House of Representatives Passes Bills on Small Businesses and Health and Human Services

The House of Representatives has moved to pass three new bills on small businesses and health and human services. Specifically, one of the bills targets the Small Business Administration (SBA). Another one targets the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). 

First, the House passed House Resolution (HR) 1642. The bill is formally titled the Connecting Small Businesses with Career and Technical Education Graduates Act. 

HR 1642 requires Small Business Development Centers to provide educational information to small businesses. This is supposed to help them hire more graduates from career and technical education programs.

Second, the House passed HR 1804, also known as the Loan Agent Oversight Act. This bill requires the SBA to submit an annual report containing specified information related to 7(a) loan agents.

For context, these agents provide fee-based referral and loan application services related to the SBA's 7(a) Program. The report must include the number and type of agents assisting applicants for 7(a) loans and the number of fraudulent loans made.

The report must also include information on the purchase rate of loans for which an applicant used the services of a 7(a) agent, and the number and aggregate dollar value of referral fees paid to 7(a) agents.

Finally, the House passed HR 2483, also titled the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act. This bill reauthorizes and revises HHS programs that address substance use disorders, overdoses, and mental health.

The programs mentioned focus on different aspects of substance abuse. One program addresses substance use disorders concerning pregnant and postpartum women. Another program focuses on community organizations facilitating recovery from substance use disorders. 

Treatment of children with psychological trauma must be enhanced under this bill, alongside youth-targeted recovery programs. 

HR 2483 also requires the HHS to enhance its security and regulatory standards. For example, the National Suicide Hotline must be further protected from cybersecurity threats. 

The establishment of a Federal Interagency on Fentanyl Contamination of Illegal Drugs is also required. This is paired with the potential revision of approved products containing a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone under the Controlled Substances Act.