Possible Small Business Issues in the 110th Congress

Publication Date: January 2007

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Business

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Abstract:

The four-year authorization for most Small Business Administration (SBA) programs expired on September 30, 2006, and the 109th Congress adjourned without enacting long-term reauthorization legislation. Reauthorization provides Congress with a vehicle for evaluating and amending SBA programs. The 109th Congress passed a temporary measure (P.L. 109-316) extending authorization through February 2, 2007, and H.R. 434 (passed by the House on January 17, 2007) contains a further extension through December 31, 2007. The 110th Congress may take up long-term reauthorization bills as well.

This report summarizes several small business issues that Congress may address, either as part of the reauthorization process or otherwise. These include the SBA's disaster loan programs for individuals and businesses, small business contracting goals, the cost to borrowers of SBA-guaranteed loans, access to affordable health insurance, tax issues, oversight of internal SBA management, and the extent to which large businesses win government contracts set aside for small businesses. This report will be updated as legislative developments warrant.