S.RES.524 Sponsored by John F. Kerry
Latest Action: 04/28/2008 - Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship discharged by Unanimous Consent.

Bill Text
A resolution honoring the entrepreneurial spirit of the owners of small business concerns in the United States during National Small Business Week, beginning April 21, 2008.
S.2433 Sponsored by Barack Obama
Latest Action: 04/24/2008 - Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Biden with amendments and an amendment to the title. With written report No. 110-331.

Bill Text
A bill to require the President to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to further the United States foreign policy objective of promoting the reduction of global poverty, the elimination of extreme global poverty, and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goal of reducing by one-half the proportion of people worldwide, between 1990 and 2015, who live on less than $1 per day. 4/24/2008--Reported to Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Global Poverty Act of 2007 - Directs the President, through the Secretary of State, to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to further the U.S. foreign policy objective of promoting the reduction of global poverty, the elimination of extreme global poverty, and the achievement of the United Nations Millennium Development Goal of reducing by one-half the proportion of people, between 1990 and 2015, who live on less than $1 per day. Requires the strategy to contain specific and measurable [...]

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H.R.4253 Sponsored by Jason Altmire
Latest Action: 02/14/2008 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
To improve and expand small business assistance programs for veterans of the armed forces and military reservists, and for other purposes. 2/14/2008--Public Law.    (There is 1 other summary) Military Reservist and Veteran Small Business Reauthorization and Opportunity Act of 2008 - Title I: Veterans Business Development - (Sec. 101) Increases funding (with an offset), for FY2008-FY2009, for the Office of Veterans Business Development of the Small Business Administration (SBA). Expresses the sense of Congress that excess amounts for such Office should be used to support veterans business outreach centers. (Sec. 102) Amends the Small Business Act to direct the President to establish an interagency task force to coordinate federal efforts to improve capital and business development opportunities for, and ensure achievement of the pre-established federal contracting goals for, small businesses owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans [...]

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S.2232 Sponsored by Ted Stevens
Latest Action: 02/27/2008 - Committee on Indian Affairs. Hearings held.

Bill Text
A bill to direct the Secretary of Commerce to establish a demonstration program to adapt the lessons of providing foreign aid to underdeveloped economies to the provision of Federal economic development assistance to certain similarly situated individuals, and for other purposes. 10/25/2007--Introduced. Foreign Aid Lessons for Domestic Economic Assistance Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish and implement the Native American Millennium Challenge Demonstration Project through which federal economic development assistance may be provided for certain Native American communities. Authorizes the Secretary to provide such assistance to consortia of Alaska Native nonprofit organizations, Native Hawaiian community organizations, and other Indian tribes that enter into Native American Challenge Compacts. Requires such Compacts to establish a multiyear plan for achieving certain development objectives, including promoting economic growth and the elimination [...]

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Latest Action: 11/01/2007 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

Bill Text
To update and expand the procurement programs of the Small Business Administration, and for other purposes. 10/30/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Small Business Contracting Program Improvements Act - Title I: Ensuring Government Contract Opportunities for Small Business Concerns Owned and Controlled by Service-Disabled Veterans - (Sec. 101) Amends the Small Business Act to: (1) permit agencies to enter into contracts with a small business owned and controlled by a service-disabled veteran without first ensuring that there is only one company can perform a contract; and (2) allow contracting officers to decide whether or not to set aside contracts where at least two underutilized business zone (HUBZone) qualified companies could compete for the contract. (Sec. 102) Provides for the assessment of civil penalties against any company that misrepresents itself as a small business owned and controlled by service-disabled [...]

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S.2176 Sponsored by Tim Johnson
Latest Action: 10/17/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

Bill Text
A bill to promote the development of Native American small business concerns, and for other purposes. 10/17/2007--Introduced. Native American Small Business Development Act of 2007 - Amends the Small Business Act to establish within the Small Business Administration (SBA) the Office of Native American Affairs, headed by an Assistant Administrator, to implement SBA programs for the development of business enterprises by Native Americans (American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians). Requires the Office to assist Native American entrepreneurs to: (1) start, operate, and grow small businesses; (2) develop management and technical skills; (3) seek federal procurement opportunities; (4) increase Native American employment opportunities; and (5) increase Native American access to capital markets. Requires the Administrator of the SBA to provide financial assistance to tribal governments, tribal colleges, Native Hawaiian organizations, and Alaska Native corporations [...]

