Funding Small Businesses During Shutdown Act
Funding Small Businesses During Shutdown Act
Plain Language Summary
# Funding Small Businesses During Shutdown Act - Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill would ensure that the Small Business Administration (SBA) can continue servicing existing small business loans even if the federal government shuts down due to a budget lapse. Specifically, it would provide emergency funding to pay the salaries and expenses needed to keep loan programs running during a shutdown, covering any 30-day shutdown period (or a proportional amount for shorter shutdowns). **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects small business owners who have existing SBA loans and depend on the agency to service those loans—handling payments, answering questions, and managing loan accounts. It also affects SBA employees who would continue working during a shutdown. **Current Status** The bill (HR 5568) was introduced by Representative Herbert C.
Conaway (D-NJ) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. No action has been taken to advance it further at this time.
CRS Official Summary
Funding Small Businesses During Shutdown ActThis bill provides FY2026 appropriations to continue servicing loans made under certain Small Business Administration (SBA) loan programs if there is a lapse in discretionary appropriations (i.e., government shutdown) in FY2026.If there is a lapse in FY2026 appropriations for the SBA, the bill provides specified appropriations to pay for the salaries and expenses necessary to continue servicing any loans made under several loan programs authorized by the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958.The bill provides the appropriations for any 30-day period in which there is a lapse in SBA appropriations and on a pro-rated basis if the lapse is less than 30 days.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Appropriations.