Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Beth Van Duyne (R-TX-24) announced two important bills, the Small Business Regulatory Reduction Act of 2025 (H.R. 2965), and the American Entrepreneurs First Act (H.R. 2966) have been passed by the House Committee on Small Business. Working with Committee Chairman Roger Williams and bill co-sponsors, Michael Cloud (TX-27), Dan Meuser (PA-09), Aaron Bean (FL-04), and Derek Schmidt (KS-02), Rep. Van Duyne successfully moved the bills through committee to now be offered for consideration by the full House.

The Small Business Regulatory Reduction Act of 2025 (H.R. 2965)

“Just in time for National Small Business Week, I’m excited that this bill is being sent out of committee to be considered on the floor,” said Rep. Van Duyne. “America’s small businesses survived COVID, staggering regulatory burdens, which included a historic $1.8 trillion in regulatory costs, and now, with a business-friendly Trump Administration we can begin to identify and eliminate federal bureaucratic costs that prevent our job creators from developing new products, investing in new equipment, or hiring new employees.”

“Time and again, overregulation has proven to suffocate small businesses. The more paperwork and red tape small business owners must comply with, the fewer resources they have to innovate and grow,” said Chairman Williams. “I want to thank Rep. Van Duyne for introducing the Small Business Regulatory Reduction Act of 2025, which passed out of Committee today. This bill will ensure the true cost of government regulations on small businesses is finally brought to light.”

Background:

• Federal government regulation costs have been estimated to exceed $3 trillion, with most of the burden falling on small businesses.
• This bill will also require the Small Business Administration (SBA) to report annually on the regulatory costs imposed by other federal agencies on small businesses.

Click HERE to read the full bill text.

The American Entrepreneurs First Act (H.R. 2966)

“Americans rightfully expect our tax dollars to be used wisely and to focus on supporting the growth, prosperity, and success of our nation and fellow citizens,” said Rep. Van Duyne. “I’m thankful for Representative Michael Cloud’s support in passing this necessary reform to ensure Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, programs, and services are only accessed by individuals or businesses with verified citizenship status. This is not only important to support American entrepreneurs, but it is also a vital new tool to prevent fraud by foreign criminal elements.”

“For four years, the Biden-Harris SBA approved loans for ineligible, illegal immigrants,” said Chairman Williams. “Thank you to Rep. Van Duyne for introducing the American Entrepreneurs First Act, which passed out of Committee today. This important piece of legislation will require proof of citizenship in SBA assistance applications, ensuring that taxpayer-funded loans only go to American entrepreneurs and, once again, prioritize Main Street America.”

Key Provisions of the American Entrepreneurs First Act:

1. Mandatory Documentation

Loan applicants must provide:

• Date of birth for each individual applicant or owner.
• Certification that the applicant is:
• A U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident (green card holder).
• Or, in the case of a business, 100% owned by individuals who meet the above criteria.

2. No Ineligible Ownership

Applicants must certify that no direct or indirect owner of the business is an “ineligible person.”

3. Lawful Permanent Residents

Must submit their alien registration number as part of the application.

Definition of "Ineligible Person":

Includes individuals who are:

• Asylees or refugees
• Visa holders (temporary residents)
• Nonimmigrants under the Immigration and Nationality Act
• DACA recipients (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)
• Undocumented individuals

Click HERE for bill text.

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