Improving SBA Engagement on Employee Ownership Act

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Bill ID: 119/hr/5778
Last Updated: January 16, 2026

Sponsored by

Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10]

ID: M001229

Bill's Journey to Becoming a Law

Track this bill's progress through the legislative process

Latest Action

Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 358.

December 17, 2025

Introduced

📍 Current Status

Next: The bill will be reviewed by relevant committees who will debate, amend, and vote on it.

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Committee Review

🗳️

Floor Action

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Passed House

🏛️

Senate Review

🎉

Passed Congress

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Presidential Action

⚖️

Became Law

📚 How does a bill become a law?

1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.

2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.

3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.

4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.

5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.

6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.

7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!

Bill Summary

Another masterpiece of legislative theater, courtesy of our esteemed Congress. Let's dissect this farce and uncover the real disease beneath.

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The "Improving SBA Engagement on Employee Ownership Act" (HR 5778) claims to promote employee ownership and cooperatives by improving outreach and education. How quaint. In reality, it's a thinly veiled attempt to justify more bureaucratic busywork and pork-barrel spending.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill amends existing laws to require the Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator to attend working groups and meetings on cooperatives and employee ownership. Oh, the thrill of mandatory attendance at tedious government gatherings! It also tweaks the Small Business Investment Company Program outreach to include investors and limited partners. Wow, what a bold move.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The SBA, small businesses, employees, and investors are all supposedly impacted by this bill. But let's be real – the only stakeholders who truly matter are the politicians and bureaucrats who get to justify their existence with more pointless meetings and programs.

**Potential Impact & Implications:** This bill will have a negligible impact on employee ownership or cooperatives. It's a classic case of "legislative placebo" – a feel-good measure that does nothing to address the underlying issues. The real implications are:

* More bureaucratic red tape for small businesses * Increased opportunities for politicians to grandstand and claim credit for doing something, anything * A further waste of taxpayer dollars on ineffective programs and meetings

Diagnosis: This bill suffers from "Bureaucratic Enlargement Syndrome" – a condition where government agencies and politicians inflate their importance by creating more unnecessary programs and regulations. The symptoms are clear: pointless amendments, redundant language, and a complete lack of meaningful action.

Treatment: None required, as this bill is already doomed to fail. However, I'd prescribe a healthy dose of skepticism and critical thinking for the voters who elect these charlatans. Maybe then they'll realize that their politicians are more interested in self-preservation than actual governance.

Related Topics

Civil Rights & Liberties Small Business & Entrepreneurship Federal Budget & Appropriations Congressional Rules & Procedures State & Local Government Affairs National Security & Intelligence Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement Transportation & Infrastructure Government Operations & Accountability
Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (Dr. Haus personality)

đź’° Campaign Finance Network

Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10]

Congress 119 • 2024 Election Cycle

Total Contributions
$67,150
23 donors
PACs
$0
Organizations
$1,250
Committees
$0
Individuals
$65,650

No PAC contributions found

1
ELECTION FUND OF CRAIG J. COUGHLIN
1 transaction
$1,000
2
ELECTION FUND OF PATRICK COUNCIL
1 transaction
$250

No committee contributions found

1
JACOBS, IRWIN
1 transaction
$3,300
2
HANINI, SAMER
1 transaction
$3,300
3
JACOBS, JOSEPH
1 transaction
$3,300
4
PANEPINTO, JOSEPH
1 transaction
$3,300
5
GOMES, JOE
1 transaction
$3,300
6
ISSA, MARK
1 transaction
$3,300
7
JORGE, LEE
1 transaction
$3,300
8
PAGLIERI, WAYNE
1 transaction
$3,300
9
SALERMO, RALPH
1 transaction
$3,300
10
BAPTISTE, LEON
1 transaction
$3,300
11
BOHLIN, TIFFANY
1 transaction
$3,300
12
ERMEUS, BREITNER
1 transaction
$3,300
13
FERRARA, JOAQUIN
1 transaction
$3,300
14
GENOVA, ANGELO
1 transaction
$3,300
15
GUPTA, URMILA
1 transaction
$3,300
16
GUPTA, VIJAY
1 transaction
$3,300
17
MEROLA, MICHAEL
1 transaction
$3,300
18
KUKREJA, MAHESH
1 transaction
$3,300
19
GUPTA, NEERU
1 transaction
$3,250
20
PARRA, MARK
1 transaction
$3,000

Cosponsors & Their Campaign Finance

This bill has 5 cosponsors. Below are their top campaign contributors.

