Bills · S 853
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 853Military procurement, research, weapons developmentU.S. and foreign investments
INNOVATE Act
INTRO MAR 5· LAST ACTION JUL 23
READING
40MIN
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-writtenVoters should care about this bill because it aims to accelerate the development of cutting-edge technologies and strengthen America's competitive edge, especially in defense and space. If it becomes law, it could mean more innovative products and solutions developed by small businesses, potentially creating jobs and boosting the economy. It also directly addresses national security concerns by tightening oversight on who receives federal research dollars and protecting intellectual property from foreign adversaries.
Without this bill, the current programs might continue to face challenges in transitioning research into real-world applications, especially for defense needs, and could remain vulnerable to foreign influence. The proposed increase in funding and the creation of 'strategic breakthrough' awards could mean faster innovation and a more robust pipeline of technologies that serve national interests, while the administrative and security updates could make the programs more efficient and secure for taxpayers.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Increases the minimum percentage of work a small business must perform in an STTR Phase I award from 40% to 50% and reduces the research institution's share from 30% to 20%.
This aims to ensure small businesses play a larger, more direct role in the federally funded research they are conducting.
PROVISION 02
Increases the mandatory percentage of federal agency extramural budgets allocated to the SBIR program to 3.45% and the STTR program to 0.20% starting in fiscal year 2026.
This ensures more federal research and development funds are consistently directed towards small businesses.
PROVISION 03
Establishes a 'strategic breakthrough allocation' for the Department of Defense, requiring it to dedicate at least 0.25% of its extramural budget (starting FY2026) for Phase II awards up to $30,000,000 to small businesses without requiring a special waiver.
This provision enables the Department of Defense to more rapidly and substantially fund promising technologies developed by small businesses that are critical for national security.
PROVISION 04
Requires the Department of Defense and NASA to use their STTR budget solely for funding early-stage research (Technology Readiness Levels 1, 2, and 3).
This focuses STTR funds from these agencies on foundational scientific exploration rather than later-stage development.
PROVISION 05
Includes provisions to combat discriminatory practices, encourage new program entrants, and bolster research security to protect against foreign influence.
These measures aim to ensure fair access to opportunities and safeguard sensitive research and development from adversaries.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 0
R· Iowa
YRS IN OFFICE
11
BILLS LED
99
ACTION TIMELINE
4 EVENTSJUL 23
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Hearings held.
MAR 5
Introduced in Senate
MAR 5
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
MAR 5
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Hearings held.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 853
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedMar 5, 2025
Last actionJul 23, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · SMALL BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED MAR 5, 2025
Senate BillS 853Military procurement, research, weapons developmentU.S. and foreign investments
INNOVATE Act
INTRODUCED MAR 5, 2025· LAST ACTION JUL 23, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
40 min
COSPONSORS
0
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
