The U.S. House of Representatives passed S. 3971, the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act, on Mar. 17 under suspension, sending the bill to the President’s desk for approval.
The legislation is significant because it reauthorizes the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, which had expired on September 30, 2025 after the Senate did not pass a previous extension. These programs are considered important for supporting small businesses in developing new technologies and strengthening economic security.
According to a joint statement from House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology Chairman Brian Babin, Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren, House Committee on Small Business Chairman Roger Williams, and Ranking Member Nydia M. Velázquez: “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.”
S. 3971 was introduced by Chairman Williams on September 2, 2025 after the expiration of SBIR/STTR programs. The bill passed with bipartisan support in the House on September 15, 2025 before advancing again this week.
The act 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 for participants and accelerating innovation in advanced technology development.
If signed into law by the President as expected, supporters say it will restore stability for small businesses engaged in research and development across various sectors.
