Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

S.298 - Returning SBA to Main Street Act (119th Congress)

Summary

S.298, the "Returning SBA to Main Street Act," aims to relocate at least 30% of Small Business Administration (SBA) headquarters employees from the Washington metropolitan area to other SBA offices throughout the country. This relocation is contingent upon the Administrator determining it will reduce costs to the federal government. The bill also mandates a corresponding reduction in headquarters office space and requires the SBA to report on employee distribution in its budget justification materials.

Expected Effects

The primary effect of this bill, if enacted and implemented, would be a geographic redistribution of SBA personnel. This shift could lead to a change in the economic landscape of the areas receiving these employees. The bill also seeks to limit full-time telework for affected employees, potentially impacting work arrangements.

Potential Benefits

  • Geographic Diversity: Promotes a wider distribution of federal jobs and resources, potentially benefiting regions outside the Washington metropolitan area.
  • In-Person Customer Service: Aims to improve customer service by ensuring adequate staffing in regional offices.
  • Cost Reduction: Seeks to reduce costs to the federal government by relocating employees to areas with potentially lower pay localities and reducing office space in Washington D.C.
  • Rural Market Consideration: Encourages the SBA to consider rural markets when determining new duty stations, potentially boosting economic activity in these areas.
  • Transparency: Requires the SBA to report on employee distribution in its budget justification materials, increasing transparency and accountability.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Employee Disruption: Relocating employees can disrupt their lives and potentially lead to attrition, impacting the SBA's workforce.
  • Reduced Telework: Limiting telework options may negatively affect employee morale and productivity for those who rely on it.
  • Implementation Challenges: Determining which employees to relocate and managing the logistics of relocation can be complex and costly.
  • Potential for Reduced Expertise in HQ: Moving a significant portion of headquarters staff could dilute expertise and institutional knowledge in the main office.
  • Cost Savings Uncertainty: The bill's implementation hinges on the Administrator's determination that it will reduce costs, which may not materialize.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill appears to align with the Constitution, particularly Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to make laws necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers, including regulating commerce and establishing uniform laws. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any individual rights or liberties protected by the Bill of Rights. The bill's focus on the SBA's operations falls within the scope of congressional oversight and authority.

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).