The Bill
Small businesses running out of options may now be able to secure federal loans to cover things like payroll software, accounting platforms, inventory tracking, and AI-based business tools. Rep. John Carter (R-TX-31) voted yes on June 24 on the Small Business Technological Advancement Act, a bill that would allow small businesses to use federal Small Business Administration (SBA) loans to pay for software and cloud computing services — including tools powered by artificial intelligence.
The bill passed the House with strong support from both parties.
Under current law, the SBA's 7(a) loan program, which is the agency's primary small business lending tool, doesn't explicitly cover software or tech subscriptions. This bill would change that, so that small businesses that can't get affordable credit elsewhere would have a new way to modernize their operations.
The bill was introduced in February 2025 by Rep. Mark Alford (R-MO-4). It was referred to the House Small Business Committee, which approved it unanimously 23–0 before it made its way to the full House floor.
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The Vote Breakdown
The vote wasn't close. 205 Republicans voted yes, along with 208 Democrats. The only opposing votes came from four Republicans.
Carter voted with his party's majority.
Carter represents Texas's 31st Congressional District, which includes the Round Rock and Georgetown areas north of Austin. He has served in Congress since 2003, making him one of the more senior members of the Texas delegation.
He has missed 12 votes this Congress, and three since April. June 24's was not one of them.
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