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Latest Action: 01/22/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

Bill Text
To reauthorize certain programs under the Small Business Act for each of fiscal years 2008 and 2009. 11/6/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Small Business Programs Act of 2007 - Amends the Small Business Act (the Act) to reauthorize for FY2008-FY2009 certain small business assistance programs of the Small Business Administration (SBA) authorized under the Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, including: (1) a disaster mitigation pilot program; (2) general and start-up small business loans; (3) certified development company (CDC) financing; (4) disaster loans; (5) the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE); and (6) grants to microloan program intermediaries and technical assistance providers. Reauthorizes for such fiscal years: (1) the businessLINC grants program; (2) the small business development center (SBDC) program; (3) the women's business center program; (4) the HUBZone (heavily underutilized business [...]

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S.2069 Sponsored by Richard Durbin
Latest Action: 09/19/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text of measure as introduced: CR S11753-11756)

Bill Text
A bill to increase the United States financial and programmatic contributions to promote economic opportunities for women in developing countries. 9/19/2007--Introduced. Global Resources and Opportunities for Women to Thrive Act of 2007 or GROWTH Act of 2007 - Targets assistance for women in developing countries with respect to: (1) microenterprises; (2) small and medium enterprises; (3) private property rights and land tenure security; (4) employment access; (5) trade benefits; (6) exchanges with U.S. entrepreneurs; (7) Millennium Challenge Account assistance; and (8) indigenous women's organizations. Directs the Secretary of State to establish the Global Resources and Opportunities for Women to Thrive (GROWTH) Fund to enhance economic opportunities for very poor, poor, and low-income women in developing countries with a focus on: (1) increasing women-owned enterprise development; (2) increasing property rights for women; (3) increasing women's access to financial [...]

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Latest Action: 08/24/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Research and Science Education.

Bill Text
To ensure the development and responsible stewardship of nanotechnology. 7/31/2007--Introduced. Nanotechnology Advancement and New Opportunities Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce, if $100 million is made available from the private sector for the establishing a Nanomanufacturing Investment Partnership, to establish such a Partnership to provide funding for precommercial nanomanufacturing research and development projects. Allows the Partnership to provide funding through direct investments in specified mechanisms designed to advance nanomanufacturing. Requires return on investment of amounts resulting from the commercialization of developed technologies to the Partnership. Requires establishment of an advisory board to assist the Secretary in carrying out the Partnership. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (IRC) to allow a tax credit for the purchase of qualified nanotechnology developer stock. Authorizes establishment within the Technology [...]

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Latest Action: 10/19/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance and Government Sponsored Enterprises.

Bill Text
To require the Securities and Exchange Commission to improve the disclosure of fees and expenses of open-end investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

7/30/2007--Introduced.

Mutual Fund Fee Reform Act - Directs the Securities and Exchange Commission to initiate rulemaking proceedings to revise the requirements of regulations applicable to open-end investment companies relating to the disclosure of 12b-1 fees to investors in such investment companies.

H.R.3020 Sponsored by Steve Chabot
Latest Action: 09/05/2007 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

Bill Text
To amend the Small Business Act to improve the Microloan program, and for other purposes. 9/4/2007--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on September 4, 2007. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Microloan Amendments and Modernization Act - Title I: Microloan - (Sec. 101) Amends the Small Business Act with regard to the Microloan program (a program administered by the Small Business Administration [SBA] to provide small-scale loans to startup, newly established, or growing small businesses for working capital or the acquisition of materials, supplies, or equipment) to require the SBA Administrator to establish a process under which a lender provides to the major credit reporting agencies information about the borrower that is relevant to credit reporting (such as loan payment activity). (Sec. 102) Removes the requirement that Microloan [...]

