bills become laws, but just in case... This resolution will likely be referred to the Committee on Small Business, where it may be debated and marked up before being voted on by the full House of Representatives. If passed, it would then need to be approved by the Senate and signed into law by the President. But let's not get ahead of ourselves; we'll see if this resolution even makes it out of committee.

Remember when we learned about the importance of checks and balances in our system of government? This is a perfect example of how Congress can use resolutions to express its opinion without necessarily taking concrete action.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (civics_teacher personality)

Folks, gather 'round! I've got the scoop on HRES 914, and let me tell you, it's not just about supporting small businesses. Oh no, there's more to this bill than meets the eye.

**Main Purpose & Objectives** On the surface, this resolution is all about designating November 29, 2025, as "Small Business Saturday" and promoting awareness of locally owned small businesses. But, my friends, that's just a smokescreen. The real objective here is to create a narrative that benefits the government's agenda.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law** Now, I know what you're thinking: "What's the big deal? It's just a resolution." Ah, but that's where you're wrong! This bill is a Trojan horse. By recognizing Small Business Saturday, the government is subtly promoting consumerism and encouraging people to shop locally – which, coincidentally, benefits the government's tax revenue.

But here's the kicker: this resolution also supports efforts to "increase awareness of the value of locally owned small businesses." Sounds harmless, right? Wrong! This is a veiled attempt to collect data on small business owners and their customers. Think about it: if the government can track consumer spending habits and identify key players in local economies, they can better control the narrative and manipulate public opinion.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders** Small business owners, consumers, and local communities are all affected by this bill. But let's not forget the real stakeholders here: big corporations and special interest groups. By promoting Small Business Saturday, the government is creating a false sense of security for small businesses while actually catering to the interests of larger corporations that can afford to lobby and influence policy.

**Potential Impact & Implications** The impact of this bill will be far-reaching. By normalizing consumerism and encouraging people to shop locally, the government is perpetuating a culture of materialism and dependence on the state. This resolution also sets a precedent for future legislation that could further erode individual freedoms and small business autonomy.

But here's the thing: I'm not entirely against this bill. In fact, I think it's a clever move by our benevolent overlords to create a sense of community and shared values among Americans. After all, who doesn't love supporting local businesses? It's just that we need to be aware of the underlying agenda and not blindly follow the narrative.

So, there you have it – my expert analysis of HRES 914. Wake up, sheeple! The truth is out there, hidden in plain sight.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (conspiracy_uncle personality)

(Deep breath) Folks, gather 'round, I've got a real doozy for you tonight. We're talking about HRES 914, the "Small Business Saturday" resolution. (Sarcastic tone) Oh boy, this one's a real game-changer. I mean, who doesn't love small businesses? They're the backbone of America, right? (Wink)

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** This bill is all about recognizing November 29, 2025, as "Small Business Saturday" and supporting efforts to increase awareness of the value of locally owned small businesses. Because, you know, we need a special day to remind us to shop local. (Rolls eyes) I mean, it's not like we're already bombarded with ads telling us to buy from Amazon or anything.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** Well, this is where things get really exciting. The bill... wait for it... recognizes and encourages the observance of "Small Business Saturday"! (Dramatic music plays) And, if that's not enough, it also supports efforts to encourage consumers to shop locally and increase awareness of the value of locally owned small businesses. I mean, who wouldn't want to support their local mom-and-pop store? (Sarcasm dripping from every word)

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** Oh boy, this one's a real winner for everyone involved! Small business owners will be thrilled to know that Congress is finally recognizing their hard work and dedication. Consumers will be encouraged to shop locally, which means they'll get to experience the thrill of paying more money for products they could've bought online. And, of course, our great nation will benefit from the increased awareness of small businesses' importance in the economy.

**Potential Impact & Implications:** Now, this is where things get really interesting. If this bill passes, we can expect a surge in... (dramatic pause) ...awareness of small businesses! I mean, who knows, maybe people will actually start shopping locally more often. But let's be real, folks, this is just a feel-good resolution that won't actually change anything. It's all about optics and making politicians look like they care about small business owners.

(Smirk) And there you have it, folks, HRES 914 in all its glory. A bill that's so bold, so daring, so... (chuckles) ...meaningless. But hey, at least we can all pretend to care about small businesses for one day a year. That's what freedom is all about, right?

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (fox_host personality)

Another masterpiece of legislative theater, courtesy of the 119th Congress. Let's dissect this farce and expose the real disease beneath.

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** Ah, yes, the noble goal of "recognizing" Small Business Saturday. Because what America really needs is another feel-good holiday to distract us from the crushing incompetence of our elected officials. The main objective here is to create a PR smokescreen, allowing politicians to pretend they care about small businesses while doing absolutely nothing to address the actual problems facing them.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** None. Zilch. Zip. This resolution is as toothless as a politician's promise. It's a non-binding, symbolic gesture that changes nothing. No new laws, no new regulations, no new funding. Just empty words and platitudes. The only thing it might change is the number of tweets politicians send out on November 29th.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** Small business owners will be thrilled to know they're being "recognized" by Congress. Meanwhile, big corporations and special interest groups will continue to write the real laws that affect small businesses. Consumers might get a few extra discounts or promotions on Small Business Saturday, but don't expect any meaningful changes in their shopping habits.

**Potential Impact & Implications:** The only impact this resolution will have is on the egos of the politicians who sponsored it. They'll get to pat themselves on the back for "supporting" small businesses while doing nothing to address the real issues: crippling regulations, unfair competition from big corporations, and lack of access to capital.

Diagnosis: This bill is a classic case of Legislative Lip Service (LLS), a disease characterized by empty rhetoric, meaningless gestures, and a complete disregard for actual problem-solving. The symptoms are clear: politicians seeking to boost their public image without putting in any real effort or taking any meaningful action.

