NFIB President Brad Close appeared on the organization’s “Small Business Rundown” podcast to outline federal legislative priorities for small businesses in 2026. During the episode, Close discussed recent developments affecting small business owners and highlighted policy goals NFIB hopes Congress will address.
Close reviewed actions taken by Congress in 2025, including a significant tax bill passed before July 4 that made permanent several provisions important to small businesses. He stated: “Last year, Congress actually did pass a huge tax bill right before July 4, and this tax bill made permanent many provisions that small business owners care about. The first and foremost one was the 20% Small Business Deduction that applies to businesses that are organized as pass-throughs…this allows them to keep much more of their hard-earned money in their business. We heard from many members who said this provision allows them to hire more, increase benefits, do more in their community, buy new equipment, buy new land so they can expand the business or a put a new building in – whatever it is, they keep more of their own hard-earned money in the business [instead of] sending it to Washington, D.C. Making this permanent was a huge victory for the smallest of businesses out there.”
The podcast also covered current legislative objectives such as increasing competition among credit card swipe fees, making health care more affordable for small employers and employees, repealing the Beneficial Ownership reporting law, and addressing lawsuits funded by foreign third-party investors.
Close emphasized ongoing advocacy efforts: “Our hope is that Congress continues to listen to small business owners across the country and put forth policies that are really going to help them keep more money in their business, help them grow, and serve their communities. That’s what we really want to see in 2026.”
Additional details on NFIB’s federal policy agenda for next year can be found through its published list of Small Business Legislative Priorities for 2026.