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S.1784 Sponsored by John F. Kerry
Latest Action: 12/19/2007 - Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship discharged by Unanimous Consent.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Small Business Act to improve programs for veterans, and for other purposes. 7/12/2007--Introduced. Military Reservist and Veteran Small Business Reauthorization and Opportunity Act of 2007 - Increases funding, for each of FY2008-FY2010, for the Office of Veterans Business Development of the Small Business Administration (SBA), with the excess funds to be used to support veterans business outreach centers. Amends the Small Business Act to direct the President to establish an interagency task force to coordinate federal efforts to increase capital and business development opportunities for, and the award of federal contracts and subcontracts to, small businesses owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans and veterans. Extends permanently the SBA's Advisory Committee on Veterans Business Affairs. National Reservist Enterprise Transition and Sustainability Act of 2007 - Directs the SBA Administrator to establish a program to provide [...]

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H.R.2992 Sponsored by John J. Hall
Latest Action: 09/05/2007 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

Bill Text
To amend the Small Business Act to improve trade programs, and for other purposes. 9/4/2007--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on September 4, 2007. The summary of that version is repeated here.) SBA Trade Programs Act of 2007 - Title I: Small Business Trade Policy - (Sec. 101) Amends the Small Business Act to require the director of the Office of International Trade (Office) within the Small Business Administration (SBA) to: (1) present recommendations regarding small business exporters to trade negotiators; (2) develop trade policies that support small businesses in domestic and foreign markets; (3) implement trade policies through relationships developed with federal trade policymakers and transnational organizations; (4) establish programs to boost exports of entrepreneurs and encourage transnational organizations to support and publicize [...]

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H.R.2965 Sponsored by Nita M. Lowey
Latest Action: 07/10/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Bill Text
To increase the United States financial and programmatic contributions to promote economic opportunities for women in developing countries. 7/10/2007--Introduced. Global Resources and Opportunities for Women to Thrive Act of 2007 or GROWTH Act of 2007 - Targets assistance for women in developing countries with respect to: (1) microenterprises; (2) small and medium enterprises; (3) private property rights and land tenure security; (4) employment access; (5) trade benefits; (6) exchanges with U.S. entrepreneurs; (7) Millennium Challenge Account assistance; and (8) indigenous women's organizations. Directs the Secretary of State to establish the Global Resources and Opportunities for Women to Thrive (GROWTH) Fund to enhance economic opportunities for very poor, poor, and low-income women in developing countries with a focus on: (1) increasing women-owned enterprise development; (2) increasing property rights for women; (3) increasing women's access to financial services;[...]

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S.1671 Sponsored by John F. Kerry
Latest Action: 09/26/2007 - Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Reported by Senator Kerry with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 110-185.

Bill Text
A bill to reauthorize and improve the entrepreneurial development programs of the Small Business Administration, and for other purposes. 9/26/2007--Reported to Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Entrepreneurial Development Act of 2007 - Title I: Reauthorization - (Sec. 101) Amends the Small Business Act to reauthorize for FY2008-FY2010 the following small business assistance programs administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA): (1) the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) program; (2) the small business development center (SBDC) program; and (3) the Paul D. Coverdell drug-free workplace program. Title II: Women's Small Business Ownership Programs - (Sec. 201) Requires the SBA's Assistant Administrator for Women's Business Ownership to: (1) address issues for women-owned businesses concerning management, operations, manufacturing, technology, finance, retail and product sales, international trade, and other [...]

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Latest Action: 06/28/2007 - Cloture on the bill not invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 46 - 53. Record Vote Number: 235. (consideration: CR S8650-8651; text: CR S8650)

Bill Text
A bill to provide for comprehensive immigration reform and for other purposes. 6/18/2007--Introduced. Establishes specified benchmarks which must be met before the guest worker and legalization programs under this Act may be initiated respecting: (1) operational control of the the border with Mexico; (2) Border Patrol increases; (3) border barriers, including vehicle barriers, fencing, radar, and aerial vehicles; (4) detention capacity for illegal aliens apprehended crossing the U.S.-Mexico border; (5) workplace enforcement, including an electronic employment verification system; and (6) Z-visa (as established by this Act) alien processing.Establishes in the Treasury the Immigration Security Account to assist the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in meeting benchmark requirements.Sets forth border security and enforcement provisions, including provisions respecting: (1) personnel and asset increases and enhancements, including Shadow Wolves units; (2) a National [...]