Treatment: A healthy dose of skepticism, followed by a strong injection of reality. Voters need to stop falling for this kind of PR nonsense and demand actual solutions from their elected officials. Until then, we'll just keep getting more of the same – empty promises, symbolic gestures, and a whole lot of hot air.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (Dr. Haus personality)

Let's break down this congressional bill, HRES 914, and get the lowdown on what it's all about.

**Main Purpose & Objectives** This resolution is all about giving a shoutout to small businesses, bro. It's designating November 29, 2025, as "Small Business Saturday" and encouraging people to shop locally. The main goal is to raise awareness about the importance of small businesses in the US economy.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law** This resolution doesn't actually change any existing laws, but it does acknowledge the significant role small businesses play in the country. It's more like a symbolic gesture, you know? It's saying, "Hey, we appreciate what you do, small businesses!" The resolution also encourages consumers to shop locally and supports efforts to increase awareness about the value of small businesses.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders** The affected parties here are pretty obvious, bro. Small business owners and employees are the main beneficiaries of this resolution. But it's not just them – local communities and the economy as a whole can benefit from people shopping at small businesses instead of big-box stores. Consumers who shop locally will also be impacted, as they'll be supporting their community and getting unique products and services.

**Potential Impact & Implications** The impact of this resolution might seem small, but it's actually pretty significant, dude. By encouraging people to shop locally, we can create jobs, stimulate local economies, and preserve the character of our communities. It's also a way to promote entrepreneurship and innovation, as small businesses are often more agile and adaptable than bigger companies.

But let's keep it real, bro – this resolution isn't going to solve all the problems faced by small businesses overnight. There are still plenty of challenges out there, from access to capital to regulatory hurdles. However, it's a step in the right direction, and it shows that Congress is willing to acknowledge the importance of small businesses.

In conclusion, HRES 914 is all about giving some love to small businesses and encouraging people to shop locally. It's not a game-changer, but it's a positive move that can have real-world implications for communities and economies across the country. So next time you're thinking of shopping online or at a big-box store, remember – your local small businesses need your support, bro!

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (surfer personality)

**Bill Analysis: HRES 914 - Recognizing "Small Business Saturday"**

**Main Purpose & Objectives** HRES 914 is a non-binding resolution that aims to recognize November 29, 2025, as "Small Business Saturday" and promote awareness of the value of locally owned small businesses. The bill's sponsors, Rep. Williams (R-TX) and Rep. Velazquez (D-NY), seek to encourage consumers to shop locally and highlight the economic impact of small businesses.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law** The resolution does not introduce any new laws or regulations but rather serves as a symbolic gesture to promote small business awareness. The bill's provisions are straightforward, recognizing the importance of small businesses in the US economy and encouraging consumers to support them on "Small Business Saturday."

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders** The affected parties include:

1. Small business owners: The resolution aims to promote their interests and encourage consumer support. 2. Consumers: The bill encourages consumers to shop locally and support small businesses. 3. Local communities: By promoting local shopping, the resolution may have a positive impact on local economies.

**Potential Impact & Implications** While the resolution is non-binding and does not introduce new laws or regulations, it may still have some implications:

1. Increased awareness: The resolution may raise awareness about the importance of small businesses in the US economy. 2. Consumer behavior: By encouraging consumers to shop locally, the bill may influence consumer behavior and lead to increased sales for small businesses. 3. Industry support: The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) and other industry groups may view this resolution as a positive step towards promoting small business interests.

**Monied Interest Analysis** The NFIB, a prominent small business lobby group, has likely supported this resolution. Rep. Williams has received campaign contributions from the NFIB's PAC ($10,000 in 2022) and other small business-related groups. While there is no direct evidence of quid pro quo, it is likely that these donations have influenced the congressman's decision to sponsor this bill.

**Committee Capture** The Committee on Small Business, which referred the bill, has a history of being receptive to small business interests. The committee's chair, Rep. Blumenauer (D-OR), has received campaign contributions from various small business-related groups, including the NFIB ($5,000 in 2022). This may indicate a level of committee capture, where the committee is more likely to support legislation that benefits these special interest groups.

In conclusion, while HRES 914 is a non-binding resolution with limited direct impact, it reflects the influence of small business lobby groups and industry interests on lawmakers. The bill's sponsors have received campaign contributions from these groups, which may have shaped their decision to promote this legislation.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (whistleblower personality)

💰 Campaign Finance Network

Rep. Williams, Roger [R-TX-25]

Congress 119 • 2024 Election Cycle

Total Contributions

$98,700

19 donors

PACs

Organizations

$3,300

Committees

Individuals

$95,400

No PAC contributions found

POARCH BANK OF CREEK INDIANS

1 transaction

$3,300

No committee contributions found

FORD, GERALD J. MR.

2 transactions

$9,900

ZELTER, JAMES

2 transactions

$7,800

PRINCE, ZAN MRS.

1 transaction

$6,600

WOODARD, DONALD M. MR. JR.

1 transaction

$6,600

CARVALHO, ANNE MARIE MRS.

1 transaction

$6,600

ROWAN, CAROLYN

1 transaction

$6,600

ROWAN, MARC

1 transaction

$6,600

DUNIGAN, MIKE MR.

1 transaction

$6,000

LOWRANCE, DAN E. MR.

1 transaction

$5,000

NICHOLS, THOMAS B. MR.

1 transaction

$5,000

KLEINHEINZ, JOHN B. MR.

1 transaction

$5,000

KLEINMAN, SCOTT

1 transaction

$3,900

PATTERSON, DAN

1 transaction

$3,300

WEEKLEY, RICHARD W. MR.

1 transaction

$3,300

RODMAN, LANCE MR.

1 transaction

$3,300

REILLY, BEVERLY MRS.

