A Democratic bill with 2 Republican cosponsors · See all 7 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
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, titled the "Small AI Innovators Empowerment Act," authorizes the Department of Commerce to conduct a study on the difficulties encountered by small artificial intelligence businesses in the United States. The Secretary of Commerce, through the Director of NIST, will work with the Small Business Administration to find an expert entity to carry out this research. The study aims to look into funding opportunities, research and development tax credits, and the use of accelerators or incubators. It also examines how Federal policy, regulatory uncertainty, and competition policies affect these businesses. Additionally, the study will look at talent recruitment and retention challenges. Finally, the study will result in proposals and recommendations to address these identified challenges.
Yes· 3 of 6
- Scored +3
Does this make it easier to run a small business?
The bill mandates a study to identify and propose recommendations for overcoming various obstacles faced by small AI firms.
- Scored +3
Would business owners be better off under this?
The bill investigates regulatory uncertainty and competition policies that affect business exit strategies and growth.
- Scored +2
Does this cut taxes for small businesses?
The bill directs a study into the usage and impact of research and development tax credits for small AI businesses.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Identification of Funding Needs: The study will analyze Federal and non-Federal resource funding, including seed funding and the accessibility of Federal funds, which could help small businesses find better ways to secure capital (Section 2(b)(1)).
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Tax Credit Assessment: By analyzing the usage and impact of research and development tax credits, the study may identify how tax restrictions affect small AI businesses (Section 2(b)(2)).
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Policy and Regulatory Clarity: The study looks at the impact of regulatory uncertainty on exit strategies and acquisitions, which could lead to better opportunities for business owners (Section 2(b)(4)(B)).
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Growth and Competition Insights: The analysis of partnerships with larger firms and competition policy frameworks could provide insights into how small businesses can grow (Section 2(b)(4)(C)).
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Problem Solving: The study requires the creation of proposals and recommendations specifically designed to address the challenges faced by these businesses (Section 2(b)(7)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Dependence on Appropriations: The study is subject to the availability of appropriations, meaning the intended research and its potential benefits may not occur if funding is not provided (Section 2(a)).
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.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The bill mandates a study to identify and propose recommendations for overcoming various obstacles faced by small AI firms. Is this likely to grow the economy? — The bill seeks to identify ways to support small AI businesses which can contribute to the economy. Does this cut taxes for small businesses? — The bill directs a study into the usage and impact of research and development tax credits for small AI businesses. Is this likely to create jobs? — The study aims to identify challenges in talent recruitment and retention to support business growth.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — The bill investigates regulatory uncertainty and competition policies that affect business exit strategies and growth.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill explores ways to improve access to funding and research opportunities for AI developers.
- 6/30/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/9/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/9/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/26/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 3/17/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Gilbert CisnerosDemocrat · California
Sheila Cherfilus-McCormickDemocrat · Florida
Julie FedorchakRepublican · North Dakota
Josh GottheimerDemocrat · New Jersey
Pablo HernándezDemocrat · Puerto Rico
Ted LieuDemocrat · California
Jay ObernolteRepublican · California