Senate Reauthorizes SBIR/STTR Programs, Debates Iran War and DHS Shutdown, and Blocks Veterans' Benefits and Epstein Records Bills
The Senate convened for a session marked by the bipartisan reauthorization of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, ensuring continued funding for small businesses in research and development. The chamber also resumed consideration of the motion to proceed to the Housing for the 21st Century Act. Significant floor debate occurred regarding the Trump administration's military actions in Iran and the ongoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown. Additionally, unanimous consent requests for the Major Richard Star Act, aimed at providing full benefits to combat-injured veterans, and the Produce Epstein Treasury Records Act were both objected to, preventing their immediate passage.
This chamber-day saw the successful, bipartisan reauthorization of critical innovation programs, providing stability for thousands of small businesses and impacting national security and medical advancements. However, it also highlighted deep divisions on national security policy, particularly concerning military engagement in Iran and the funding of DHS, as well as on veterans' benefits and government transparency. The objections to key legislation underscore ongoing legislative gridlock on matters with significant fiscal and social implications, leaving several high-stakes issues unresolved and setting the stage for further debate and potential confrontation.
Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act
S. 3971Question before the chamber
Passage of S. 3971.
The case for
Senator Ernst, the chair of the Small Business Committee, highlighted that the bill strengthens America's seed fund programs, SBIR and STTR, by ensuring awardees safeguard technology against foreign espionage, holding recipients accountable, establishing an annual limit on applications to prioritize truly small businesses, creating strategic breakthrough awards, and providing transparency. Senator Markey, the ranking member, emphasized that the bill reopens these vital programs after a 5-month shutdown, which delivers over $4 billion annually to innovative small businesses, supports Federal R&D needs, fosters minority participation, and drives commercialization, leading to breakthroughs in medicine and technology. He noted the bill's bipartisan nature and its reauthorization until 2031 provides stability.
The case against
No opposition was aired in the Record.
Disposition
Passed · unanimous consent
The bill passed, reauthorizing the SBIR and STTR programs until 2031.
Who is affected
- Small businesses and innovators: Receive continued access to over $4 billion in annual funding for research and development, fostering innovation and economic growth.
- Taxpayers: Benefit from increased accountability for federal funds and protection of taxpayer-funded technologies from foreign influence.
- Warfighters and the public: Gain access to cutting-edge technologies and medical breakthroughs resulting from SBIR/STTR funded research.
Major Richard Star Act
S. 1032Question before the chamber
Unanimous consent for immediate passage of S. 1032, followed by a request for a scheduled vote on the bill.
The case for
Senator Blumenthal argued that the Major Richard Star Act addresses a 'glaring and egregious injustice' affecting 50,000 combat-injured veterans who are forced to medically retire with less than 20 years of service and cannot collect both retirement benefits and VA disability compensation. He stated that their retirement pay is reduced dollar-for-dollar by their disability benefits, despite having earned both. He emphasized that the nation has a moral imperative to correct this, citing overwhelming bipartisan support (77 cosponsors) and the collective call from veterans service organizations. He also countered cost concerns by stating that providing for veterans is part of the cost of war and that the country can afford to do the right thing.
The case against
Senator Johnson objected to the unanimous consent requests, citing concerns about the bill's cost, which he stated had increased from an assumed $9-10 billion to a current estimate of $70-75 billion. He argued that such a significant expenditure, without identified offsets, would come out of military readiness and contribute to the national debt. He also characterized the benefits as a 'double benefit' and insisted that the legislation should go through the regular committee process for scrutiny and debate, rather than being passed by unanimous consent.
Disposition
Failed to pass by unanimous consent · other
Both unanimous consent requests for the Major Richard Star Act were objected to, preventing its immediate passage or the scheduling of a vote.
Who is affected
- Combat-injured veterans with less than 20 years of service: Continue to face a dollar-for-dollar reduction in their military retirement pay due to their VA disability benefits, impacting their financial well-being.
- Taxpayers: Would bear the cost of the estimated $70-75 billion expenditure if the bill were to pass without offsets, raising concerns about national debt and military funding.