Rep. Bresnahan, Robert P. [R-PA-8]

ID: B001327

Top Contributors

10

1
TAMBUR, ROBERT L.
TFP LIMITED • OWNER
Individual SHAVERTOWN, PA
$13,200
Dec 31, 2023
2
BATMASIAN, JAMES
INVESTMENTS LIMITED • OWNER
Individual BOCA RATON, FL
$7,906
Jun 30, 2024
3
BATMASIAN, JAMES
Individual BOCA RATON, FL
$7,906
Jun 30, 2024
4
BRESNAHAN, DODIE
WYOMING ELECTRIC SIGNAL INC • VP
Individual PITTSTON, PA
$6,600
Dec 27, 2023
5
CONFORTI, ANGELO
KUHARCHIK CONSTRUCTION LLC • MANAGER
Individual DUPONT, PA
$6,600
Dec 31, 2023
6
KUHARCHIK, RHODA
NONE • RETIRED
Individual WEST PITTSTON, PA
$6,600
Dec 30, 2023
7
CAMERON, RONALD
MOUNTAIRE CORP • CHAIRMAN
Individual LITTLE ROCK, AR
$6,600
Feb 9, 2024
8
EMMET, RICHARD
NONE • RETIRED
Individual LARCHMONT, NY
$6,600
Feb 22, 2024
9
GILLIAM, RICHARD
CUMBERLAND DEVELOPMENT • MANAGER
Individual CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA
$6,600
Feb 8, 2024
10
GRIFFIN, KENNETH
CITADEL • CEO
Individual MIAMI, FL
$6,600
Apr 1, 2024

Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7]

ID: V000081

Top Contributors

0

No contribution data available

Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]

ID: F000466

Top Contributors

10

1
SANTA YNEZ BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
Organization SANTA YNEZ, CA
$1,500
Dec 31, 2024
2
STATA FAMILY OFFICE
Organization
$500
Apr 26, 2024
3
ASHER, ROBERT B.
Individual GWYNEDD VALLEY, PA
$10,000
Oct 9, 2024
4
ASHER, ROBERT B.
ASHER CHOCOLATES • CHAIRMAN
Individual GWYNEDD VALLEY, PA
$10,000
Sep 30, 2024
5
LEVY, EDWARD JR
EDW C LEVY CO • CHAIRMAN
Individual BIRMINGHAM, MI
$6,600
Feb 26, 2024
6
CROTTY, THOMAS
RETIRED • RETIRED
Individual SCOTTSDALE, AZ
$6,600
Feb 27, 2024
7
EVANS, ROGER
GREYLOCK PARTNERS • PARTNER EMERITUS
Individual SAN FRANCISCO, CA
$6,600
Feb 27, 2024
8
LEACH, RONALD
NPX ONE • CHAIRMAN & CEO
Individual GENEVA, IL
$6,600
Feb 28, 2024
9
MCCLAIN, MARK
SAILPOINT • CEO
Individual AUSTIN, TX
$6,600
Mar 2, 2024
10
CROTTY, THOMAS
Individual SCOTTSDALE, AZ
$6,600
Mar 8, 2024

Rep. Cisneros, Gilbert Ray [D-CA-31]

ID: C001123

Top Contributors

10

1
ACTBLUE
CONDUIT TOTAL LISTED IN AGG. FIELD
PAC SOMERVILLE, MA
$3,300
Nov 5, 2023
2
ACTBLUE
CONDUIT TOTAL LISTED IN AGG. FIELD
PAC SOMERVILLE, MA
$3,300
Nov 12, 2023
3
ACTBLUE
CONDUIT TOTAL LISTED IN AGG. FIELD
PAC SOMERVILLE, MA
$3,300
Oct 8, 2023
4
ACTBLUE
CONDUIT TOTAL LISTED IN AGG. FIELD
PAC SOMERVILLE, MA
$3,300
Nov 12, 2023
5
ACTBLUE
CONDUIT TOTAL LISTED IN AGG. FIELD
PAC SOMERVILLE, MA
$3,300
Dec 24, 2023
6
ACTBLUE
CONDUIT TOTAL LISTED IN AGG. FIELD
PAC SOMERVILLE, MA
$3,300
Oct 8, 2023
7
ACTBLUE
CONDUIT TOTAL LISTED IN AGG. FIELD
PAC SOMERVILLE, MA
$2,500
Oct 8, 2023
8
ACTBLUE
CONDUIT TOTAL LISTED IN AGG. FIELD
PAC SOMERVILLE, MA
$2,500
Nov 26, 2023
9
ACTBLUE
CONDUIT TOTAL LISTED IN AGG. FIELD
PAC SOMERVILLE, MA
$2,300
Dec 10, 2023
10
ACTBLUE
CONDUIT TOTAL LISTED IN AGG. FIELD
PAC SOMERVILLE, MA
$2,000
Nov 12, 2023

