Mike Collins

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to speak for consideration of H.R. 3679, the Small Business Artificial Intelligence Advancement Act.

America has seen great innovation in its 250 years, from the lightbulb to the internet and now artificial intelligence. The benefits of AI must be made available for more than big corporations. They must reach every facet of our economy.

Small businesses are the backbone of the United States economy, representing nearly 43 percent of the U.S. GDP and employing 46 percent of the workforce. These are our neighbors, our friends, and our families. They are the heart of Main Street USA.

As AI and industries advance, we must ensure that they are not left behind. Too often, small businesses lack the technical know-how or financial resources to adopt AI, which is putting them at a growing disadvantage.

That is why I introduced H.R. 3679. This bipartisan legislation directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology to develop resources to voluntarily educate small businesses on best practices when integrating AI into their businesses.

Through this legislation, we will level the playing field. We will ensure small businesses have the ability to modernize and remain competitive against their larger counterparts. Main Street is what keeps the American spirit alive. With this bill, we will ensure that Main Street is safe for generations to come.

Mr. Chair, I thank the chairman for his leadership on our committee and for this piece of legislation, as well as all my colleagues who had input into this piece of legislation.

Mr. Chair, it is a great piece of commonsense legislation. I tell folks all the time I have got more years behind me than in front of me. One of the reasons that I came to Washington, D.C., was to make sure that my kids and the next generation had the same opportunities that I did when I was growing up.

This piece of legislation addresses that. It is one of many pieces, but it addresses that with the fact that all we are doing is asking for the Federal Government to become more efficient and more productive. When we do that, we make life more affordable for everyone.

Mr. Chair, it just does not make common sense that it takes over 10 years to build a road out. It does not make sense when we spend over 7 years fighting for permits and fighting frivolous lawsuits with environmentalists on a build-out plan of 2\1/2\ or 3 years.

It doesn't make common sense when an electric generating power company wants to build a natural gas facility but they will miss the economic growth because it takes over 10 years to get a permit to lay the pipeline.

It doesn't make common sense when our rural communities out there are struggling. The water treatment facilities are worn out and they are old, but they can't participate in the economic growth that is coming because it will take them over a decade to get a permit. That is not just to mention the fact this bill addresses clarity for our farmers out there or more affordable homebuilding.

Mr. Chair, I know this is not a big, sexy headline topic, but this is an important piece of legislation. It will help improve efficiency and productivity with our Federal Government and make sure that life is more affordable so that these young people can get out there and chase their version of the American Dream.

Mr. Chair, I urge all my colleagues to support this piece of legislation. Let's get H.R. 3898 passed out of the House and sent over to the Senate.

Mr. Speaker, by mistake, I missed the vote on Roll Call No. 282 on September 19, 2025, which was the resolution honoring the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk. I would have voted in favor of this resolution, as Charlie was a valiant warrior for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and our great country.