WASHINGTON – The U.S House of Representatives today unanimously approved the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Improvements Act of 2017 (H.R. 2763), sponsored by Rep. Steve Knight (R-Calif.), vice chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy for the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and chairman of the Subcommittee on Contracting and Workforce for the House Committee on Small Business. The bill includes amendments by Reps. Randy Hultgren (R-Ill.) and Clay Higgins (R-La.). This legislation updates and strengthens the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.
Rep. Knight: “H.R 2763 is one step closer towards a more transparent and safe government. This bill would give the opportunity for America’s small businesses to participate in the national security needs for innovation in our country. Small businesses are essential to America’s economic competitiveness and industrial base. Supporting programs like SBIR and STTR is important for the safety and economic stability of our nation. These programs sponsor developments that allow us to compete in the international marketplace and provide innovative tools supported and created by local entrepreneurs that contribute to American security.”
Chairman Smith: “Innovation is a critical component of small business success. The SBIR and STTR programs, through their $3 billion in annual awards to small businesses, spur many innovations and create thousands of jobs. This legislation updates these crucial programs. I thank Congressman Knight for taking the initiative on this issue."
Rep. Hultgren: “A thriving manufacturing sector is vital to our economy, putting people to work and driving growth. Manufacturing facilities employ more than 27,000 workers across the 14th Congressional District of Illinois, which I represent, and stands as the largest share of Illinois’ GDP at 12.4 percent. The United States must continue to innovate manufacturing operations, techniques and specialized products to remain globally competitive. Making manufacturing innovation a high priority in the SBIR and STTR programs is just one way that Congress can take action to spur the manufacturing sector. I am pleased my amendment which requires federal agencies to give a high priority in the SBIR and STTR programs to small businesses that conduct manufacturing operations in the United States was included in this bill, and I commend the committee for its work in getting this bill to the House floor.”
Rep. Higgins: “Some of the most innovative ideas and products for cyber warfare originate from American startups and small businesses. We need to harness that expertise to prevent, mitigate, and defend against cyberattacks. That’s why I am encouraged to see my amendment, which identifies cybersecurity as a priority field for Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants, included in this bill. I want to thank Chairman Smith and Congressman Knight for their leadership and work to pass H.R. 2763.”
Background:
H.R. 2763 was approved unanimously by the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology on June 22.
H.R. 2763 was approved by the House Committee on Small Business on June 15 by a vote of 19-0.
Text of the bill can be found here.