H.R. 5568: Funding Small Businesses During Shutdown Act

This bill, titled the Funding Small Businesses During Shutdown Act, aims to ensure that certain programs of the Small Business Administration (SBA) continue to receive funding even when there is a government shutdown. The key points are as follows:

Funding Continuation

The bill appropriates funds for the fiscal year 2026 to maintain certain loan programs under the SBA during periods when discretionary appropriations lapse due to a government shutdown. Specifically, it allows for:

• $500,000 for loans made under subsection (m) of section 7 of the Small Business Act.
• $2,916,666,667 for loans made under subsection (a) of section 7 of the Small Business Act.
• $1,250,000,000 for loans made under title V of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958.
• $13,775,000 for administrative expenses related to the loan program under subsection (m) of section 7 of the Small Business Act.

Duration of Funding

The appropriated funds would cover any 30-day period of funding lapse due to a government shutdown. If the shutdown lasts less than 30 days, the funding would be adjusted accordingly on a pro-rated basis.

Goals of the Bill

The intent of this legislation is to provide consistent support for small businesses by ensuring that the necessary financial services, such as loan processing and administration, remain operational, even when the government faces funding challenges.

Impact of the Bill

By securing funding for small business loans, the bill aims to mitigate disruptions to the small business sector during governmental funding impasses, thus supporting continued economic activity and stability in this segment of the economy.

Relevant Companies

None found