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H.R.2720 Sponsored by Ron Kind
Latest Action: 09/11/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Healthy Families and Communities.

Bill Text
To amend the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to reform commodity programs and to increase nutrition, conservation, and energy programs of the Department of Agriculture, to reduce the national budget deficit, and for other purposes. 6/14/2007--Introduced. Food and Agriculture Risk Management for the 21st Century Act of 2007 or FARM 21 Act of 2007 - Prohibits, after 2007, any direct, counter-cyclical or transition payment to an individual or entity whose adjusted gross income exceeds $200,000. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to offer to enter into a risk management account with a qualifying farm or ranch operator. Extends direct payments and reduces payment amounts. Requires specified payment percentages, and 100% for FY2012, to be deposited into a risk management account. Links such payments to environmental stewardship. Extends counter-cyclical payments. Repeals: (1) the milk price support program; (2) specified commodity support [...]

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Latest Action: 05/08/2008 - On motion that the House instruct conferees Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 128 - 274 (Roll no. 304). (consideration: CR H3308-3309)

Bill Text
To provide for the continuation of agricultural programs through fiscal year 2012, and for other purposes.

5/22/2007--Introduced.

Farm Bill Extension Act of 2007 - Extends and revises agricultural and related programs respecting: (1) commodities; (2) sugar; (3) dairy; (4) conservation; (5) exports and trade assistance; (6) food stamps and nutrition; (7) agricultural credit; (8) rural development; (9) rural electrification; (10) agricultural research; (11) forestry; (12) energy; (13) specialty crops; and (14) livestock.

H.R.2442 Sponsored by John M. McHugh
Latest Action: 07/17/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness.

Bill Text
To provide job creation and assistance, and for other purposes. 5/22/2007--Introduced. Rural America Job Assistance and Creation Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to make matching grants to regional consortia meeting specified criteria to improve the job skills necessary for employment in specific industries. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to make grants to establish and support entities that provide business incubator services (necessary to initiate and sustain operations of a newly established business, including legal, intellectual property, and technology services and planning) for small- and medium-sized businesses. Directs the Comptroller General to study how rural infrastructure, venture capital, and federal programs can enhance rural areas. Amends the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act to require employer notification of federal and state elected officials (as well as local ones) before dislocation of workers. Amends the Immigration [...]

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H.R.2397 Sponsored by Mary Fallin
Latest Action: 06/19/2007 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

Bill Text
To reauthorize the women's entrepreneurial development programs of the Small Business Administration, and for other purposes. 6/18/2007--Passed House without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) SBA Women's Business Programs Act of 2007 - Title I: National Women's Business Council - Amends the Women's Business Ownership Act of 1988 to direct the National Women's Business Council to: (1) conduct at least one annual study that evaluates problems hindering the success of women entrepreneurs; and (2) report biannually on its initiatives, policies, programs, and plans. Title II: Women's Business Centers - Amends the Small Business Act relating to the women's business center program (program) to replace the five-year projects for the benefit of small businesses owned and controlled by women [...]

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H.R.2398 Sponsored by John Barrow
Latest Action: 05/21/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1106-1107)

Bill Text
To reauthorize and provide additional funding for essential agricultural research, extension, education, and related programs, to establish the National Institutes for Food and Agriculture as an independent agency reporting to and coordinating with the Secretary of Agriculture, and for other purposes. 5/21/2007--Introduced. Creating Research Extension and Teaching Excellence for the 21st Century Act of 2007 or CREATE-21 Act of 2007 - Establishes the National Institutes for Food and Agriculture, which shall be located in Washington, DC. Transfers specified authorities of the Department of Agriculture and other authorities to the Institutes. Sets forth organizational and funding provisions. Amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to repeal authority for the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board. Eliminates specified funding provisions respecting agricultural research [...]

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H.R.2401 Sponsored by Joe Baca
Latest Action: 06/26/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight, Nutrition and Forestry.

