The Bill
Small businesses that couldn't get affordable credit elsewhere may now use Small Business Administration (SBA)-backed loans to pay for the software they need to run day-to-day operations. That's because Rep. Addison McDowell (R-NC-6) voted yes on the Small Business Technological Advancement Act on June 24, joining an overwhelming bipartisan majority to pass the bill through the House.
Rep. McDowell voted for a bill that expands the Small Business Administration's 7(a) loan program. This is the SBA's primary small business lending tool that covers the cost of business software and cloud computing services, including tools for payroll, human resources, sales, billing, accounting, and inventory tracking. Artificial intelligence-based business tools would also qualify.
H.R. 915 was introduced on February 4, 2025 by Rep. Mark Alford (R-MO-4). The House Small Business Committee approved it 23–0 before it reached the floor. The bill has an identical companion in the Senate, S. 305.
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The Vote Breakdown
The final small business technology bill vote breakdown showed overwhelming support on both sides of the aisle. 205 Republicans voted yes, with just 4 voting no. Democrats backed it unanimously, with 208 votes. The bill passed under a procedure requiring a two-thirds majority.
McDowell did not break with his party's majority on the vote.
McDowell has introduced 13 bills himself this Congress, and has missed 5 votes this Congress.
The bill now moves to the Senate, where an identical companion bill, S.305, has also been introduced.
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