Ranking Member Edward J. Markey of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee has called for the immediate reauthorization of two key federal programs supporting small business innovation, the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) initiatives.
Both programs expired on September 30 after an attempt by Markey to secure a one-year extension through unanimous consent in the Senate did not succeed. The SBIR and STTR programs provide funding opportunities for small businesses to conduct research and development in fields such as life sciences, energy efficiency, and defense.
Markey expressed his approval that the House version of the National Defense Authorization Act does not contain significant changes that could affect these innovation programs. “While Congress must reauthorize the SBIR and STTR programs as soon as possible, I am pleased that the House’s version of the National Defense Authorization Act does not include any rushed, sweeping changes that could harm innovation and kill jobs. These programs should reopen soon so that small businesses can continue important life sciences, energy efficiency, and defense research,” said Ranking Member Markey.
He further urged action on temporary reauthorization while longer-term reforms are discussed: “While both the House and Senate continue to work toward reforms and a long-term reauthorization, we must take a realistic approach and temporarily reauthorize these vital programs. The Senate can do this immediately by passing the bipartisan legislation that was approved in the House to extend the programs until September 30, 2026. The Chairs and Ranking Members of the House Small Business Committee and House Science Committee and I all agree that moving this legislation forward is the most responsible path forward to avoid irreparable harm to America’s innovation ecosystem and the small businesses that power it. I remain committed to negotiating a long-term reauthorization of the SBIR and STTR programs.”
Throughout this year, Markey has advocated for program extensions. In September he highlighted concerns about potential negative impacts from lapses in federal support for innovative small businesses across sectors including universities. Earlier efforts included introducing legislation aimed at extending SBIR/STTR operations while maintaining foreign due diligence measures designed to reduce risk associated with international entities receiving awards; however, those efforts were blocked by Senate Republicans.
In August, Markey organized a listening session with Massachusetts-based research-driven small businesses who voiced support for continued federal investment through these grant mechanisms.