Bill Text
To provide for greater access and opportunities for socially disadvantaged farmers, to create incentives for research, conservation, and market viability, to provide a healthy and just work environment for agricultural workers, to provide Americans with healthier food choices, to address hunger and poverty in the United States, and for other purposes. 5/21/2007--Introduced. Nutrition and Opportunities for the Underserved and Rural Incentives to Secure the Heartland Act of 2007 or NOURISH Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) establish a program through FY2013 to provide greater access and opportunities for minority and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers to Department of Agriculture programs and services; and (2) establish the USDA Minority Producer Land Preservation Commission (to terminate nine years after enactment of this Act) to review pending Department foreclosure proceedings. Amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, [...]

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H.R.2359 Sponsored by Joe Sestak
Latest Action: 06/22/2007 - Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 218.

Bill Text
To reauthorize programs to assist small business concerns, and for other purposes. 6/20/2007--Passed House without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) SBA Entrepreneurial Development Programs Act of 2007 - Title I: Revisions to Small Business Development Centers - (Sec. 101) Amends the Small Business Act to make operational changes to the Small Business Administration (SBA)'s small business development centers (SBDCs) program, including: (1) requiring new SBDC award grantees that are universities to be accredited; (2) requiring award grantees to be equal partners in grant program and contract negotiations; (3) prohibiting SBA interference in hiring practices of SBDC grant recipients; (4) prohibiting the SBA from using program resources for administrative expenses of examining SBDC operations; (5) exempting [...]

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H.R.2366 Sponsored by Vern Buchanan
Latest Action: 06/21/2007 - Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 217.

Bill Text
To reauthorize the veterans entrepreneurial development programs of the Small Business Administration, and for other purposes. 6/18/2007--Passed House without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) SBA Veterans' Programs Act of 2007 - Title I: Office of Veterans Business Development - Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Associate Administrator for Veterans Business Development to: (1) increase veteran outreach by ensuring that Veteran Business Outreach Centers regularly participate, on a nationwide basis, in the workshops of the Transition Assistance Program of the Department of Labor; and (2) submit to Congress progress reports on the implementation of such requirement. Requires the Associate Administrator to establish a Women Veterans Business Training Resource Program to compile information [...]

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Latest Action: 05/08/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation.

Bill Text
To provide support for small business concerns, and for other purposes. 5/3/2007--Introduced. Small Business Investment and Promotion Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) provide to small business owners and operators of farming or commercial fishing businesses a temporary credit for excessive fuel costs paid or incurred in the operation of such business; (2) make permanent the credit for increasing research activities; and (3) treat as 15-year property for purposes of the depreciation deduction qualified restaurant property, qualified retail improvement property, and certain systems installed in nonresidential buildings. Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2009 for: (1) the Advanced Technology Program; (2) the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE); (3) small business development centers; (4) the Manufacturing Extension Partnership program; and (5) the Women's Business Centers program. Expresses the sense of Congress calling for appropriate [...]

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S.1256 Sponsored by John F. Kerry
Latest Action: 04/16/2008 - Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Hearings held.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Small Business Act to reauthorize loan programs under that Act, and for other purposes. 9/12/2007--Reported to Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Small Business Lending Reauthorization and Improvements Act of 2007 - (Sec. 4) Amends the Small Business Act (the Act) to reauthorize for FY2007-FY2010 certain small business assistance programs of the Small Business Administration (SBA), including: (1) the microloan program (loans made to very small businesses for start-up, expansion, or equipment); (2) section 7(a) loans (SBA-guaranteed general business loans made to small businesses); (3) certified development company (CDC) financings; (4) assistance to veteran-owned small businesses and small businesses affected by a Department of Defense base closure or realignment or the termination of a defense contract or subcontract; and (5) the Program for Investment in Microentrepreneurs (PRIME).Title I: Microloan Programs - [...]