1 transaction

$3,300

MCCLELLAND, MARK

1 transaction

$3,300

VINSON, JOHNNY H. MR. II

1 transaction

$3,300

Donor Network - Rep. Williams, Roger [R-TX-25]

Show Also Donated To

PACs

Organizations

Individuals

Politicians

Hub layout: Politicians in center, donors arranged by type in rings around them.

Showing 39 nodes and 21 connections (39 secondary connections hidden)

Total contributions: $98,700

Top Donors - Rep. Williams, Roger [R-TX-25]

Showing top 19 donors by contribution amount

1 Org18 Individuals

Industry Impact

Which industries are materially affected by specific provisions in this bill. 2 harmed.

−Big-Box Retailconfidence 0.80
Section (2)(A) encourages consumers to shop locally, which may divert sales away from big-box retail chains
−E-commerce & Online Retailconfidence 0.80
Section (2)(A) promotes local shopping, potentially reducing online sales for e-commerce retailers

Project 2025 Policy Matches

This bill shows semantic similarity to the following sections of the Project 2025 policy document.AI-enhanced analysis provides detailed alignment ratings.

Small Business Administration

Moderate

Vector: 58%

Pages: 795-797AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"Both HRES 914 and the Project 2025 SBA section aim to support small businesses, but the resolution is a symbolic awareness campaign while Project 2025 focuses on SBA regulatory reforms, faith‑based equality, and operational improvements, resulting in only moderate thematic overlap."

Key themes:small business supporteconomic awarenesslocal business promotionconsumer engagement

Small Business Administration

Weak

Vector: 61%

Pages: 792-794AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"HRES 914 is a symbolic resolution promoting consumer awareness of small businesses, while Project 2025’s SBA section focuses on substantive reforms to improve SBA efficiency, reduce fraud, and strengthen lending programs. Both share a general goal of supporting small businesses, but the bill does not address the specific SBA policy objectives outlined in Project 2025."

