U.S. Reps. Roger Williams (R-TX), Nydia Velazquez (D-NY), Brian Babin (R-TX) and Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), criticized the imminent lapse of Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.
The two programs award non-dilutive funding to small business to help them develop technology and chart a path toward commercialization. Although a bill to reauthorize the programs was passed earlier last month by the House, the Senate impasse over the budge prevented the legislation from being passed by the Senate. The previous re-authorization bill expired on Sept. 30.
“We are disappointed that the Senate failed to extend the SBIR and STTR programs, the law makers – members of the House Committee on Small Business or the House Science, Space and Technology Committee – said. “For more than forty years, these initiatives have kept small businesses at the forefront of innovation, strengthened our national defense, and delivered immense returns for taxpayers. A lapse creates uncertainty for innovators and risks slowing progress at a time when global competition is intensifying.”
The House’s one-year extension provided small businesses with certainty while Congress worked toward long-term reauthorization, the law makers said. Without it, research could be delayed, innovation could suffer and America’s competitive edge on the world stage could erode, they said.
“While both chambers continue to work toward reforms and long-term reauthorization, we urge the Senate to move swiftly on a temporary extension of the programs,” they wrote in a statement. “This ensures America’s small businesses can continue advancing breakthroughs and keeping the United States ahead of its competitors.”