H.R.832 - Small Business Advocacy Improvements Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 832, the Small Business Advocacy Improvements Act of 2025, aims to clarify and expand the functions and duties of the Office of Advocacy within the Small Business Administration (SBA). The bill amends Section 202 of Public Law 94-305 to include the 'international economy' in the Office's considerations and corrects a typographical error. It also amends Section 203(a) to task the Office with representing small business interests before foreign governments and international entities.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely result in the SBA Office of Advocacy playing a more active role in international trade and regulatory matters affecting small businesses. This could lead to more favorable international policies for US small businesses. The changes could also lead to increased advocacy efforts on behalf of small businesses in the international arena.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced Advocacy: Small businesses will have a stronger voice in international trade and regulatory discussions.
- Improved Competitiveness: The Act may help small businesses compete more effectively in the global market.
- Economic Growth: By supporting small businesses internationally, the Act could contribute to overall economic growth.
- Support for Service-Disabled Businesses: Correction of 'serviced-disabled' to 'service-disabled' ensures correct application of the law.
- Clarity of Purpose: The amendments clarify the Office of Advocacy's role and responsibilities.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased Bureaucracy: The expanded role of the Office of Advocacy could lead to increased bureaucracy.
- Potential for Ineffectiveness: There is no guarantee that the Office's advocacy efforts will be successful.
- Resource Allocation: Increased international focus may divert resources from domestic small business concerns.
- Limited Scope: The Act focuses primarily on advocacy and may not address other challenges faced by small businesses.
- Uncertain Impact: The actual impact of the Act on small businesses is difficult to predict.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act appears to align with the spirit of the Constitution, particularly the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8), which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations. By supporting small businesses in the international arena, the Act can be seen as promoting the general welfare, as stated in the Preamble. The Act does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).