A Democratic bill with 1 Republican cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Referred to the Committee on Small Business, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is titled the SBIR/STTR Foreign Interference Safeguard Act. It stops certain small businesses that are owned or controlled by specific foreign entities from getting SBIR awards. The bill extends a security risk due diligence program until September 30, 2030. It also adds rules for small businesses that are mostly owned by venture capital companies, hedge funds, or private equity firms. The Administrator must check if these businesses are direct or indirect subsidiaries of foreign-owned firms. Finally, the bill sets new definitions for covered foreign entities and foreign entities of concern.
Yes· 3 of 5
- Scored +7
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?
The legislation strengthens national security by preventing foreign adversaries from accessing sensitive federal research and development funds.
- Scored +6
Does this make patent and copyright rules fairer?
The bill protects critical U.S. innovation and intellectual property developed through SBIR and STTR programs from foreign exploitation.
- Scored +4
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The extension and codification of due diligence programs improve transparency and risk assessment regarding federal grant recipients.
The opposite
- Scored -2
Does this make it easier to run a small business?
Additional compliance requirements and restrictions on foreign-backed entities may create hurdles for some small businesses seeking SBIR awards.
- Scored -1
Would business owners be better off under this?
Venture capital and private equity-backed firms face stricter eligibility screenings and potential disqualification from SBIR awards.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Section 2 extends the due diligence program used to assess security risks until September 30, 2030, which helps protect the country by continuously checking for security threats.
-
Section 3 adds participation limits under Section 3(a) that block small businesses from receiving SBIR awards if they are majority-owned by venture capital operating companies, hedge funds, or private equity firms and are determined to be a covered foreign entity, keeping federal funds out of the hands of foreign adversaries.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Section 3 adds strict ownership determinations and size standards under Section 3(a) that could create extra hurdles, burdens, and compliance checks for legitimate small businesses backed by venture capital, hedge funds, or private equity firms when trying to secure federal awards.
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.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The extension and codification of due diligence programs improve transparency and risk assessment regarding federal grant recipients. Does this give the federal government more power? — The legislation expands federal oversight and regulatory authority over small business eligibility for federal awards.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — The legislation strengthens national security by preventing foreign adversaries from accessing sensitive federal research and development funds.
- Education And Technology
- Does this make patent and copyright rules fairer? — The bill protects critical U.S. innovation and intellectual property developed through SBIR and STTR programs from foreign exploitation.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — Venture capital and private equity-backed firms face stricter eligibility screenings and potential disqualification from SBIR awards.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make the government pay for what it commits to? — The bill enhances oversight of federal grant programs to prevent the misuse of taxpayer funds by foreign adversaries. Does this make it easier to run a small business? — Additional compliance requirements and restrictions on foreign-backed entities may create hurdles for some small businesses seeking SBIR awards.
- 7/25/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Small Business, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
2 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Don BaconRepublican · Nebraska