Full Committee Markup

The House Committee on Small Business held a full committee markup session focusing on legislation aimed at strengthening oversight and fraud prevention within the Small Business Administration (SBA) loan programs, particularly those related to pandemic relief funds. Key bills discussed included HR 7401, the Small Business Lending Fraud Prevention Act, which mandates SBA employees to disclose conflicts of interest to prevent fraudulent loan approvals; HR 7396, the Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act, which seeks to establish and codify the SBA's Office of Native American Affairs to better support Native-owned businesses; and HR 7412, the Put America on Commission Act of 2026, which proposes creating an Office of Whistleblower Awards to incentivize reporting of fraudulent pandemic loan activities. The committee emphasized the importance of recovering misappropriated funds, enhancing transparency, and supporting small businesses, especially in underserved communities. All bills were reported favorably to the House with unanimous support, reflecting bipartisan commitment to improving SBA loan program integrity and support.