Washington, D.C.— Today the House approved bipartisan legislation introduced by Congressman Mike Bost to empower America’s job creators.  Bost’s Stronger Voice for Small Business Act permits job creators to directly appeal to the Small Business Administration (SBA) when challenging an inappropriate SBA size standard, a change that saves small businesses from a costly and time consuming litigation process.

“As a small business owner myself, I understand that small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy,” said Rep. Bost.  “The SBA’s designation of a business as large or small has a major impact in determining whether they can apply for lending or financial assistance programs or whether they receive preference in the sale of goods and services to the Federal Government.  In order to grow jobs and hire more workers, small businesses must have certainty and a clearer definition of the guidelines used to determine their size and status.” 

“The National Small Business Association (NSBA) strongly supports efforts to level the playing field for small firms that still face significant competitive disadvantages when it comes to the federal marketplace,” said Todd McCracken, President and CEO of the NSBA.  “Legislation to enhance fairness, improve transparency and ensure small businesses voices are heard, such as the Stronger Voice for Small Business Act of 2015, are a welcome step in the right direction.”

The legislation also has the support of the National Defense Industrial Association, the American Council of Engineering Companies and The American Institute of Architects.

The bipartisan Stronger Voice for Small Business Act, introduced with Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA), was attached as an amendment to the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).