The "Office of Rural Affairs Enhancement Act" strengthens the Small Business Administration's Office of Rural Affairs by clarifying its structure and expanding its duties. It mandates that the Office be led by an Assistant Administrator, appointed through the competitive service, who possesses specific expertise in rural affairs and small business development to effectively serve rural communities. The bill refines the Office's responsibilities, emphasizing the promotion of SBA and other federal programs to assist rural small business concerns , and requires the Assistant Administrator to host regular webinars and outreach events across the United States. These events will involve various stakeholders, including SBA district offices and resource partners, to better connect rural businesses with available support and information. Furthermore, the legislation establishes an annual reporting requirement for the Office of Rural Affairs. This report, submitted to Congress and made publicly available, must detail the Office's operational specifics, a summary of its activities, and an analysis of SBA lending programs' effectiveness in serving rural small businesses, thereby enhancing transparency and accountability.
Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better
Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Small Business.
Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 23 - 0.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 183.
Reported by the Committee on Small Business. H. Rept. 119-225.
Mr. Williams (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4916-4917)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4549.
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4916-4917)
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4916-4917)
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 282.
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Small Business.
Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 23 - 0.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 183.
Reported by the Committee on Small Business. H. Rept. 119-225.
Mr. Williams (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4916-4917)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4549.
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4916-4917)
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4916-4917)
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 282.
Commerce
Congressional oversightFederal officialsRural conditions and developmentSmall business
Office of Rural Affairs Enhancement Act
USA119th CongressHR-4549| House
| Updated: 12/2/2025
The "Office of Rural Affairs Enhancement Act" strengthens the Small Business Administration's Office of Rural Affairs by clarifying its structure and expanding its duties. It mandates that the Office be led by an Assistant Administrator, appointed through the competitive service, who possesses specific expertise in rural affairs and small business development to effectively serve rural communities. The bill refines the Office's responsibilities, emphasizing the promotion of SBA and other federal programs to assist rural small business concerns , and requires the Assistant Administrator to host regular webinars and outreach events across the United States. These events will involve various stakeholders, including SBA district offices and resource partners, to better connect rural businesses with available support and information. Furthermore, the legislation establishes an annual reporting requirement for the Office of Rural Affairs. This report, submitted to Congress and made publicly available, must detail the Office's operational specifics, a summary of its activities, and an analysis of SBA lending programs' effectiveness in serving rural small businesses, thereby enhancing transparency and accountability.