Bill · H.R. 7968· House(119-HR-7968)
Small AI Innovators Empowerment Act
- Introduced
- 3/17/2026
- Last activity
- 3/17/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- Sponsored by
- Suhas Subramanyam
- Cosponsors
- - 5 - 2
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "Small AI Innovators Empowerment Act," authorizes the Department of Commerce to conduct a study on the difficulties encountered by small artificial intelligence businesses in the United States. The Secretary of Commerce, through the Director of NIST, will work with the Small Business Administration to find an expert entity to carry out this research. The study aims to look into funding opportunities, research and development tax credits, and the use of accelerators or incubators. It also examines how Federal policy, regulatory uncertainty, and competition policies affect these businesses. Additionally, the study will look at talent recruitment and retention challenges. Finally, the study will result in proposals and recommendations to address these identified challenges.
Yes· 3 of 6
Does this make it easier to run a small business?+3
The bill mandates a study to identify and propose recommendations for overcoming various obstacles faced by small AI firms.
Would business owners be better off under this?+3
The bill investigates regulatory uncertainty and competition policies that affect business exit strategies and growth.
Does this cut taxes for small businesses?+2
The bill directs a study into the usage and impact of research and development tax credits for small AI businesses.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Identification of Funding Needs: The study will analyze Federal and non-Federal resource funding, including seed funding and the accessibility of Federal funds, which could help small businesses find better ways to secure capital (Section 2(b)(1)).
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Tax Credit Assessment: By analyzing the usage and impact of research and development tax credits, the study may identify how tax restrictions affect small AI businesses (Section 2(b)(2)).
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Policy and Regulatory Clarity: The study looks at the impact of regulatory uncertainty on exit strategies and acquisitions, which could lead to better opportunities for business owners (Section 2(b)(4)(B)).
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Growth and Competition Insights: The analysis of partnerships with larger firms and competition policy frameworks could provide insights into how small businesses can grow (Section 2(b)(4)(C)).
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Problem Solving: The study requires the creation of proposals and recommendations specifically designed to address the challenges faced by these businesses (Section 2(b)(7)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Dependence on Appropriations: The study is subject to the availability of appropriations, meaning the intended research and its potential benefits may not occur if funding is not provided (Section 2(a)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+3Improves Economic Growth+2Reduces Small Business Taxes+2Increases Job Creation+1
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+3
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+1
- 6/30/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/9/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/9/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/26/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 3/17/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Gilbert CisnerosDemocrat · California
Sheila Cherfilus-McCormickDemocrat · Florida
Julie FedorchakRepublican · North Dakota
Josh GottheimerDemocrat · New Jersey
Pablo HernándezDemocrat · Puerto Rico
Ted LieuDemocrat · California
Jay ObernolteRepublican · California