Oversight and Transparency for Small Business Certifications Act of 2026

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, Congress' ability to conduct effective oversight depends on regular access to information on the programs and authorities that SBA uses to assist small businesses.

The committee has repeatedly experienced issues with SBA responses and reporting on the small business procurement programs, including the WOSB certifications, the 8(a) Business Development program, and the Unified Certification Platform.

Currently, the SBA is not providing needed information, including regular reports and basic data on contracting certifications that have been routinely provided in the past.

This bill would help to ensure that we have consistent information and a more complete picture on one of the SBA's core missions, certifying small business Federal contractors. Small business government contractors already face barriers to entering and competing in the Federal market. An SBA certification should not be an additional burden.

I thank the chairman for his support, and I thank Representative Wied for his co-leading on this bill.

Mr. Speaker, small businesses are critical partners with the Federal Government. They provide goods and services to support agency mission needs, and they make up critical links throughout the supply chain.

Passing this legislation will ensure the committee has timely information on the applications, certifications, and platforms that allow small firms to enter and have success in the Federal market. I urge all Members to vote ``yes'' on my bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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