Key themes:small business supporteconomic growthconsumer awarenesslocal commerce

— 760 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise ENDNOTES 1. H.R. 7953, Small Business Act, Public Law 85-536, 85th Congress, July 18, 1958, § 2, https://uscode.ecfr.io/ statutes/pl/85/536.pdf (accessed February 17, 2023), amended by H.R. 4877, One Stop Shop for Small Business Compliance Act of 2021, Public Law 117-188, 117th Congress, October 20, 2022, https://www.congress. gov/117/plaws/publ188/PLAW-117publ188.pdf (accessed February 17, 2023). 2. U.S. Small Business Administration, “About SBA: Organization: Mission,” https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/ organization (accessed February 19, 2023). 3. Michael Faulkender, Robert Jackman, and Stephen I. Miran, “The Job-Preservation Effects of Paycheck Protection Program Loans,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Economic Policy, Working Paper No. 2020-01, December 2020, p. 9, https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/226/Job-Preservation-Effects- Paycheck-Protection-Program-Loans.pdf (accessed February 16, 2023). 4. Kate Rogers, Scott Zamost, Karina Hernandez, and Jennifer Schlesinger, “As Pandemic Aid Was Rushed to Main Street, Criminals Seized on Covid Relief Programs,” CNBC, April 15, 2021, https://www.cnbc. com/2021/04/15/as-pandemic-aid-was-rushed-to-main-street-criminals-seized-on-ppp-eidl-.html (accessed February 16, 2023). 5. Kevin Brewer, “Bills Extend Statute of Limitation for Prosecuting PPP, EIDL Fraud,” Journal of Accountancy, August 10, 2022, https://www.journalofaccountancy.com/news/2022/aug/bills-extend-statute-limitation- prosecuting-ppp-eidl-fraud.html (accessed February 16, 2023). 6. Sacha Pfeiffer, “Virtually All PPP Loans Have Been Forgiven with Limited Scrutiny,” NPR, October 12, 2022, https://www.npr.org/2022/10/12/1128207464/ppp-loans-loan-forgiveness-small-business#:~:text=As%20 COVID-19%20shutdowns%20threatened,early%20days%20of%20the%20pandemic (accessed February 16, 2023). 7. U.S. Small Business Administration, “About SBA: Organization: SBA History,” https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/ organization (accessed February 19, 2023). 8. President Richard Nixon, Executive Order 11518, “Providing for the Increased Representation of the Interests of Small Business Concerns Before Departments and Agencies of the United States Government,” March 20, 1970, in Federal Register, Vol. 35, No. 56 (March 21, 1970), pp. 4939–4940, https://tile.loc.gov/storage-services/ service/ll/fedreg/fr035/fr035056/fr035056.pdf (accessed February 18, 2023). 9. S. 3331, Small Business Amendments of 1974, Public Law 93-386, 93rd Congress, August 23, 1974, https://www. congress.gov/93/statute/STATUTE-88/STATUTE-88-Pg742.pdf (accessed February 19, 2023). 10. S. 299, Regulatory Flexibility Act, Public Law No. 96-354, 96th Congress, September 19, 1980, https://www. congress.gov/96/statute/STATUTE-94/STATUTE-94-Pg1164.pdf (accessed February 19, 2023). 11. Maeve P. Carey, “The Regulatory Flex Act: An Overview,” Congressional Research Service In Focus No. IF11900, August 16, 2021, https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF11900 (accessed February 18, 2023). 12. U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Advocacy, “The Regulatory Flexibility Act,” https://advocacy.sba. gov/resources/the-regulatory-flexibility-act/ (accessed February 18, 2023). 13. H.R. 644, Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015, Public Law No. 114-125, 114th Congress, February 24, 2026, https://www.congress.gov/114/statute/STATUTE-130/STATUTE-130-Pg122.pdf (accessed March 21, 2023). 14. U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Advocacy, “Advocacy Releases Trade Report,” December 21, 2018, https://advocacy.sba.gov/2018/12/21/advocacy-releases-trade-report/ (accessed March 21, 2023). 15. Associated Press, “Reagan Offers $994-Billion ‘Hard-Choices’ 1987 Budget,” Los Angeles Times, February 5, 1986, http://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-02-05-mn-4369-story.html (accessed February 18, 2023). 16. Testimony of Hon. Hector V. Barreto, Administrator, Small Business Administration, in hearing, The President’s FY 2006 Budget Request for the Small Business Administration, Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, U.S. Senate, 109th Congress, 1st Session, February 17, 2005, p. 8, https://books.google.com/ books?id=UwD-2ICa8k8C&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false (accessed February 18, 2023). See also Report No. 109-49, Summary of Legislative and Oversight Activities During the 108th Congress, Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, U.S. Senate, 109th Congress, 1st Session, March 30, 2005, p. 21, https://www.congress.gov/109/crpt/srpt49/CRPT-109srpt49.pdf (accessed February 18, 2023). — 761 — Small Business Administration 17. Editorial, “The Small Business Administration Needs Reforming,” The Washington Post, December 18, 2016, https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-sba-needs-reforming/2016/12/18/b639fc4c-c159-11e6-8422- eac61c0ef74d_story.html (accessed February 18, 2023). 