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S3971: Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act
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S3971: Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act

119th Congress (2025–2027) · Senate bill · Sponsor: Sen. Ernst, Joni [R-IA]


Key facts

Item Detail
Roll-call votes 1
Chamber House
Latest vote 2026-03-17: Passed
Latest action 2026-04-13: Became Public Law No: 119-83.
Policy area Commerce
Official record Congress.gov

What the bill does

Small Business Innovation and Economic Security ActThis act reauthorizes through FY2031 and modifies the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program, and related pilot programs. (The SBIR and STTR programs are administered by various federal agencies and provide competitive awards for domestic small businesses to conduct research and development projects that have the potential for commercialization.) Specifically, the act expands the requirements for federal agencies administering these programs to evaluate the security risks of the small businesses that apply for awards under the programs. If an agency denies an application for security reasons, the agency must provide the small business with the basis for such determination. Further, each agency must set a maximum number of proposals per fiscal year that a small business concern may submit in response to Phase I and Phase II solicitations. The act expands the training requirements for agencies' contracting officers and acquisition workforce with respect to Phase III (commercialization of technologies) awards under the SBIR and STTR programs. The act also establishes strategic breakthrough allocations for critical technology areas. These are additional Phase II SBIR and STTR awards to small businesses that demonstrate an effective technology and receive matching funds.

Subjects: Advanced technology and technological innovations, Asia, China, Computer security and identity theft, Computers and information technology, Data collection, sharing, protection, Government lending and loan guarantees, Intellectual property, Military assistance, sales, and agreements, Performance measurement


Roll-call votes on S3971 (119th Congress)

Every recorded vote on this bill, newest first, with a link to the official tally. Member-by-member positions are on each member’s profile.

Date Chamber Question Result Yea Nay Not voting Record
2026-03-17 House 2/3 Yea-And-Nay Passed 345 41 45 Official tally

Frequently asked

What is S3971 in the 119th Congress?

S3971 (Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act) was introduced in the 119th Congress (2025–2027) by Sen. Ernst, Joni [R-IA].

What is the latest action on S3971?

On 2026-04-13: Became Public Law No: 119-83.

How many roll-call votes were held on S3971?

1 recorded vote in the 119th Congress. The most recent, on 2026-03-17, was "2/3 Yea-And-Nay": Passed.