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 thanks to Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA-39), who voted yes on the Small Business Technological Advancement Act on June 24. Takano joined an overwhelming bipartisan majority to pass the bill through the House.
The bill would expand 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. This includes 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.
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The Vote Breakdown
The bill passed the House floor with broad support. 208 Democrats voted yes, with none voting against it. On the Republican side, 205 voted yes and just 4 voted no. Takano did not break with his party.
Takano has served California's 39th District since 2013, and has missed 5 votes this Congress.
The bill now heads to the Senate, where an identical companion bill, S.305, has already been introduced.
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