Rep. Nick LaLota (R-NY-01), alongside co-leads Rep. Kelly Morrison (D-MN) and Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-MI), all members of the House Small Business Committee, released the following statements after LaLota’s bipartisan DOE and SBA Research Act passed in the U.S. House of Representatives. This bill supports increased joint research and development activities between the Department of Energy (DOE), National Laboratories—including Brookhaven National Laboratory on Long Island— and the Small Business Administration.

"Small businesses are the backbone of Main Street America, and they deserve a greater opportunity to engage in the groundbreaking research and innovation opportunities emerging from the Department of Energy’s National Labs, including Brookhaven National Lab in my district. My legislation paves a clearer path for partnerships between the federal government and small businesses, driving American innovation forward," said Rep. LaLota. "I will continue to champion small businesses in Congress, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities to contribute to vital advancements in science and technology.”

“Minnesota is a proud home to a strong research and development ecosystem. Research and development is an essential driver of economic growth and a significant determinant of business success – but too often small businesses don’t have the resources they need to engage in these projects. This bill will expand research and development opportunities for small businesses, ensuring they can remain competitive, grow, and thrive. I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan legislation because our small businesses must continue to play a central role in driving American innovation and ingenuity forward,” said Congresswoman Morrison.

"The DOE and SBA Research Act is a game-changer in strengthening collaboration between the Department of Energy and the Small Business Administration, driving innovation and expanding our nation's research and development potential," said Congressman Thanedar. "America stays ahead because of our competitive edge, and this bill will continue to fuel those efforts and bring about change to improve the lives of the American people."

To read the full text of the legislation, click HERE.

Background:

The DOE and SBA Research Act supports increased joint research and development activities between the Department of Energy (DOE), National Laboratories, including Brookhaven National Laboratory, and the Small Business Administration. Specifically, this bill directs the DOE and SBA to conduct collaborative research and development activities, focusing on joint advancement in mission requirements and priorities, and mandate a collaborative report within two years. Additionally, this bill emphasizes the need for research security provisions. The DOE and SBA Research Act will enable Congress to track the effectiveness of these research collaborations, providing a feedback mechanism for strategy adjustments where necessary.