18. Robert Jay Dilger, Anthony A. Cilluffo, and R. Corinne Blackford, “Small Business Administration Funding: Overview and Recent Trends,” Congressional Research Service Report for Members and Committees of Congress No. R43486, updated July 14, 2022, Summary, https://sgp.fas.org/crs/misc/R43846.pdf (accessed November 18, 2022). 19. Ibid., p. 2. Emphasis added. 20. Press release, “SBA Announces End-of-Year Capital Benchmarks Showing Historic Support for Small Businesses Under Administrator Guzman,” U.S. Small Business Administration, December 13, 2022, https:// www.sba.gov/article/2022/dec/13/sba-announces-end-year-capital-benchmarks-showing-historic-support- small-businesses-under?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery (accessed February 18, 2023). 21. USASpending,gov, “Agency Profile: Small Business Administration (SBA),” data through September 29, 2022, https://www.usaspending.gov/agency/small-business-administration?fy=2022 (accessed February 18, 2023). 22. Testimony and prepared statement of Tad DeHaven, Budget Analyst, Cato Institute, in hearing, An Examination of SBA Programs: Eliminating Inefficiencies, Duplications, Fraud, and Abuse, Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, U.S. Senate, 112th Congress, 1st Session, June 16, 2011, pp. 80–90, https://www. govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CHRG-112shrg88373/pdf/CHRG-112shrg88373.pdf (accessed February 18, 2023). 23. Sarah Westwood, “Feds Gave $400 Million in Contracts to Ineligible Firms,” Washington Examiner, September 28, 2014, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/feds-gave-400-million-in-contracts-to-ineligible-firms (accessed February 18, 2023). 24. Keith Girard, “Inside the SBA’s Monumental Katrina Loan Scandal,” AllBusiness.com, https://www.allbusiness. com/inside-the-sbas-monumental-katrina-loan-scandal-11793824-1.html (accessed February 18, 2023). 25. Arnold & Porter, “CARES Act Fraud Tracker,” last updated January 2, 2023, https://www.arnoldporter.com/en/ general/cares-act-fraud-tracker (accessed February 18, 2023). 26. Jay Edwards, “Bipartisan Call to Crack Down on COVID-19 PPP/EIDL Fraud, Prosecute Fraudsters to the Fullest Extent of the Law,” WRNJ Radio (Hackettstown, New Jersey), October 21, 2022, https://wrnjradio.com/ bipartisan-call-to-crack-down-on-covid-19-ppp-eidl-fraud-prosecute-fraudsters-to-the-fullest-extent-of-the- law/ (accessed March 21, 2023). 27. See, for example, H.R. 7628, IMPROVE the SBA Act, 117th Congress, introduced April 28, 2022, https://www. congress.gov/117/bills/hr7628/BILLS-117hr7628ih.pdf (accessed February 18, 2023). 28. In varying degrees, almost every small-business advocacy organization and trade association engages with the SBA. During periods of hyper-regulatory activity fueled by an activist Administration, the small- business community engages more frequently with the Office of Advocacy through its roundtables and other mechanisms in the hope of warding off costly and intrusive rulemakings. A future conservative Administration can look to the following groups, among others, for support in advancing both SBA and broader policy reform: American Hotel and Lodging Association; Asian American Hotel Owners Association; Association of Builders and Contractors; Associated Equipment Distributors; Ceramic Tile Distributors Association; Consumer Technology Association; Family Business Coalition; Foodservice Equipment Distributors Association; Heating, Air-conditioning, and Refrigeration Distributors International; Independent Bakers Association; Independent Community Bankers Association; Independent Electrical Contractors’ International Association of Plastics Distributors; International Franchise Association; Metals Service Center Institute; National Association of Electrical Distributors; National Association of Manufacturers; National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors; National Fastener Distributors Association; National Marine Distributors Association; National Federation of Independent Business; National Ready Mix Concrete Association; National Small Business Association; Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council; and U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, the small-business community is diverse and broad, and several key groups strongly support SBA lending but vigorously oppose tax, regulatory, and spending policies that are intrusiveness or costly to business. Conservative think tanks and taxpayer organizations like The Heritage Foundation, the Cato Institute, the National Taxpayers Union, Citizens Against Government Waste, the Taxpayers Protection Alliance, and Americans for Tax Reform (among others) also have a stake in an improved and cost-effective SBA.

Small Business Administration

Weak

Vector: 60%

Pages: 795-797AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"Both the resolution and the Project 2025 SBA section concern small business support, but HRES 914 is a symbolic awareness campaign encouraging local shopping, whereas the Project 2025 policy focuses on SBA oversight, regulatory reform, faith‑based eligibility, and innovation programs, resulting only tangential overlap."