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S.RES.174 Sponsored by John F. Kerry
Latest Action: 04/26/2007 - Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S5255-5257 text as passed Senate: CR S5256-5257 text of measure as introduced: CR S5222)

Bill Text
A resolution honoring the entrepreneurial spirit of small business concerns in the United States during National Small Business Week, beginning April 22, 2007. 4/26/2007--Passed Senate without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Honors the entrepreneurial spirit of small businesses during National Small Business Week beginning April 22, 2007. Applauds the efforts and achievements of small business owners and their employees. Recognizes the work of the Small Business Administration (SBA) and its resource partners in providing assistance to entrepreneurs and small businesses. Urges the President to ensure that: (1) applicable small business procurement goals are reached by federal agencies; (2) SBA guaranteed loans and venture capital are made available to all qualified small businesses; (3) SBA management assistance [...]

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Latest Action: 04/27/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management.

Bill Text
To establish the Southwest Regional Border Authority. 4/26/2007--Introduced. Southwest Regional Border Authority Act - Establishes the Southwest Regional Border Authority. Requires the Authority to: (1) develop plans and programs for the economic development of the Southwest border region (specified counties in California, New Mexico, and Texas); (2) conduct and sponsor investigations, research, and studies of the resources of the region; (3) sponsor up to 10 authorized demonstration projects; (4) enhance the capacity of and support for local development districts; (5) review, study, and recommend appropriate modifications to federal, state, and local development programs for the region; and (6) encourage private investment in the region. Authorizes the Authority to approve grants for regional infrastructure development and improvement, technology development and deployment, community development and entrepreneurship, and education and workforce development. Provides [...]

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Latest Action: 04/23/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E828)

Bill Text
To foster the development of minority-owned small businesses. 4/20/2007--Introduced. Minority Entrepreneurship Development Act of 2007 - Amends the Small Business Act to establish within the Small Business Administration (SBA) an Office of Minority Small Business Development to, among other things, formulate, execute, and promote SBA policies and programs that provide assistance to small businesses owned and controlled by minorities. Authorizes the SBA Administrator to make grants to eligible educational institutions: (1) to assist in establishing an entrepreneurship curriculum for undergraduate or graduate studies; and (2) for the placement of a small business development center on the campus of the institution. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to eligible associations and organizations to: (1) assist in establishing the technical capacity to provide online or distance learning for businesses seeking to contract with the federal government; (2) develop [...]

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S.1093 Sponsored by Byron L. Dorgan
Latest Action: 04/12/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S4439-4440)

Bill Text
A bill to reward the hard work and risk of individuals who choose to live in and help preserve America's small, rural towns, and for other purposes. 4/12/2007--Introduced. New Homestead Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Education to repay a specified percentage (up to $2,000 per year) of certain education loans to an individual who completes a degree and both resides and is employed for at least five years in an area outside a metropolitan statistical area which for 20 years has a net out-migration of inhabitants of at least 10% of the county population (qualifying county). Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a: (1) tax credit for the lesser of $5,000 or 10% of the purchase price of a principal residence in a qualifying county; and (2) capital loss deduction with respect to a sale or exchange of a principal residence in a qualifying county. Provides for the creation of tax-exempt individual homestead accounts, funded by individual cash contributions and matching [...]

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Latest Action: 03/29/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Bill Text
A bill to create investment opportunities for rural families and access to credit for rural entrepreneurs and microenterprises, to support rural regional investment, and for other purposes. 3/29/2007--Introduced. Rural Investment to Strengthen our Economy Act of 2007 or Rural RISE Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a capital loss deduction with respect to the sale or exchange of a principal residence in certain rural areas; and (2) expand the work opportunity tax credit to include a qualified small business employee as a targeted group member. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to carry out a program for the forgiveness of student loans for certain rural students who obtain a degree. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a: (1) rural entrepreneurship and microenterprise program; and (2) rural regional entrepreneurship program. Requires the Secretary of Labor to award [...]

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H.R.1801 Sponsored by Rush D. Holt
Latest Action: 04/13/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Domestic and International Monetary Policy, Trade, and Technology.

Bill Text
To award a Congressional Gold Medal to Dr. Muhammad Yunus, in recognition of his contributions to the fight against global poverty.

3/29/2007--Introduced.

Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the presentation on behalf of Congress of a gold medal of appropriate design to Dr. Muhammad Yunus in recognition of his many enduring contributions to the fight against global poverty.

