This bill was recently introduced and is currently being reviewed by the House Committee on Small Business. It is in the early stages of the lawmaking process and is considered active. There are no upcoming votes scheduled at this time.
Legislative Progress
House
Senate
President
Law
Unlikely to pass
While the bill has bipartisan support from territorial delegates, bills with a very narrow geographic focus often struggle to get attention on the national stage.
Key Points
This bill creates a new program within the Small Business Administration specifically for people living in Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. It aims to give these business owners better access to federal support and government contracts.
Business owners in these territories would get the same kind of help that disadvantaged small businesses currently receive. This includes special training, technical help, and a better chance at winning government work.
Unlike other similar programs, this one would not look at the owner's personal net worth to decide if they qualify. This makes it easier for more people in these islands to get help regardless of their personal savings or assets.
To qualify, a business must be at least 51 percent owned and operated by residents of these Pacific territories. The owners must also prove they have lived in one of these territories for at least 10 years before they can receive help.
Impact Analysis
Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.
Milestones
2 milestones2 actions
Apr 16, 2026House
Referred to the House Committee on Small Business.
Apr 16, 2026
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
No votes, news coverage, or related bills recorded for this bill yet.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Territorial Small Business Development Act of 2026
Bill NumberHR 8343
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred to the House Committee on Small Business.
