Technical corrections only. The two versions of H.R. 832 are substantively identical, with the only differences being clerical updates related to the bill's passage from the House to the Senate, including the addition of the House Clerk's name. No substantive policy changes were made between v2 and v3.
Small Business Advocacy Improvements Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Rep. Williams, Roger [R-TX-25]
- Committees
- Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Feb 25, 2025
Bottom line
H.R. 832 modernizes the mandate of the SBA's Office of Advocacy, enabling it to better represent small businesses in an increasingly global economy through targeted clarifications and an expanded international role.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Small Business Act to clarify and expand the functions and duties of the Office of Advocacy of the Small Business Administration (SBA). It corrects minor typographical errors in the existing law and, more significantly, explicitly grants the Office the authority to represent the views and interests of small businesses before foreign governments and international entities concerning regulatory and trade initiatives.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill is a necessary update to ensure the Office of Advocacy can effectively serve small businesses in the 21st century. They contend that as global trade and international regulations increasingly impact domestic small businesses, the Office must have a clear mandate to advocate on their behalf internationally. The technical corrections also improve the clarity and precision of the existing law.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that while the intent is good, expanding the Office's mandate to international advocacy without specific new funding or a clear strategy could dilute its focus on domestic issues or create an unfunded mandate. Some may also question the effectiveness of such advocacy without significant diplomatic resources.
The bill is very short and straightforward, making it highly accessible for any reader to understand its provisions and implications quickly.
Section 2(a)(1) of H.R. 832, amending Section 202(1) of Public Law 94-305 (15 U.S.C. 634b)
Expand Scope to Include International Economy
This provision amends the primary functions of the Office of Advocacy by adding 'and the international economy' to the existing mandate. This means that when the Office evaluates the impact of proposed regulations on small businesses, it must now explicitly consider their effects within the context of the international economy, not just the domestic one.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this expansion is crucial because global economic factors and international trade agreements increasingly affect domestic small businesses. Explicitly including the international economy ensures a more comprehensive and relevant advocacy for small businesses.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against this provision, as it is seen as a logical update to the Office's mandate in a globalized world. Potential concerns might relate to resource allocation for this expanded scope.
Tradeoffs
The primary tension is ensuring that the Office has adequate resources and expertise to effectively analyze and advocate on international economic matters without detracting from its core domestic responsibilities.
Section 2(a)(2) and (3) of H.R. 832, amending Section 202(9) and (12) of Public Law 94-305 (15 U.S.C. 634b)
Typographical Corrections
This provision makes two minor but important typographical corrections. It changes 'complete' to 'compete' in paragraph (9), clarifying that the Office's function is to help small businesses 'compete' in the marketplace. It also changes 'serviced-disabled' to 'service-disabled' in paragraph (12), ensuring the correct terminology for 'service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses'.
Section 2(b)(3) of H.R. 832, adding Section 203(a)(7) to Public Law 94-305 (15 U.S.C. 634c)
International Advocacy Duty
This provision adds a new duty to the Office of Advocacy, explicitly requiring it to 'represent the views and interests of small businesses before foreign governments and international entities for the purpose of contributing to regulatory and trade initiatives which may affect small businesses.' This formalizes and expands the Office's role in international policy discussions.
Correction of two typographical errors in the existing statute: changing 'complete' to 'compete' and 'serviced-disabled' to 'service-disabled'.
Section 2(a)(2) and (3) of H.R. 832, amending Section 202(9) and (12) of Public Law 94-305 (15 U.S.C. 634b)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for technical corrections. They are often grouped with other amendments to the same section of law, rather than being highlighted as standalone provisions, as their impact is primarily on clarity rather than new policy.
Case for: The case for these corrections is straightforward: they ensure the accuracy and precision of federal law, preventing misinterpretations and correctly identifying the intended scope of the Office's functions and the specific group of veteran-owned businesses.
Case against: There is no substantive case against correcting typographical errors in federal law; these changes are universally considered beneficial for clarity.
Estimated impact: The impact is primarily on the clarity and accuracy of the statutory text, with no direct fiscal or significant policy changes.