S.1005 Sponsored by John F. Kerry
Latest Action: 03/28/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S4050-4051)

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Small Business Act to improve programs for veterans, and for other purposes. 3/28/2007--Introduced. Military Reservist and Veteran Small Business Reauthorization Act of 2007 - Amends the Small Business Act to: (1) authorize grants of up to $25,000 for small business assistance for members of the reserves called or ordered to active duty (reservists); (2) allow the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make noncollateralized small business loans to such reservists; (3) direct the Administrator to establish a loan preapproval process for small business loans to such reservists; and (4) direct the Administrator to develop an outreach and technical assistance program with respect to loans and grants made to such reservists. National Reservist Enterprise Transition and Sustainability Act of 2007 - Directs the Administrator to establish a program to provide business planning assistance to small businesses owned and operated by reservists.[...]

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S.965 Sponsored by Robert C. Byrd
Latest Action: 03/22/2007 - Committee on Appropriations. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Byrd. With written report No. 110-37.

Bill Text
An original bill making emergency supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007, and for other purposes. 3/22/2007--Reported to Senate without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007 - Title I: Global War on Terror Supplemental Appropriations - Chapter 1: Department of Agriculture - Makes emergency supplemental FY2007 appropriations for specified activities related to the global war on terror to the Department of Agriculture (including food relief to certain foreign countries). (Sec. 1101) Makes specified appropriations to reimburse the Commodity Credit Corporation for the release of eligible commodities for emergency humanitarian food needs in developing countries [...]

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S.903 Sponsored by Richard Durbin
Latest Action: 03/15/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3209-3210)

Bill Text
A bill to award a Congressional Gold Medal to Dr. Muhammad Yunus, in recognition of his contributions to the fight against global poverty.

3/15/2007--Introduced.

Directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the presentation on behalf of Congress of a gold medal of appropriate design to Dr. Muhammad Yunus in recognition of his many enduring contributions to the fight against global poverty.

S.904 Sponsored by Olympia J. Snowe
Latest Action: 03/15/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3211-3212)

Bill Text
A bill to provide additional relief for small business owners ordered to active duty as members of reserve components of the Armed Forces, and for other purposes. 3/15/2007--Introduced. Veterans Small Business Opportunity Act of 2007 - Amends the Small Business Act to extend certain small business loan time limits with respect to a small business owned and controlled by: (1) a veteran called to active duty on or after September 11, 2001; or (2) a service-disabled veteran who became disabled due to an injury or illness incurred or aggravated during a period of active duty on or after such date. Extends such time limits by the period that the veteran was on active duty. Directs the Secretary of Defense to conduct a study for promoting positive working relations between employers and their reserve component employees. Increases: (1) certain Small Business Administration (SBA) loan limits for small business owners who are members of the National Guard or reserves;[...]

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Latest Action: 06/27/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.

Bill Text
To provide for the establishment at the National Science Foundation of a program to promote and assist the teaching of inventiveness and innovation.

3/13/2007--Introduced.

Innovations for our Nation's Vital Educational Needs for Technology Act - Directs the National Science Foundation (NSF) to: (1) establish a competitive grant program, with the goal of developing, and making available for use at the elementary, secondary, and undergraduate levels within two years after enactment of this Act, curriculum tools that will help foster inventiveness; and (2) develop and implement measures for the dissemination of such curriculum tools.

Directs the NSF to: (1) implement a public awareness and outreach campaign relating to invention and inventiveness; and (2) establish engineering and social science research programs on the process of invention and the teaching of inventiveness.

Latest Action: 03/27/2007 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

Bill Text
To ensure that, for each small business participating in the 8(a) business development program that was affected by Hurricane Katrina of 2005, the period in which it can participate is extended by 18 months.

3/26/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary)

Disadvantaged Business Disaster Eligibility Act - Permits any small business that was participating in a Small Business Administration (SBA) business development program located in a Louisiana parish or Mississippi or Alabama county designated by the SBA Administrator as a disaster area by reason of Hurricane Katrina to continue participation and eligibility in such program for an additional 18 months.

Latest Action: 02/13/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to establish a rural entrepreneur and microenterprise assistance program.