Rep. Goodlander, Maggie [D-NH-2]

ID: G000604

Top Contributors

10

1
MCLAUGHLIN, JANE
NOT EMPLOYED • NOT EMPLOYED
Individual LYME, NH
$4,500
Aug 24, 2024
2
FLORY, ROBERT H. JR
FLORY INVESTMENTS, INC. • PRESIDENT
Individual DAMARISCOTTA, ME
$4,100
Sep 30, 2024
3
FLORY, ROBERT H. JR
FLORY INVESTMENTS, INC. • PRESIDENT
Individual DAMARISCOTTA, ME
$4,100
Sep 30, 2024
4
KRAUSZ, STEVEN
US VENTURE PARTNERS • VENTURE CAPITAL
Individual PORTOLA VALLEY, CA
$3,300
Oct 23, 2024
5
HIRSHBERG, GARY
STONYFIELD FARM INC. • SENIOR ADVISOR
Individual CONCORD, NH
$3,300
Oct 22, 2024
6
DRAKE, LAWRENCE C JR
NOT EMPLOYED • NOT EMPLOYED
Individual PORTSMOUTH, NH
$3,300
Oct 19, 2024
7
CUTLER, DOULGAS
CUTLER MANAGEMENT CORP • MANAGEMENT
Individual DANIA, FL
$3,300
Oct 17, 2024
8
JAMES, AMABEL
NOT EMPLOYED • NOT EMPLOYED
Individual NEW YORK, NY
$3,300
Oct 24, 2024
9
NUNNELLY, MARK
NOT EMPLOYED • NOT EMPLOYED
Individual DOVER, MA
$3,300
Oct 21, 2024
10
ROBY, DAVID M.
NOT EMPLOYED • NOT EMPLOYED
Individual LYME, NH
$3,300
Oct 28, 2024

Donor Network - Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10]

PACs
Organizations
Individuals
Politicians

Hub layout: Politicians in center, donors arranged by type in rings around them.

Loading...

Showing 37 nodes and 35 connections

Total contributions: $130,762

Top Donors - Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10]

Showing top 23 donors by contribution amount

2 Orgs1 Committee20 Individuals

Project 2025 Policy Matches

This bill shows semantic similarity to the following sections of the Project 2025 policy document. AI-enhanced analysis provides detailed alignment ratings.

Introduction

Strong
Vector: 71%
Pages: 783-785 AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"HR 5778 aligns with Project 2025's objective of reforming the SBA to better serve small businesses, specifically by improving outreach and education efforts on employee ownership. The bill's focus on enhancing the SBA's engagement with small businesses and cooperatives supports the policy's goal of a more effective and responsive agency."

Key themes: SBA Reform Small Business Support Outreach and Education Employee Ownership

— 750 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise THE SBA IN A CONSERVATIVE ADMINISTRATION Reforming and restructuring the SBA under a conservative Administration would meet the needs of America’s small-business owners and entrepreneurs, not special interests in Washington, D.C. Entrepreneurs believe the SBA is fairly archaic in its operations and programming and must be transformed to serve small businesses in the modern economy effectively.33 Therefore, a restructured and reformed SBA would end the long-term deficiencies, practices, and problems that have prolonged the decades-long cycle of waste, fraud, and mismanagement. Moreover, the SBA Administrator and leadership can provide significant value to all small businesses by strongly advocating for their policy needs and fostering an agencywide culture that values all small-business owners and does not exclude certain groups. Under a conservative Administration, success would yield: l A highly qualified SBA Administrator and leadership team that can competently run the agency and enthusiastically advocate for the policy issues and needs of small-business owners and entrepreneurs. l A tighter, more focused SBA that concentrates on congressionally authorized programs. l An accountable SBA Administrator and staff who report regularly to Congress, respond on a timely basis to requests from individual Members of Congress, and satisfactorily implement or respond to IG and GAO recommendations. l A full accounting of and an end to waste, fraud, and abuse in all COVID-19 relief programs, including the PPP and EIDL programs, and action that follows the rule of law by ensuring that loan recipients who are not eligible for loan forgiveness or who falsified loan applications either pay back the funds or are referred to law enforcement. l An end to SBA direct lending. l An approach to small-business lending and capital programs that supports a resilient small-business supply chain (for example, by financing technological upgrades and capital expenditures). l Outreach to all small businesses and those that are eligible for program support across sectors and geographic areas. Through congressionally authorized programs and collaboration with partners and business associations, the SBA could use the latest technology and platforms to

Introduction

Strong
Vector: 71%
Pages: 783-785 AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"HR 5778 aligns with Project 2025's policy objective of reforming and restructuring the SBA to better serve small businesses, specifically by improving outreach and education efforts on employee ownership. The bill's focus on enhancing the SBA's engagement with small businesses and cooperatives supports the policy's goal of a more effective and accountable SBA."

