Bill · H.R. 2966· House(119-HR-2966)
American Entrepreneurs First Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 4/17/2025
- Last activity
- 6/9/2025 — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
- Sponsored by
- Beth Van Duyne
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- Passed House
- In Senate committee
What this bill would do
The ``American Entrepreneurs First Act of 2025'' requires the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to implement new documentation requirements for certain loan programs. Applicants for loans under section 7(a) of the Small Business Act or title V of the Small Business Investment Act must provide specific citizenship status information. This includes dates of birth and certifications regarding citizenship or permanent residency status. The bill also requires documentation of alien registration numbers for lawful permanent residents. It establishes specific categories of individuals who are considered "ineligible persons." These individuals are prohibited from receiving these loans.
Yes
Does this give the federal government more power?+5
The bill expands the federal government's oversight and requirements for SBA loan applicants.
Would white Americans be better off under this?+2
The bill favors citizens and permanent residents, which statistically benefits the majority white demographic.
The opposite· 3 of 11
Would immigrants be better off under this?-8
The bill explicitly excludes many categories of immigrants, such as refugees, asylees, and visa holders, from receiving SBA loans.
Does this make it easier to run a small business?-5
The bill limits access to SBA loan programs for various groups of entrepreneurs, potentially hindering small business growth.
Would business owners be better off under this?-4
The bill imposes new documentation requirements and excludes many potential business owners from federal loan programs.
What Congress actually voted on
One recorded vote has been taken on this bill.
- The House: the vote on whether to pass the billPassed 217–190
This is the real decision in this chamber. Passing here sends the bill to the other chamber, which must pass it too before it can go to the President.
06/06/2025 · Roll call 156 · recorded as “On Passage”
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Standardized Documentation Requirements: The bill requires applicants to provide the date of birth for individuals or owners, which establishes a specific set of required information for the loan application process (Section 2(a)(1)).
-
Clear Ownership Certification: The act requires certification that an applicant concern is 100 percent beneficially owned by citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent residents, which sets a specific standard for ownership (Section 2(a)(2)(B)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Loan Ineligibility for Specific Groups: Individuals classified as asylees, refugees, visa holders, certain nonimmigrants, individuals with deferred action (DACA), or those without lawful status are considered "ineligible persons" and cannot receive these loans (Section 2(c)).
-
Ownership Restrictions: An applicant concern can be deemed ineligible for a loan if any direct or indirect owner is an "ineligible person" (Section 2(b)(2)).
-
Increased Documentation Burdens: Lawful permanent residents who are applicants or owners must provide documentation of their alien registration number (Section 2(a)(4)).
-
Application Rejection for Missing Information: Any loan application submitted after the act's enactment that lacks the required information regarding date of birth, status certification, or owner eligibility will result in ineligibility (Section 2(b)(1)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For White Americans+2Good For Immigrants-8Good For Business Owners-4Good For Hispanic Americans-4Good For African Americans-3Good For Low Income Households-3Good For Asian Americans-2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity-4Improves Pathway To Citizenship-3Improves Poverty Reduction-3
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support-5
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+5Improves Privacy Rights-2
| Updated | Bill | Title | Policy Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 year ago | On agreeing to the Rules amendment (A001) Agreed to without objection. |
- 6/9/2025
- Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
- 6/6/2025
- Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 217 - 190 (Roll no. 156).
- On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 217 - 190 (Roll no. 156). (text: CR H2510-2511)
- The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
- DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 2966.
- Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2483, H.R. 2931, H.R. 2966 and H.R. 2987. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 2483 under a structured rule and for consideration of H.R. 2931, H.R. 2966, and H.R. 2987 under a closed rule. The resolution provides for one hour of debate and one motion to recommit on each bill.
- Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 458. (consideration: CR H2510-2515)
- 6/3/2025
- Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 458 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2483, H.R. 2931, H.R. 2966 and H.R. 2987. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 2483 under a structured rule and for consideration of H.R. 2931, H.R. 2966, and H.R. 2987 under a closed rule. The resolution provides for one hour of debate and one motion to recommit on each bill.
- 5/21/2025
- Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Small Business. H. Rept. 119-112.
- Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 83.
- 4/30/2025
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 15 - 11.
- 4/17/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Small Business.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Michael CloudRepublican · Texas