Produce Epstein Treasury Records Act
S. 2746Question before the chamber
Unanimous consent for immediate consideration and passage of S. 2746, with a Wyden substitute amendment at the desk.
The case for
Senator Wyden argued that the bill is essential to compel the Treasury Department to release Jeffrey Epstein's bank records, which he described as a 'roadmap of Epstein's financial history' and evidence of possible financial crimes, including 4,725 wire transfers totaling over $1 billion. He stated that these records, including suspicious activity reports (SARs), could reveal who funded and enabled Epstein, where payments went, connections to organized crime, and how Epstein controlled victims. He accused Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent of 'hiding these bank records' and 'covering up for pedophiles, sex traffickers, and, quite possibly, drug cartels,' contrasting this with the administration's aggressive stance on other investigations.
The case against
Senator Crapo objected, stating that the Justice Department is already publicly releasing millions of pages of Epstein files in response to the Epstein Files Transparency Act. He noted that the House Oversight Committee has specifically requested the Treasury documents and received assurances of full cooperation. Senator Crapo argued that the Senate Finance Committee, which Senator Wyden chairs, does not have specific subject matter jurisdiction over bank suspicious activity reports (SARs), which falls under the Banking Committee, and that the Senate should not duplicate or confound the ongoing House investigation, which is already dealing with massive amounts of information.
Disposition
Failed to pass by unanimous consent · other
The unanimous consent request for the Produce Epstein Treasury Records Act was objected to, preventing its immediate consideration and passage.
Amendments
- A substitute amendment by Mr. Wyden was at the desk, to be considered and agreed to if the unanimous consent request passed. (Mr. Wyden) — Not considered due to objection to the UC request
Who is affected
- Victims of Jeffrey Epstein's trafficking network: Justice for victims may be delayed or incomplete without full access to financial records that could identify enablers and co-conspirators.
- The public: Access to information regarding high-profile financial crimes and potential government cover-ups is restricted, impacting public trust and accountability.
- Financial institutions: May face continued scrutiny regarding their past dealings with Jeffrey Epstein and their compliance with anti-money laundering regulations.
SBIR and STTR Programs Reauthorized Until 2031
highThe Senate unanimously passed S. 3971, the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act, reauthorizing the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs until 2031. This bipartisan measure aims to strengthen America's seed fund programs, ensure research security against foreign influence, and provide certainty to small businesses after a 5-month lapse in funding.
Motion to Proceed to Housing for the 21st Century Act Resumed
mediumThe Senate resumed consideration of the motion to proceed to H.R. 6644, the Housing for the 21st Century Act, a bill intended to increase the supply of housing in America. This procedural step indicates ongoing legislative focus on addressing housing affordability and supply issues.
Major Richard Star Act Blocked by Unanimous Consent Objection
highSenator Blumenthal's unanimous consent requests for the immediate passage of S. 1032, the Major Richard Star Act, and subsequently for a scheduled vote on the bill, were both objected to by Senator Johnson. The bill aims to allow combat-injured veterans to receive both retirement benefits and disability compensation without offset, but was opposed due to concerns over its estimated $70-75 billion cost and the need for regular committee process.
Produce Epstein Treasury Records Act Blocked by Unanimous Consent Objection
highSenator Wyden's unanimous consent request for the immediate consideration and passage of S. 2746, the Produce Epstein Treasury Records Act, was objected to by Senator Crapo. The bill sought to compel the Treasury Department to release Jeffrey Epstein's bank records, which Senator Wyden argued are crucial for investigating Epstein's financial network and potential crimes.
Senator Tillis Announces Holds on DHS Nominations and Legislation
highSenator Tillis announced he would block all en bloc nominations and any nominations or legislative markups from the Finance, Banking, Judiciary, or Veterans' Affairs Committees until he receives answers from DHS Secretary Kristi Noem regarding FEMA's Hurricane Helene response, Operation Charlotte's Web, and alleged obstruction of an Inspector General investigation. He cited the Secretary's refusal to provide requested data and her alleged incompetence.