H.R.3986 - Small Business Liberation Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 3986, the Small Business Liberation Act, aims to exempt small businesses from duties imposed due to a national emergency declared on April 2, 2025. The bill directs that duties imposed under Executive Order 14257 will not apply to goods imported by or for small business concerns, as defined by the Small Business Act. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives and referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would reduce the financial burden on small businesses importing goods during a declared national emergency. This could help small businesses remain competitive and operational during times of crisis. It may also reduce revenue collected by the government through these duties.
Potential Benefits 4/5
- Reduced financial strain on small businesses during national emergencies.
- Increased competitiveness for small businesses.
- Potential for job preservation within the small business sector.
- Simplification of import processes for affected businesses.
- May allow small businesses to offer lower prices to consumers.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential decrease in government revenue from duties.
- Possible advantage for small businesses over larger corporations, creating an uneven playing field.
- Complexity in determining which businesses qualify as "small business concerns".
- Potential for abuse or fraud in claiming the exemption.
- May undermine the intended economic impact of the original national emergency declaration.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment 4/5
The bill appears to align with the constitutional principle of Congress's power to regulate commerce (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3). It does not appear to infringe on individual rights or freedoms as outlined in the Bill of Rights. The bill is an exercise of legislative power to modify the application of executive actions (duties imposed pursuant to a national emergency declaration).
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to citizens. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).