Legislative Activity

The Supporting Trade and Rebuilding Opportunity for National Growth Act, or STRONG Act, significantly increases the maximum loan amounts available through key Small Business Administration (SBA) programs. Specifically, it doubles the maximum size for standard 7(a) loans from $\$3.75$ million to $\$7.5$ million. Additionally, the bill raises the maximum loan amount for development company loans from $\$5$ million to $\$10$ million. These changes aim to provide greater capital access for small business growth and development.

The American Land and Property Protection Act prohibits nationals and entities from adversarial nations, including China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran, from purchasing any public or private real estate within the United States. This measure grants the President authority to take necessary steps to block such transactions. The prohibition applies to nonresident aliens and foreign businesses connected to these specified countries or designated foreign terrorist organizations.

The Preventing Elected Leaders from Owning Securities and Investments (PELOSI) Act bans Members of Congress and their spouses from trading or holding most securities and investments while in office. Members must divest prohibited assets within 180 days of enactment or taking office. Violators face disgorgement of profits and potential civil fines assessed by ethics committees, with ongoing penalties for non-compliance.

The Returning SBA to Main Street Act of 2025 mandates the relocation of at least 30% of Small Business Administration (SBA) headquarters employees outside the Washington D.C. area to regional offices, contingent upon cost savings. This legislation also requires a corresponding 30% reduction in SBA headquarters office space within two years of enactment. Furthermore, the bill adjusts pay and telework policies for relocated staff and increases transparency by requiring detailed workforce location breakdowns in future budget submissions to Congress.

This resolution expresses support for designating March 18, 2025, as "National Agriculture Day." It recognizes and celebrates the significant impact of agriculture as a leading industry in the United States.

The APLUS Act directs the Secretary of Agriculture to update regulations, permitting market agencies to have financial interests in smaller meatpacking companies, defined by specific slaughter capacities. These market agencies must disclose these financial ties to livestock sellers. The Act does not reduce the Secretary's authority to enforce rules protecting producers, competition, and market integrity under existing law.

The "Rural Innovation and Small Business Support Act" directs the Small Business Administration to enhance outreach efforts in rural communities for the SBIR and STTR programs. This will be done by instructing federal agencies to conduct specific outreach to small businesses in rural areas, with the goal of increasing their participation in these programs.

This resolution commemorates the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America," following Executive Order 14172. It establishes February 9, 2025, as the inaugural "Gulf of America Day" to celebrate the region's historical significance and the restoration of American pride.