Dear Speaker Johnson and Leader Jeffries:
On behalf of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the millions of businesses we represent across every state, industry, and supply chain, we write to express our strong support for S. 3971, the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act, a five‑year reauthorization of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.
SBIR and STTR are proven engines of innovation that help transform early‑stage research and development into commercially viable products and services. By providing competitive awards to small firms, these programs enable entrepreneurs to bridge the critical “valley of death” between concept and commercialization, bringing cutting‑edge technologies to market, strengthening U.S. supply chains, and supporting high‑quality jobs in communities across the country.
From life sciences and advanced manufacturing to energy, space, defense and cybersecurity, small businesses participating in SBIR and STTR are pioneering solutions that enhance our nation’s economic dynamism, security and global competitiveness. These programs are especially important for first‑time entrants into the federal marketplace, giving innovative startups and smaller firms a pathway to work with agencies such as the Department of Defense, NASA, the National Science Foundation, and others. Many technologies that began as SBIR or STTR projects have since scaled into core capabilities that underpin both our national security and civilian economy.
A lapse or short‑term extension of these authorities has created substantial uncertainty for small businesses, federal agencies, and private investors. Over the past several years, businesses have reported cancelled solicitations, delayed awards, and disruptions to their R&D planning whenever program authority has been allowed to approach expiration. Such instability jeopardizes hiring, capital investment, and long‑term research commitments, and can force promising firms to curtail projects or exit the innovation ecosystem altogether.
By contrast, a full five‑year reauthorization of SBIR and STTR would provide the clarity and predictability necessary for companies and agencies alike to plan multi‑year research and commercialization efforts. It would allow federal partners to maintain robust pipelines of innovative small business solutions, while giving entrepreneurs the confidence to invest in talent, facilities, and new technologies here in the United States rather than abroad.
We commend the effort led by House Small Business Committee Chairman Roger Williams, Ranking Member Nydia Velázquez, House Science, Space and Technology Committee Chairman Brian Babin, and Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren who worked with their Senate counterparts on S. 3971. We urge you to advance the bipartisan, five‑year reauthorization of the SBIR and STTR programs without delay.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce stands ready to work with you and your colleagues to ensure timely passage of this critical reauthorization. Thank you for your continued leadership and for your commitment to America’s small businesses and innovators.
Sincerely,
Rodney Davis
Senior Vice President
Government Affairs
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