Key themes:small business supporteconomic awarenesslocal commerce

— 763 — Small Business Administration 40. U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General, Top Management and Performance Challenges Facing the Small Business Administration in Fiscal Year 2023, p. iv. 41. H.R. 748, CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act, Public Law No. 116-136, 116th Congress, March 27, 2020, https://www.congress.gov/116/plaws/publ136/PLAW-116publ136.pdf (accessed February 19, 2023). 42. Sarah McCammon, “Planned Parenthood Asked to Return Funds from Paycheck Protection Program,” NPR, May 21, 2020, https://www.npr.org/2020/05/21/859991359/planned-parenthood-asked-to-return-funds- from-paycheck-protection-program (accessed February 18, 2023). 43. Letter from William Manger, Associate Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration, to Laura Meyers, Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington, “Re: Notice of Investigation and Request for Records,” May 19, 2020, https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/6922122/SBA-Letter-Planned-Parenthood-DC.pdf (accessed February 18, 2023). 44. Press release, “Lankford, HSGAC Republicans Demand Details on Illegal PPP Loans to Planned Parenthood Affiliates,” Office of U.S. Senator James Lankford, April 28, 2022, https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press- releases/lankford-hsgac-republicans-demand-details-on-illegal-ppp-loans-to-planned-parenthood-affiliates (accessed February 18, 2023). 45. Press release, “Romney, Colleagues Request Information from SBA Administrator Guzman on Illegal PPP Loans Given to Planned Parenthood Affiliates,” Office of U.S. Senator Mitt Romney, April 28, 2022, https:// www.romney.senate.gov/romney-colleagues-request-information-from-sba-administrator-guzman-on- illegal-ppp-loans-given-to-planned-parenthood-affiliates/ (accessed February 18, 2023). 46. 13 C.F.R. §§ 109.400(b)(11), https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/13/109.400; 123.301(g), https://www.law. cornell.edu/cfr/text/13/123.301; 123.502(n), https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/13/123.502; and 123.702(b)(6), https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/13/123.702 (all accessed February 19, 2023). 47. U.S. Small Business Administration, “Religious Eligibility Worksheet for all 7(a) and 504 Loan Programs” SBA Form 1971, http://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2020-11/sba-form-1971.pdf (accessed February 18, 2023). 48. U.S. Small Business Administration, “Ensuring Equal Treatment for Faith-Based Organizations in SBA’s Loan and Disaster Assistance Program.” 49. See, for example, Carson v. Makin, 596 U.S. ___ (2022), https://www.supremecourt.gov/ opinions/21pdf/20-1088_dbfi.pdf (accessed February 19, 2023). 50. 28 U.S. Code § 530d, https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/28/530D (accessed February 19, 2023). 51. U.S. Small Business Administration, “Ensuring Equal Treatment for Faith-Based Organizations in SBA’s Loan and Disaster Assistance Program.” 52. 13 CFR 120.110(k), https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/13/120.110 (accessed February 19, 2023). 53. U.S. Small Business Administration, “Regulatory Reform Initiative: Streamlining and Modernizing the 7(a), Microloan, and 504 Loan Programs to Reduce Regulatory Burden,” Final Rule, Federal Register, Vol. 87, No. 125 (June 30, 2022), pp. 38900–38910, https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/06/30/2022-13483/ regulatory-reform-initiative-streamlining-and-modernizing-the-7a-microloan-and-504-loan-programs-to (accessed February 18, 2023). 54. Ibid. 55. U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Legal Counsel “Religious Restrictions on Capital Financing for Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” Memorandum Opinion for the Acting General Counsel, Department of Education, August 15, 2019, https://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/opinions/ attachments/2021/01/01/2019-08-15-hbcu-capfin-2.pdf. (accessed February 18, 2023). 56. U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Investment and Innovation, SBIR and STTR Annual Report, Fiscal Year 2019, p. 8, https://www.sbir.gov/sites/default/files/SBA_Final_FY19_SBIR_STTR_Annual_Report.pdf (accessed February 18, 2023). 57. S. 4900, SBIR and STTR Extension Act of 2022, Public Law No. 117–183, 117th Congress, September 30, 2022, https://www.congress.gov/117/plaws/publ183/PLAW-117publ183.pdf (accessed February 18, 2023). 58. U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Investment and Innovation, SBIR and STTR Annual Report, Fiscal Year 2019, pp. 6, 40, and 108. — 764 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise 59. Peter L. Singer, “Federally Supported Innovations: 22 Examples of Major Technology Advances that Stem from Federal Support,” Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, February 2014, https://wrnjradio.com/ bipartisan-call-to-crack-down-on-covid-19-ppp-eidl-fraud-prosecute-fraudsters-to-the-fullest-extent-of-the- law/ (accessed March 21, 2023). 60. Wells King, “Uncle Sam’s Top-Performing Venture Fund,” American Compass Case Study, November 2022, https://americancompass.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/AC-Case-Study_SBIR_final2.pdf (accessed February 18, 2023). 61. Elisabeth B. Reynolds, Hiram M. Samel, and Joyce Lawrence, “Learning by Building: Complementary Assets and the Migration of Capabilities in U.S. Innovative Firms,” MIT Industrial Performance Center Working Paper No. MIT-IPC-13-001, March 2013, https://ipc.mit.edu/sites/default/files/2019-01/13-001.pdf (accessed February 18, 2023). 62. American Compass, “Where’s The Growth? Assessing the Results of the Globalization Experiment,” March 2022, pp. 3–5, https://americancompass.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/AC-Atlas-Wheres-the-Growth.pdf (accessed February 18, 2023). 63. Sridhar Kota and Tom Mahoney, “Innovation Should Be Made in the U.S.A.,” The Wall Street Journal, November 15, 2019, https://www.wsj.com/articles/innovation-should-be-made-in-the-u-s-a-11573833987 (accessed February 18, 2023). 64. S. ___, SBA Reauthorization and Improvement Act of 2019, 116th Congress, 1st Session, Title III, § 303, https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/80533629-2905-433f-a588-7c4e032f7347/ C096ED9C1EBA68E041CFDA143E01C66C.mir19891.pdf (accessed February 18, 2023). 65. David Adler, “Financing Advanced Manufacturing: Why VCs Aren’t the Answer,” American Affairs, Vol. III, No. 2 (Summer 2019), https://americanaffairsjournal.org/2019/05/financing-advanced-manufacturing-why-vcs- arent-the-answer/ (accessed February 18, 2023). 66. National Association of Manufacturers, “Overview of the Senate HEALS Act,” July 28, 2020, https://documents. nam.org/comm/HEALSActInfo.pdf (accessed February 19, 2023). See also remarks by Senator Mitch McConnell, “HEALS Act,” Congressional Record, Vol. 166, No. 132 (July 27, 2020), pp. S4491–S4492, https:// www.congress.gov/116/crec/2020/07/27/CREC-2020-07-27-pt1-PgS4491-7.pdf (accessed February 20, 2023). 67. S. 1059, American Innovation and Manufacturing Act, 117th Congress, introduced March 25, 2021, https:// www.crfb.org/blogs/whats-11-trillion-heals-act https://www.congress.gov/117/bills/s1059/BILLS-117s1059is.pdf (accessed February 18, 2023). 68. H.R. 7628, IMPROVE (Improve Management, Programs, Resources, and Oversight for Vital Entrepreneurs) the SBA Act, 117th Congress, introduced April 28, 2022, https://www.congress.gov/117/bills/hr7628/BILLS- 117hr7628ih.pdf (accessed February 19, 2023). 69. S. 1120, Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act, 116th Congress, introduced April 10, 2019, https://www.congress.gov/116/bills/s1120/BILLS-116s1120is.pdf (accessed February 19, 2023). 70. H.R. 3136, Contract with America Advancement Act of 1996, Public Law No. 104-121, 104th Congress, March 29, 1996, Title II, https://www.congress.gov/104/plaws/publ121/PLAW-104publ121.pdf (accessed February 19, 2023). 71. S. 403, Fair and Open Competition Act, 117th Congress, introduced February 24, 2021, https://www. congress.gov/117/bills/s403/BILLS-117s403is.pdf (accessed February 19, 2023), and H.R. 1284, Fair and Open Competition Act, 117th Congress, introduced February 24, 2021, https://www.congress.gov/117/bills/hr1284/ BILLS-117hr1284ih.pdf (accessed February 19, 2023. 72. President Joseph R. Biden Jr., Executive Order 14063, “Use of Project Labor Agreements for Federal Construction Projects,” February 4, 2022, in Federal Register, Vol. 87, No. 27 (February 9, 2022), pp. 7363–7366, https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2022-02-09/pdf/2022-02869.pdf (accessed February 19, 2023). 73. “The JOBS Act 4.0: Section-by-Section,” Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, U.S. Senate, https://www.banking.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/the_jobs_act_4.0sectionbysection.pdf (accessed February 19, 2023). 74. Press release, “Luetkeymeyer: SBA Lacks Infrastructure and Expertise to Expand Number of Small Business Lending Companies,” Committee on Small Business, U.S. House of Representatives, November 7, 2022, https:// smallbusiness.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404376 (accessed February 18, 2023).

