H.R. 4549 Passed the House Commerce

Office of Rural Affairs Enhancement Act

To amend the Small Business Act to clarify the responsibilities of the Office of Rural Affairs of the Small Business Administration, and for other purposes.

  1. Introduced
  2. Committee
  3. Passed House
  4. Passed Senate
  5. To President
  6. Became law
Sponsor Rep. Goodlander, Maggie [D-NH-2] Introduced July 21, 2025 Cosponsors 3 (1 D, 2 R) Latest action December 2, 2025

Summary

Office of Rural Affairs Enhancement Act
This bill requires the Small Business Administration (SBA) to use a competitive hiring process to select an assistant administrator for the Office of Rural Affairs. The assistant administrator must have experience (1) with rural affairs and issues relating to small businesses, and (2) providing development assistance to rural small businesses.
Additionally, the bill requires the office to host webinars and regional outreach events for rural small businesses.
The SBA must report annually about the office's activities.

Summary by the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.

Congress.gov

Actions

  1. Dec 2, 2025 Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 282.
  2. Dec 1, 2025 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
  3. Dec 1, 2025 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4916-4917)
  4. Dec 1, 2025 DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4549.
  5. Dec 1, 2025 Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4916-4917)
  6. Dec 1, 2025 Mr. Williams (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
  7. Aug 15, 2025 Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 183.
  8. Aug 15, 2025 Reported by the Committee on Small Business. H. Rept. 119-225.
  9. Jul 22, 2025 Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 23 - 0.
  10. Jul 22, 2025 Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
  11. Jul 21, 2025 Referred to the House Committee on Small Business.
  12. Jul 21, 2025 Introduced in House

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