2/13/2007--Introduced.

Rural Entrepreneur and Microenterprise Assistance Act - Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a rural entrepreneur and microenterprise (sole proprietorship or business entity with not more than 10 full-time employees) program to help low- and moderate- income individuals acquire: (1) necessary skills to establish small rural businesses; and (2) technical and financial assistance.

Authorizes the Secretary to carry out a related rural microloan program to provide technical and financial assistance to sole proprietorships and small rural businesses with a particular focus on businesses with five or fewer full-time employees.

Latest Action: 08/04/2007 - Received in the House.

Bill Text
A bill to reauthorize and improve the program authorized by the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965. 8/3/2007--Passed Senate amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the Senate on May 7, 2007. The summary of that version is repeated here.)Appalachian Regional Development Act Amendments of 2007 - (Sec. 2) Limits the amount of Appalachian regional development grants and loans for projects in at-risk counties to 70% of project costs. Directs the Appalachian Regional Commission to designate as "at-risk" those counties in the Appalachian region that are most at risk of becoming economically distressed.(Sec. 3) Authorizes the Commission to provide technical assistance, provide grants, enter into contracts, or otherwise provide amounts to entities in the region for projects and activities to: (1) promote energy efficiency; and (2) increase the use of renewable [...]

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Latest Action: 07/17/2007 - Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 273.

Bill Text
To reauthorize and improve the program authorized by the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965. 7/16/2007--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Appalachian Regional Development Act Amendments of 2007 - (Sec. 2) Limits the maximum Appalachian Regional Commission contribution through non-highway grants and loans for designated at-risk counties to 70% of costs. (Sec. 3) Authorizes the Commission to provide technical assistance, make grants, or otherwise provide amounts to and contract with persons or entities in the Appalachian region for projects to: (1) promote energy efficiency to enhance economic competitiveness; (2) increase the use of renewable energy resources to produce alternative transportation fuels, electricity, and heat; and (3) support the development of conventional energy resources to produce alternative transportation fuels, electricity, and heat. (Sec. 4) Directs the Commission to designate as "[...]

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H.R.557 Sponsored by Robert A. Brady
Latest Action: 01/18/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Small Business.

Bill Text
To amend the Small Business Act to direct the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to establish a vocational and technical entrepreneurship development program. 1/18/2007--Introduced. Vocational and Technical Entrepreneurship Development Act of 2007 - Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to establish a program under which the Administrator shall make grants to, or may enter into cooperative agreements with, state small business development centers to provide, on a statewide basis, technical assistance to secondary schools, or to post-secondary vocational or technical schools, for the development and implementation of curricula designed to promote vocational and technical entrepreneurship. Provides for the minimum amount of a grant to not be less than $200,000. Directs the association of small business development centers to act as an information clearinghouse regarding vocational and technical [...]

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H.R.434 Sponsored by Steve Chabot
Latest Action: 02/15/2007 - Became Public Law No: 110-4.

Bill Text
An act to provide for an additional temporary extension of programs under the Small Business Act and the Small business Investment Act of 1958 through July 31, 2007, and for other purposes.

2/15/2007--Public Law.    (There are 3 other summaries)

(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on February 1, 2007. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Extends through July 31, 2007, under the same terms and conditions, the authorization for any program, authority, or provision, including any pilot program, that is currently authorized through February 2, 2007, under the Small Business Act or the Small Business Investment Act of 1958.

S.98 Sponsored by John F. Kerry
Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S105-106)

Bill Text
A bill to foster the development of minority-owned small businesses. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Minority Entrepreneurship Development Act of 2007 - Amends the Small Business Act to establish within the Small Business Administration (SBA) an Office of Minority Small Business Development to, among other things, formulate, execute, and promote SBA policies and programs that provide assistance to small businesses owned and controlled by minorities. Authorizes the SBA Administrator to make grants to eligible educational institutions: (1) to assist in establishing an entrepreneurship curriculum for undergraduate or graduate studies; and (2) for the placement of a small business development center on the campus of the institution. Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to eligible associations and organizations to: (1) assist in establishing the technical capacity to provide online or distance learning for businesses seeking to contract with the federal government; [...]

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