Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act

Bill Number

H.R. 7396

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Native Americans

Status

Passed House

Latest Action

2026-06-24: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

Last Updated

2026-07-06T20:01:21Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose The legislation establishes an Office of Native American Affairs within the Small Business Administration to improve access to entrepreneurial development, contracting, and capital programs for Native American communities and to support economic growth in Indian country.

Key Provisions

• Creates the Office of Native American Affairs, led by an Assistant Administrator for Native American Affairs appointed by and reporting to the SBA Administrator.
• Defines key terms, including Indian Tribe and Native Hawaiian Organization, drawing from existing Small Business Act references.
• Tasks the office with building relationships with Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian Organizations to help create or expand small businesses owned and controlled by their members.
• Requires the Assistant Administrator to offer assistance such as grants, training, counseling, and outreach; collaborate with other SBA offices and federal agencies; conduct Tribal consultations; and recommend office budgets.
• Mandates annual reports to Congress on clients served, consultations held, and trainings conducted until the office ends.
• Sets a termination date for the office's authority seven years after enactment.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Amends the Small Business Act by inserting a new Section 49 and redesignating the prior Section 49 as Section 50.
• Introduces a dedicated structure and leadership position focused on Native American small business needs, along with authority for financial assistance and interagency coordination not previously specified in this manner.

Potential Impacts

• On government agencies: Increases SBA responsibilities for targeted outreach and requires coordination with other federal programs serving similar interests.
• On citizens and communities: Aims to expand resources for small business development in Tribal areas and Native Hawaiian communities.
• On international relations: No direct effects identified.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian Organizations.
• Small businesses owned and controlled by members of Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian Organizations.
• The Small Business Administration and its leadership.
• Other federal agencies involved in related economic development programs.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Incorporates Tribal consultation requirements, reflecting government-to-government principles with federally recognized Tribes.
• Creates a time-limited office with a seven-year sunset, limiting long-term structural changes to the SBA.
• Focuses on culturally tailored assistance without altering broader constitutional authorities related to Indian affairs.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Davids, Sharice [D-KS-3]

Cosponsors (4)

Rep. Ellzey, Jake [R-TX-6], Rep. Morrison, Kelly [D-MN-3], Rep. Crane, Elijah [R-AZ-2], Rep. Scholten, Hillary J. [D-MI-3]

Recent Actions

• 2026-06-24: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
• 2026-06-23: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
• 2026-06-23: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4138-4139)
• 2026-06-23: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
• 2026-06-23: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 7396.
• 2026-06-23: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4138-4140)
• 2026-06-23: Mr. Williams (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
• 2026-02-17: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 424.
• 2026-02-17: Reported by the Committee on Small Business. H. Rept. 119-498.
• 2026-02-17: Reported by the Committee on Small Business. H. Rept. 119-498.
• 2026-02-11: Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 24 - 0.
• 2026-02-11: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
• 2026-02-05: Referred to the House Committee on Small Business.
• 2026-02-05: Introduced in House
• 2026-02-05: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act — issued 2026-06-23 — PDF (8 pages)
• Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act — issued 2026-02-05 — PDF (5 pages)
• Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act — issued 2026-06-24 — PDF (6 pages)
• Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act — issued 2026-02-17 — PDF (8 pages)