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The House passed H.R. 788, the DOE and SBA Research Act, which requires the Department of Energy and the Small Business Administration to collaborate on joint research and development projects.
H.R. 788, the DOE and SBA Research Act, mandates formal cooperation between the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Small Business Administration (SBA). The bill requires the two agencies to create formal agreements for joint research projects, specifically aimed at ensuring small businesses are included in federal energy innovation efforts. To track progress, the agencies must report their collaborative achievements to Congress within two years, and the bill stipulates that no new federal funding is authorized for these activities. This vote was conducted under 'suspension of the rules,' a common procedural shortcut used for bills that have broad bipartisan support. This process allows the House to move quickly by limiting debate and preventing amendments, but it raises the requirement for passage to a two-thirds supermajority rather than a simple majority. The measure passed with an overwhelming 427-3 vote, far exceeding the necessary two-thirds threshold. While the bill saw nearly unanimous support from the Democratic caucus, the Republican caucus recorded a split position. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration, where it has been referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
The bill has been received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
OPEN BILL →Why it matters. The bill formalizes coordination between two major agencies to ensure small businesses have a greater role in high-tech energy research.
Who’s affected. Small Businesses: Will have more formal avenues to participate in Department of Energy research and development programs. · Federal Agencies: The DOE and SBA must now synchronize their research agendas and use existing funds for joint projects.
Democrats. Democrats were almost entirely in favor, with 215 voting yes and none voting against.
Republicans. The Republican caucus was divided, with 108 members voting in favor and 112 voting against the measure.
On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass
Feb 25, 2025
The House passed H.R.
788, the DOE and SBA Research Act, which requires the Department of Energy and the Small Business Administration to collaborate on joint research and development projects.
A 'suspension of the rules' is a fast-track procedure used for bills that are expected to have wide support. It bypasses typical floor rules but requires a two-thirds majority to pass.
The bill has been received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
The bill formalizes coordination between two major agencies to ensure small businesses have a greater role in high-tech energy research.
The bill received near-unanimous support from Democrats, while the Republican caucus was split between support and opposition.
Democrats were almost entirely in favor, with 215 voting yes and none voting against.
The Republican caucus was divided, with 108 members voting in favor and 112 voting against the measure.
The lone independent member voted in favor of the bill.