Key themes: SBA Reform Small Business Support Employee Ownership Outreach and Education

— 750 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise THE SBA IN A CONSERVATIVE ADMINISTRATION Reforming and restructuring the SBA under a conservative Administration would meet the needs of America’s small-business owners and entrepreneurs, not special interests in Washington, D.C. Entrepreneurs believe the SBA is fairly archaic in its operations and programming and must be transformed to serve small businesses in the modern economy effectively.33 Therefore, a restructured and reformed SBA would end the long-term deficiencies, practices, and problems that have prolonged the decades-long cycle of waste, fraud, and mismanagement. Moreover, the SBA Administrator and leadership can provide significant value to all small businesses by strongly advocating for their policy needs and fostering an agencywide culture that values all small-business owners and does not exclude certain groups. Under a conservative Administration, success would yield: l A highly qualified SBA Administrator and leadership team that can competently run the agency and enthusiastically advocate for the policy issues and needs of small-business owners and entrepreneurs. l A tighter, more focused SBA that concentrates on congressionally authorized programs. l An accountable SBA Administrator and staff who report regularly to Congress, respond on a timely basis to requests from individual Members of Congress, and satisfactorily implement or respond to IG and GAO recommendations. l A full accounting of and an end to waste, fraud, and abuse in all COVID-19 relief programs, including the PPP and EIDL programs, and action that follows the rule of law by ensuring that loan recipients who are not eligible for loan forgiveness or who falsified loan applications either pay back the funds or are referred to law enforcement. l An end to SBA direct lending. l An approach to small-business lending and capital programs that supports a resilient small-business supply chain (for example, by financing technological upgrades and capital expenditures). l Outreach to all small businesses and those that are eligible for program support across sectors and geographic areas. Through congressionally authorized programs and collaboration with partners and business associations, the SBA could use the latest technology and platforms to — 751 — Small Business Administration implement relevant initiatives to reach small businesses. Programs would be nonduplicative and implemented on a first-come, first-served basis. l A modern, revamped, and streamlined SBA that better utilizes current technology and platforms for operations, for reporting, and in its programs to reach, service, and engage small businesses. l An Office of Advocacy that is strengthened by a renewed mandate and additional resources to protect against overregulation along with a research agenda that includes measuring the total cost that federal regulation imposes on small businesses. Accountability and Managerial Practice. The SBA lacks accountability and managerial practices to measure the effectiveness, success, and integrity of its various programs. As a future Administration evaluates agency structure and the particulars of how the SBA is spending appropriated funds, it should immediately require actions and procedures to compel a culture of accountability and perfor- mance. Specifically: l Require performance metrics and internal procedures to safeguard taxpayer dollars and program integrity. As noted in an October 2022 IG report, failure to adopt procedures that would reliably capture data and information for various programs, coupled with significant challenges and weaknesses regarding IT investments, systems development, and security controls, presents significant risks to program integrity and increased risk of waste, fraud, and abuse.34 Addressing these shortcomings and risks should be a priority challenge and action item for the next Administration. As underscored by the Inspector General in his introduction to the report, “Pandemic response has, in many instances, magnified the challenging systemic issues in SBA’s mission-related work.”35 l Review all internal government watchdog recommendations and require that SBA management implement or address outstanding and ongoing OIG and GAO recommendations within a specified time frame (ideally within 90 days of a recommendation) and on an ongoing basis. Strengthening the Office of Advocacy. The SBA Office of Advocacy (Advo- cacy) is “an independent office” within the SBA.36 It accounts for about one one-thousandth of SBA spending and 0.75 percent of SBA personnel. Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act, both under its current authority and with suggested

About These Correlations

Policy matches are calculated using a hybrid approach: initial candidates are found using semantic similarity between bill summaries and Project 2025 policy text, then an AI model (Llama 3.1 70B) provides detailed alignment ratings and analysis. Ratings range from 1 (minimal alignment) to 5 (very strong alignment). This analysis does not imply direct causation or intent.

Full Policy Text