WHAT THE LAW DOINCongress, in plain words

H.R. 2966 · 119th Congress

American Entrepreneurs First Act of 2025

Passed HouseCommerce
IntroducedApr 17, 2025
Passed HouseJun 6, 2025
Passed SenateNot yet
To PresidentNot yet
Became lawNot yet

Where it stands

Passed House. Latest step, Jun 9, 2025: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. The House passed it 217–190. In the House, Iowa's representatives split: Randy Feenstra yes, Ashley Hinson yes, Mariannette Miller-Meeks did not vote, Zachary Nunn yes. It would change 0 sections of existing law and would add 1 new provisions of its own.

How this bill changes the law

Sourced

H.R. 2966 doesn't change any existing section of law. It would create 1 new provision of its own. Read from the bill text as sent to the Senate (Jun 9, 2025).

New provisions of the bill's own

  • Sec. 2 Requirements for citizenship status documentation for certain loan programs of the Small Business Administration
What the words would change: every change, in place (0)

Today's wording of each part of the law, with what would be struck out and added. Each change also gives the bill's own instruction, word for word.

    From the bill's official text on GovInfo and the U.S. Code, latest edition, which may not yet show changes made since.

    What it does

    Sourced

    American Entrepreneurs First Act

    This bill revises the application requirements for the Small Business Administration's 7(a) loan and 504 loan programs.

    Specifically, the bill requires applications for such loans to include (1) the applicant's date of birth; and (2) a certification that the applicant or all beneficial owners are citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent residents of the United States.

    The bill specifies that certain individuals are ineligible for such loans, including (1) asylees, (2) refugees, (3) individuals issued a visa to remain in the United States, (4) individuals legally classified as nonimmigrants, (5) individuals to whom deferred action has been granted pursuant to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, and (6) individuals without lawful status under the immigration laws of the United States.

    Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Introduced in House, Apr 17, 2025).

    Our plain-language breakdown, with what it means for you and the case for and against, is written once a bill starts to move.

    What has happened

    Sourced
    1. Jun 9, 2025Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.Senate
    2. Jun 6, 2025Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.House floor actions
    3. Jun 6, 2025On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 217 - 190 (Roll no. 156). (text: CR H2510-2511) Roll call recordHouse floor actions
    4. Jun 6, 2025Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 217 - 190 (Roll no. 156). Roll call recordLibrary of Congress
    5. Jun 6, 2025The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.House floor actions
    6. Jun 6, 2025DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 2966.House floor actions
    7. Jun 6, 2025Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2483, H.R. 2931, H.R. 2966 and H.R. 2987. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 2483 under a structured rule and for consideration of H.R. 2931, H.R. 2966, and H.R. 2987 under a closed rule. The resolution provides for one hour of debate and one motion to recommit on each bill.House floor actions
    8. Jun 6, 2025Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 458. (consideration: CR H2510-2515)House floor actions
    9. Jun 3, 2025Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 458 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2483, H.R. 2931, H.R. 2966 and H.R. 2987. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 2483 under a structured rule and for consideration of H.R. 2931, H.R. 2966, and H.R. 2987 under a closed rule. The resolution provides for one hour of debate and one motion to recommit on each bill.House floor actions
    10. May 21, 2025Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 83.House floor actions
    11. May 21, 2025Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Small Business. H. Rept. 119-112.House floor actions
    12. May 21, 2025Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Small Business. H. Rept. 119-112.Library of Congress
    13. Apr 30, 2025Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 15 - 11.House committee actions
    14. Apr 30, 2025Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session HeldHouse committee actions
    15. Apr 17, 2025Referred to the House Committee on Small Business.House floor actions
    16. Apr 17, 2025Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress
    17. Apr 17, 2025Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

    Show key steps only

    Recorded votes

    Sourced
    1. Jun 6, 2025 · HousePassed 217–190
      Iowa: Randy Feenstra yes, Ashley Hinson yes, Mariannette Miller-Meeks did not vote, Zachary Nunn yes
      On Passage · needed a majority
      R 209 yes, 0 noD 8 yes, 190 noEach member · Record

    Cosponsors

    • Michael Cloud R-TX-27