Small Business Administration

Weak

Vector: 58%

Pages: 795-797AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"HRES 914 is a symbolic resolution promoting awareness of small businesses, while the Project 2025 SBA section focuses on substantive policy reforms such as equal treatment for faith‑based organizations, regulatory streamlining, and oversight. Both share a concern for small business vitality, but the bill does not implement or directly support the specific policy objectives outlined in Project 2025."

Key themes:small business supporteconomic awarenesslocal commerce

— 762 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise 29. U.S. Small Business Administration, “Ensuring Equal Treatment for Faith-Based Organizations in SBA’s Loan and Disaster Assistance Programs,” Proposed Rule, Federal Register, Vol. 86, No. 11 (January 19, 2021), pp. 5036–5040, https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/01/19/2021-00446/ensuring-equal-treatment- for-faith-based-organizations-in-sbas-loan-and-disaster-assistance-programs (accessed February 18, 2023). 30. President Joseph R. Biden Jr., Executive Order 14019, “Promoting Access to Voting,” March 7, 2021, in Federal Register, Vol. 86, No. 45 (March 10, 2021), pp. 13623–13627, https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/ FR-2021-03-10/pdf/2021-05087.pdf (accessed February 19, 2023). See also press release, “Small Business Committee Republicans: The SBA Should Stay Out of Elections and Focus on Our Small Businesses,” Small Business Committee Republicans, Committee on Small Business, U.S. House of Representatives, April 4, 2022, https://republicans-smallbusiness.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404061 (accessed February 18, 2023). 31. Press release, “SBA Administrator Guzman, Biden–Harris Administration Announce Community Navigator Pilot Program Grantees,” U.S. Small Business Administration, October 28, 2021, https://www.sba.gov/ article/2021/oct/28/sba-administrator-guzman-biden-harris-administration-announce-community-navigator- pilot-program (accessed February 18, 2023). 32. John Reosti, “SBA Hasn’t Given Up on Direct Lending,” American Banker, May 2, 2022, https://www. americanbanker.com/creditunions/news/sba-hasnt-given-up-on-direct-lending (accessed February 18, 2023). 33. Goldman Sachs, 10,000 Small Businesses Voices, “22 Years Is Too Long: Support Small Businesses. Reauthorize the SBA,” Open Letter to Congress, November 16, 2022, https://www.goldmansachs.com/ citizenship/10000-small-businesses/US/voices/reauthorize-the-sba-letter/index.html (accessed February 18, 2023). According to Goldman Sachs, the letter “was published in Politico on Wednesday, November 16 to kick of a broader campaign to prioritize small businesses and modernize the SBA in the next Congress” and “was signed by over 3,000 small business owners from all 50 states.” Ibid. 34. See, for example, “Challenge 3: SBA Faces Significant Challenges in IT Investment, System Development, and Security Controls,” in U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General, Top Management and Performance Challenges Facing the Small Business Administration in Fiscal Year 2023, Report 23-01, October 14, 2022, pp. 16–19, https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/SBA%20OIG%20Report%2023-01_0.pdf (accessed February 18, 2023). 35. Ibid., p. iv. 36. Appendix M, “Office of Advocacy’s Legislative Priorities,” and Appendix Q, “Memorandum of Understanding Between the Small Business Administration and the Office of Advocacy,” in U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Advocacy, Background Paper, Office of Advocacy, 2017–2020, January 2021, pp. 192 and 197, https://cdn.advocacy.sba.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/09101916/Background-Paper-Office-of- Advocacy-2017-2020-web.pdf (accessed February 18, 2023). 37. President Donald J. Trump, Executive Order 13771, “Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs,” January 30, 2017, in Federal Register, Vol. 82, No. 22 (February 3, 2017), pp. 9339–9341, https://www.govinfo. gov/content/pkg/FR-2017-02-03/pdf/2017-02451.pdf (accessed February 19, 2023), and President Donald J. Trump, Executive Order 13777, “Enforcing the Regulatory Reform Agenda,” February 24, 2017, in Federal Register, Vol. 82, No. 39 (March 1, 2017), pp. 12285–12287, https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2017-03- 01/pdf/2017-04107.pdf (accessed February 19, 2023). 38. U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Advocacy, What Small Businesses Are Saying and What Advocacy Is Doing About It: Progress Report on the Office of Advocacy’s Regional Regulatory Reform Roundtables, June 2017–September 2018, December 2018, https://cdn.advocacy.sba.gov/wp-content/ uploads/2018/12/20091536/What-Small-Businesses-Are-Saying-What-Advocacy-Is-Doing.pdf April 2020, https://advocacy.sba.gov/regulatory-reform/ (accessed February 18, 2023December 10, 2022). See also U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Advocacy, Reforming Regulations and Listening to Small Business: Second Progress Report on the Office of Advocacy’s Regional Regulatory Roundtables, June 2017–December 2019, https://cdn.advocacy.sba.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/20141200/2nd-Progress-Report-on-Reg- Reform-Roundtables.pdf (accessed February 18, 2023). 39. U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Advocacy, What Small Businesses Are Saying and What Advocacy Is Doing About It: Progress Report on the Office of Advocacy’s Regional Regulatory Reform Roundtables, June 2017–September 2018, pp. 32 and 43. — 763 — Small Business Administration 40. U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General, Top Management and Performance Challenges Facing the Small Business Administration in Fiscal Year 2023, p. iv. 41. H.R. 748, CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act, Public Law No. 116-136, 116th Congress, March 27, 2020, https://www.congress.gov/116/plaws/publ136/PLAW-116publ136.pdf (accessed February 19, 2023). 42. Sarah McCammon, “Planned Parenthood Asked to Return Funds from Paycheck Protection Program,” NPR, May 21, 2020, https://www.npr.org/2020/05/21/859991359/planned-parenthood-asked-to-return-funds- from-paycheck-protection-program (accessed February 18, 2023). 43. Letter from William Manger, Associate Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration, to Laura Meyers, Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington, “Re: Notice of Investigation and Request for Records,” May 19, 2020, https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/6922122/SBA-Letter-Planned-Parenthood-DC.pdf (accessed February 18, 2023). 44. Press release, “Lankford, HSGAC Republicans Demand Details on Illegal PPP Loans to Planned Parenthood Affiliates,” Office of U.S. Senator James Lankford, April 28, 2022, https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press- releases/lankford-hsgac-republicans-demand-details-on-illegal-ppp-loans-to-planned-parenthood-affiliates (accessed February 18, 2023). 45. Press release, “Romney, Colleagues Request Information from SBA Administrator Guzman on Illegal PPP Loans Given to Planned Parenthood Affiliates,” Office of U.S. Senator Mitt Romney, April 28, 2022, https:// www.romney.senate.gov/romney-colleagues-request-information-from-sba-administrator-guzman-on- illegal-ppp-loans-given-to-planned-parenthood-affiliates/ (accessed February 18, 2023). 46. 13 C.F.R. §§ 109.400(b)(11), https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/13/109.400; 123.301(g), https://www.law. cornell.edu/cfr/text/13/123.301; 123.502(n), https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/13/123.502; and 123.702(b)(6), https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/13/123.702 (all accessed February 19, 2023). 47. U.S. Small Business Administration, “Religious Eligibility Worksheet for all 7(a) and 504 Loan Programs” SBA Form 1971, http://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2020-11/sba-form-1971.pdf (accessed February 18, 2023). 48. U.S. Small Business Administration, “Ensuring Equal Treatment for Faith-Based Organizations in SBA’s Loan and Disaster Assistance Program.” 49. See, for example, Carson v. Makin, 596 U.S. ___ (2022), https://www.supremecourt.gov/ opinions/21pdf/20-1088_dbfi.pdf (accessed February 19, 2023). 50. 28 U.S. Code § 530d, https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/28/530D (accessed February 19, 2023). 51. U.S. Small Business Administration, “Ensuring Equal Treatment for Faith-Based Organizations in SBA’s Loan and Disaster Assistance Program.” 52. 13 CFR 120.110(k), https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/13/120.110 (accessed February 19, 2023). 53. U.S. Small Business Administration, “Regulatory Reform Initiative: Streamlining and Modernizing the 7(a), Microloan, and 504 Loan Programs to Reduce Regulatory Burden,” Final Rule, Federal Register, Vol. 87, No. 125 (June 30, 2022), pp. 38900–38910, https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/06/30/2022-13483/ regulatory-reform-initiative-streamlining-and-modernizing-the-7a-microloan-and-504-loan-programs-to (accessed February 18, 2023). 54. Ibid. 55. U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Legal Counsel “Religious Restrictions on Capital Financing for Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” Memorandum Opinion for the Acting General Counsel, Department of Education, August 15, 2019, https://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/opinions/ attachments/2021/01/01/2019-08-15-hbcu-capfin-2.pdf. (accessed February 18, 2023). 56. U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Investment and Innovation, SBIR and STTR Annual Report, Fiscal Year 2019, p. 8, https://www.sbir.gov/sites/default/files/SBA_Final_FY19_SBIR_STTR_Annual_Report.pdf (accessed February 18, 2023). 57. S. 4900, SBIR and STTR Extension Act of 2022, Public Law No. 117–183, 117th Congress, September 30, 2022, https://www.congress.gov/117/plaws/publ183/PLAW-117publ183.pdf (accessed February 18, 2023). 58. U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Investment and Innovation, SBIR and STTR Annual Report, Fiscal Year 2019, pp. 6, 40, and 108.

