Bills · HR 4549
PASSED HOUSE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 4549Rural conditions and developmentCongressional oversight
Office of Rural Affairs Enhancement Act
INTRO JUL 21· LAST ACTION DEC 2
READING
4MIN
COSPONSORS
3BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- One chamber only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 4 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because small businesses are vital to the economy of rural areas, but they often face different and greater challenges compared to those in urban settings, such as limited access to capital, fewer resources, and unique market conditions. If this bill becomes law, it aims to make federal support programs more accessible and relevant to these businesses. This could mean more rural small businesses getting the loans, advice, and training they need to grow, create jobs, and strengthen their local economies.
Without this bill, the Office of Rural Affairs might continue with less focused outreach and less transparent reporting, potentially leaving many rural businesses unaware of or unable to navigate federal assistance programs. By clarifying the office's mission, ensuring experienced leadership, and requiring detailed public reports, the bill aims to improve the effectiveness of government efforts to support these critical economic engines in rural America.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Requires the Assistant Administrator of the Office of Rural Affairs to have specific education or professional experience in rural affairs and small business development assistance.
This ensures the office is led by someone with relevant expertise to effectively serve rural small businesses.
PROVISION 02
Mandates the Office of Rural Affairs to actively promote policies and programs of the SBA and other federal agencies to rural small businesses, and to host webinars and outreach events in various regions.
This increases direct engagement and makes federal resources more accessible to rural entrepreneurs.
PROVISION 03
Requires the SBA Administrator to submit an annual report to Congress and make it publicly available, detailing the Office of Rural Affairs' activities, budget, staff, and an analysis of SBA lending programs for rural concerns.
This provides greater transparency and accountability for the office's performance and impact on rural businesses.
PROVISION 04
Updates references to 'small business concerns located in rural areas' to 'rural small business concerns' for consistent terminology throughout the relevant section of the Small Business Act.
This streamlines legal language and clarifies the target audience for the office's programs.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 3
D· New Hampshire
YRS IN OFFICE
1
BILLS LED
13
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 67%
DEM 1 REP 2 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
13 EVENTSDEC 2
Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 282.
DEC 1
Mr. Williams (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
DEC 1
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4916-4917)
DEC 1
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4549.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 4549
Congress119th
StatusPassed House
IntroducedJul 21, 2025
Last actionDec 2, 2025
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PASSED HOUSE· 119TH CONGRESS · SMALL BUSINESS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JUL 21, 2025
House BillHR 4549Rural conditions and developmentCongressional oversight
Office of Rural Affairs Enhancement Act
INTRODUCED JUL 21, 2025· LAST ACTION DEC 2, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
4 min
COSPONSORS
3
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
