DOE and SBA Research Act

Mr. Speaker, America's small businesses are the backbone of Main Street America, yet too many of them face roadblocks when trying to do business with the Federal Government's largest buyer, the Department of Energy. That is why I proudly introduced the DOE and SBA Research Act, which strengthens the relationship between America's small businesses and the Department of Energy.

This legislation creates a partnership between the Department of Energy and the Small Business Administration for joint research. It expands opportunities for entrepreneurs to fuel innovation and drive economic growth, and it provides small businesses with a clear, more direct path to collaborate with our national labs on groundbreaking research and technology development.

Brookhaven National Laboratory in my district is a perfect example of how small business and Department of Energy partnerships can transform a region into a premier center for scientific innovation. The partnerships made possible by the DOE and SBA Research Act will empower Main Street America to contribute to cutting-edge

research, drive the Department of Energy's mission, fuel American ingenuity, and keep America at the forefront of scientific innovation and technological advancements.

I thank my colleagues, Representatives Morrison and Thanedar, for joining me in introducing this important bipartisan legislation.

This legislation passed the House with unanimous support last Congress. Unfortunately, we couldn't get it over the finish line in the Senate in time, so I thank Chairman Williams for his important leadership in getting it back to the floor and across the finish line a second time in the House. We will get it done this time.

I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 788) to provide for Department of Energy and Small Business Administration joint research and development activities, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 788, the DOE and SBA Research Act, led by my colleagues, Representatives LaLota, Morrison, and Thanedar.

This legislation would require the SBA and DOE to enter a memorandum of understanding to help unify and streamline research efforts between the national labs and American small businesses. Currently, the 17 national laboratories across the United States provide the government with some of its most cutting-edge research.

At the same time, our Nation's small businesses contribute extensively to public and private sector research and development efforts. Aligning research efforts between the DOE and the SBA would increase the efficiency of the national labs and better integrate small business innovation into government research.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to join me in voting for H.R. 788, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New York (Mr. LaLota).

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Van Drew).

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 788.

First of all, I thank Chairman Williams and Ranking Member Velazquez for their bipartisan work. As a serial entrepreneur in the technology innovation sector, I couldn't be happier to stand here and support this bill along with my amazing colleagues, Representative LaLota and Representative Morrison.

Mr. Speaker, I recognize the indispensable role in enhancing collaboration between the Small Business Administration and the Department of Energy, all in the name of improving research and development efforts.

Let's not forget small businesses are a cornerstone of this country. The innovation we stimulate within this sector is not just important, it is vital for America's future. This legislation does not simply propose research collaboration. It carves a path for our small businesses to lead the way.

It mandates a collaborative report within 2 years of its enactment. This report will empower us to monitor and comprehend the effectiveness of our research collaborations, providing us with the opportunity to revise and refine strategies as necessary.

I am excited, and I hope my colleagues share my enthusiasm about the potential growth and broadening capabilities the DOE and SBA Research Act promise to bring.

Let's always keep sight of the ultimate goal of this legislation which is creating high-paying jobs for our fellow Americans and safeguarding our Nation's competitive edge on the global stage. Remember, this isn't just about legislation. It is about our future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 788, the DOE and SBA Research Act.

As the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Supply Chains, I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan legislation with the gentleman from New York (Mr. LaLota) and the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Thanedar).

This bill would require the Department of Energy and the Small Business Administration to enter into a memorandum of understanding that would improve collaboration between these two agencies. This joint agency effort would expand opportunities for small businesses to participate in research and development opportunities at DOE and its national laboratories.

It is in our economic and national security interests for the United States to remain a leader in R&D and technological advancement. In order to maximize our impact, we must tap into talent wherever we can find it. Too often, small businesses are overlooked when it comes to research and development opportunities.

Small businesses are not only the backbone of our economy, but they also drive forward American innovation and ingenuity. The DOE and SBA Research Act will help ensure that small business owners continue to play a central role in the United States' leadership in these areas.

I thank my colleagues for their collaboration on this critical legislation. I thank Chairman Williams and Ranking Member Velazquez for their support. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 788. It is a good and innovative bill.

I also today wanted to speak in support of H.R. 832, the Small Business Advocacy Improvements Act of 2025.

I am proud to join my good friend and a great colleague and chairman, Roger Williams, in introducing this bill, which will ensure that American small businesses have a strong voice in trade and on the discussions that take place on the global stage.

My home and my district of southern New Jersey represents--as so much of the United States of America--a small business community that is the backbone of our economy; driving innovation, creating jobs, and strengthening communities.

In today's world, small businesses face competition not just from their neighbors and other States, but from businesses and corporations around the globe. These businesses face challenges that larger corporations are often better equipped to navigate.

This bill will clarify the authority of the Small Business Administration's august Office of Advocacy to examine international economic data and represent small business interests in trade negotiations, ensuring that our small business people are not left behind.

America, as we know it, can't exist without small businesses, and this bill will give them a leg up to make the American economy even stronger.

I urge my colleagues to support both of these bills, H.R. 788 and H.R. 832, and stand with America's small businesses.