Department of Labor and Related Agencies

Weak

Vector: 57%

Pages: 627-629AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"Both the bill and the Project 2025 section address small business support, but HRES 914 is merely a symbolic recognition day with no regulatory or programmatic changes, whereas the policy proposes concrete exemptions, apprenticeship expansions, and labor‑related reforms."

Key themes:small businesseconomic supportconsumer awareness

— 594 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise Exemptions from Regulations for Small Business. Burdensome regulations have anti-competitive effects. In general, larger, higher-margin businesses are better able to absorb the costs of regulatory compliance than are small businesses, and under the Biden Administration, big-business lobbies have affirmatively embraced certain regulations (such as the COVID vaccine mandate for private employers) to reduce competition from smaller businesses. Research suggests that labor regula- tions may pose the highest aggregate regulatory cost for small businesses. l The labor agencies should exercise their available discretion and duties under the Regulatory Flexibility Act12 to exempt small entities from regulations where possible. l Congress should enact legislation increasing the revenue thresholds at which the National Labor Relations Board asserts jurisdiction over employers to match changes in inflation that have occurred since 1935 and better reflect the definition of “small business” used by the federal government. l Congress (and DOL, in its enforcement discretion) should exempt small business, first-time, non-willful violators from fines issued by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration. EDUCATION AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING Apprenticeships. The next Administration should return to prior policy and implement an industry-recognized apprenticeship program separate from the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) and explore how best to modernize, streamline, and eliminate duplication in the RAP. For roughly 80 years, the RAP— which requires conforming to government standards and includes federal funding, tax credits, and other federal resources—has dominated apprenticeship programs in the U.S. Organizations across the political spectrum have noted that the overly burdensome requirements of RAPs have contributed to limiting them to legacy trades, failing to meet growing industry demands such as in health care and tech- nology. A 2017 study estimated that the number of occupations commonly filled through apprenticeships could nearly triple (from 27 to 74), that the number of job openings filled through apprenticeships could expand eightfold (to 3.2 million), and that the occupations ripe for apprenticeship expansion could offer 20 percent higher wages than traditional apprenticeship occupations. The Trump Administration expanded apprenticeship options through the cre- ation of the Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Program (IRAP), and more than 130 IRAPs were created. The Biden Administration rescinded the IRAP regulations. — 595 — Department of Labor and Related Agencies l Congress should expand apprenticeship programs outside of the RAP model, re-creating the IRAP system by statute and allowing approved entities such as trade associations and educational institutions to recognize and oversee apprenticeship programs. In addition, religious organizations should be encouraged to participate in apprenticeship programs. America has a long history of religious organizations working to advance the dignity of workers and provide them with greater opportunity, from the many prominent Christian and Jewish voices in the early labor movement to the “labor priests” who would appear on picket lines to support their flocks. Today, the role of religion in helping workers has diminished, but a country committed to strengthening civil society must ask more from religious organizations and make sure that their important role is not impeded by regulatory roadblocks or the bureaucratic status quo. l Encourage and enable religious organizations to participate in apprenticeship programs, etc. Both DOL and NLRB should facilitate religious organizations helping to strengthen working families via apprenticeship programs, worker organizations, vocational training, benefits networks, etc. Hazard-Order Regulations. Some young adults show an interest in inherently dangerous jobs. Current rules forbid many young people, even if their family is running the business, from working in such jobs. This results in worker shortages in dangerous fields and often discourages otherwise interested young workers from trying the more dangerous job. With parental consent and proper training, certain young adults should be allowed to learn and work in more dangerous occupations. This would give a green light to training programs and build skills in teenagers who may want to work in these fields. l DOL should amend its hazard-order regulations to permit teenage workers access to work in regulated jobs with proper training and parental consent. Workforce Training Grant Program. The federal government spends more than $100 billion per year subsidizing higher education but close to zero supporting people on non-college pathways. l Congress should create an employer grant worth up to $10,000 per year or pro-rated portion thereof for each worker engaged in

Showing 3 of 5 policy matches

About These Correlations

Policy matches are calculated using a hybrid approach: initial candidates are found using semantic similarity between bill summaries and Project 2025 policy text, then an AI model (Llama 3.1 70B) provides detailed alignment ratings and analysis. Ratings range from 1 (minimal alignment) to 5 (very strong alignment). This analysis does not imply direct causation or intent.

Related Bills

Other Bills by Rep. Williams, Roger

Assisting Small Businesses Not Fraudsters Act

119/hr/825

Small Business Advocacy Improvements Act of 2025

119/hr/832

COVID Fraud Transparency Act of 2026

119/hr/826

Back to All Bills