Small Business Committee, Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
This bill aims to expand access to vital financial resources for small businesses by amending the Small Business Act. Its primary provision extends eligibility for the Small Business Administration's microloan program to include the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. This ensures that small businesses in the territory can apply for and receive these crucial loans, fostering economic growth. Specifically, the legislation modifies Section 7(m)(7)(B) of the Small Business Act to explicitly list the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands as an eligible entity. A minor technical amendment is also made to Section 7(m)(11)(C)(ii) to refine program language, collectively enhancing financial support and providing much-needed capital to entrepreneurs in the Northern Mariana Islands.
Referred to the House Committee on Small Business.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 27 - 0.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 350.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Small Business. H. Rept. 119-402.
Mr. Williams (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H929-930)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3496.
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H929)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H929)
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
Commerce
Administrative remediesGovernment lending and loan guaranteesNorthern Mariana IslandsSmall businessSmall Business Administration
Northern Mariana Islands Small Business Access Act
USA119th CongressHR-3496| House
| Updated: 1/26/2026
This bill aims to expand access to vital financial resources for small businesses by amending the Small Business Act. Its primary provision extends eligibility for the Small Business Administration's microloan program to include the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. This ensures that small businesses in the territory can apply for and receive these crucial loans, fostering economic growth. Specifically, the legislation modifies Section 7(m)(7)(B) of the Small Business Act to explicitly list the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands as an eligible entity. A minor technical amendment is also made to Section 7(m)(11)(C)(ii) to refine program language, collectively enhancing financial support and providing much-needed capital to entrepreneurs in the Northern Mariana Islands.