Bills · S 3173
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 3173Fraud offenses and financial crimesCongressional oversight
Stop 8(a) Contracting Fraud Act
INTRO NOV 10· LAST ACTION DEC 10
READING
3MIN
COSPONSORS
0
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it aims to increase accountability and prevent potential misuse or fraud within a significant government contracting program designed to help small, disadvantaged businesses. If this bill becomes law, it could lead to greater transparency in how federal dollars are spent through 8(a) sole source contracts, potentially improving the integrity of the program.
For small businesses, it means a temporary halt on a common pathway to securing government work, which could cause financial uncertainty for some. For taxpayers, it offers a promise of a closer examination of government spending. If the bill does not pass, the SBA would continue awarding these types of contracts without first completing and reporting on the mandated audit, leaving potential vulnerabilities in the program unaddressed.
KEY PROVISIONS
3AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Establishes a temporary stop (moratorium) on the Small Business Administration (SBA) from awarding 'sole source' contracts under its 8(a) business development program.
This pause aims to prevent potential fraud or misuse in non-competitive government contracts awarded to small businesses.
PROVISION 02
Requires the SBA to complete a full audit of its 8(a) business development program and submit the audit findings to Congress before the moratorium can be lifted.
This ensures a thorough review of the program's operations and provides Congress with critical information to oversee its effectiveness and integrity.
PROVISION 03
Allows for a waiver of the moratorium if a contracting officer determines a sole source contract is necessary for national security purposes, with approval from the SBA Administrator or Deputy Administrator.
This provision ensures that critical national security needs can still be met without undue delays, balancing oversight with urgent requirements.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 0
R· Iowa
YRS IN OFFICE
11
BILLS LED
99
ACTION TIMELINE
3 EVENTSDEC 10
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Hearings held.
NOV 10
Introduced in Senate
NOV 10
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 3173
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedNov 10, 2025
Last actionDec 10, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · SMALL BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED NOV 10, 2025
Senate BillS 3173Fraud offenses and financial crimesCongressional oversight
Stop 8(a) Contracting Fraud Act
INTRODUCED NOV 10, 2025· LAST ACTION DEC 10, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
3 min
COSPONSORS
0
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
