The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act (S. 3971) on Mar. 17, sending the bill to the President's desk for approval. The legislation aims to reauthorize the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, which expired on September 30, 2025.
The passage of this bill is significant for small businesses that rely on these programs to support innovation and economic growth. The SBIR and STTR programs provide resources for entrepreneurs to develop new technologies that can strengthen supply chains and contribute to the nation's future security.
According to a joint statement from House Committee on Small Business Chairman Roger Williams, Ranking Member Nydia M. Velázquez, House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology Chairman Brian Babin, and Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren: "The reauthorization of the SBIR and STTR programs is a critical win for the small businesses that drive American innovation. We have worked to provide entrepreneurs with the resources they need to transform bold ideas into technology that will fuel our economy, strengthen supply chains, and safeguard our future. We look forward to this bill becoming law and restoring certainty to Main Street America."
The legislation was introduced by Chairman Williams on September 2, 2025, after an earlier one-year extension failed in the Senate following its passage in the House with bipartisan support on September 15, 2025. S. 3971 extends authorization for both programs through September 30, 2031. It also includes provisions aimed at strengthening research security within these initiatives while modernizing processes to reduce administrative burdens.
If signed into law by the President, this act will accelerate innovation in cutting-edge technology sectors while providing greater stability for small businesses across the country.
