The House of Representatives moved forward with two resolutions and three new bills. Both resolutions denounce antisemitism, while the bills focus on transportation and small businesses.
House Resolution (HR) 488 is the first resolution. It denounces the terrorist attack that occurred in Boulder, Colorado.
HR 481 condemns the rise in ideologically motivated attacks on Jewish individuals in the United States. This resolution was also passed in the wake of the terror attack in Boulder, Colorado.
The resolution also reaffirms the House of Representatives' commitment to protecting the rights of all Americans to assemble peacefully and practice their faith without fear of violence.
The first of the three bills was HR 2987, the CEASE Act. CEASE stands for capping the excessive awarding of SBLC entrants.
HR 2987 limits the number of for-profit small business lending companies that are authorized to make 7(a) loans to not more than 16 at any time.
The second bill passed was HR 2966, also known as the American Entrepreneurs 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 two things. First, it must include the applicant's date of birth.
Second, it must include certification that the applicant or all beneficial owners are citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent residents of the United States.
These requirements are set so that asylees, refugees, and other kinds of immigrants who don’t have permanent residential status.
The final bill passed was HR 2035, also known as the American Cargo for American Ships Act. This bill requires equipment, materials, and commodities procured, furnished, or financed by the Department of Transportation (DOT) to be transported on U.S.-flagged commercial vessels.
This requirement applies only to materials and goods that are transported via ocean vessels. The requirement is also imposed on the DOT and recipients of DOT funding.
The point of the bill is to ensure fair and reasonable participation of U.S.-flagged commercial vessels in the transportation of these goods.
