A Republican bill with 3 Democratic cosponsors · See all 4 cosponsors
Last activity — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
In the other chamber's committee
Passed one chamber and has been handed to a committee in the other.
The committee decides whether it goes any further, and most bills that reach a committee never leave it. A committee that simply does nothing kills a bill without anyone ever voting against it, so no news from here is usually the news.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- Passed House voice vote
- In Senate committee
The House by voice vote (members called out yes or no together): no member's position on it was recorded.
What this bill would do
The ThinkDIFFERENTLY About Disability Employment Act establishes a memorandum of understanding between the Small Business Administration and the National Council on Disability. The goal is to increase employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The Administrator of the Small Business Administration will provide assistance to those wanting to be entrepreneurs or self-employed. Additionally, the bill aims to help people find jobs at small business concerns and assist those businesses with hiring and accessibility. The Administrator must also conduct outreach and education regarding these activities. Finally, a report on these activities must be submitted to Congress within two years.
Yes· 3 of 10
- Scored +8
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?
This bill directly targets increasing employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for this group.
- Scored +7
Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities?
The act actively promotes employment and accessibility for people with disabilities.
- Scored +6
Does this make it easier to run a small business?
The bill assists small businesses with hiring and accessibility issues.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Support for Entrepreneurs: The bill directs the Small Business Administration to provide assistance to individuals with disabilities who want to become entrepreneurs or be self-employed (Section 2(a)(1)).
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Job Placement Assistance: It aims to help individuals with disabilities find employment at small business concerns (Section 2(a)(2)).
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Business Accessibility and Hiring: The bill provides for assisting small business concerns with hiring individuals with disabilities and addressing applicable accessibility issues (Section 2(a)(3)).
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Awareness and Education: The Administrator is required to conduct outreach and education regarding the activities meant to increase opportunities (Section 2(c)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Lack of Funding: The act explicitly states that no additional funds are authorized to carry out the requirements of the Act (Section 3).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — This bill directly targets increasing employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for this group. Would business owners be better off under this? — The bill assists small businesses with hiring and accessibility compliance. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Employment assistance may improve economic standing for low-income individuals with disabilities.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The bill assists small businesses with hiring and accessibility issues. Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill facilitates job placement and entrepreneurship for individuals with disabilities. Is this likely to grow the economy? — By encouraging entrepreneurship and workforce participation, it supports broader economic activity.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities? — The act actively promotes employment and accessibility for people with disabilities. Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — Increased employment opportunities can help reduce poverty among the disabled population.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires a report to be submitted to Congress regarding activities carried out. Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill mandates cooperation between a federal agency and a national council.
- 6/4/2025
- Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
- 6/3/2025
- Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2399)
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2399)
- DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1634.
- Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2399-2401)
- Mr. Williams (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- 3/24/2025
- Reported by the Committee on Small Business. H. Rept. 119-32.
- Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 21.
- 3/5/2025
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 25 - 0.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/26/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Small Business.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Mark AlfordRepublican · Missouri
Maggie GoodlanderDemocrat · New Hampshire
Chris PappasDemocrat · New Hampshire
Lateefah SimonDemocrat · California