The Bill
Thanks to Rep. Carol Miller (R-WV-1), small businesses may be able to use federally backed loans to cover the costs of business software and cloud computing services, including tools powered by artificial intelligence, for things like payroll, accounting, human resources, and inventory tracking. Miller voted yes June 24 on the Small Business Technological Advancement Act, a bipartisan technology legislation that passed the House with overwhelming support from both parties.
The bill expands what the Small Business Administration's (SBA) 7(a) loan program can cover. The 7(a) program is the SBA's primary lending vehicle for businesses that can't secure credit elsewhere.
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 sending it to the full floor. Three House members — including two Democrats — signed on as cosponsors, making it one of the more bipartisan House members' Small Business Act efforts this session.
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The Vote Breakdown
The congressional voting record on this technology bill shows rare bipartisan unity. Republicans backed the bill 205-4 while 208 Democrats voted yes. Miller did not break with her party's majority. The bill cleared the House under a "suspension of the rules" procedure, which requires a two-thirds majority and is typically reserved for noncontroversial legislation.
Miller has represented West Virginia's first Congressional District since 2019 and is now in her fourth term. She has missed 34 votes this Congress.
The bill now moves to the Senate, where an identical measure, S. 305, has already been introduced.
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