A resolution celebrating the extraordinary accomplishments and vital role of women business owners in the United States.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 116
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Commerce
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-03-06: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (text: CR S1609)
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-27T01:09:17Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 116) aims to recognize and celebrate the contributions of women-owned businesses to the U.S. economy, highlighting their growth, employment impact, and entrepreneurial achievements.
Key Provisions
- Background Facts ("Whereas" Clauses):
- There are over 14.5 million women-owned businesses in the U.S.
- These businesses employ more than 12.9 million people.
- They generate $3.3 trillion in annual revenue.
- They have grown at nearly twice the national average rate.
- Their share of all U.S. businesses increased from 4.6% in 1972 to 39.2% in 2024.
- Senate Actions ("Resolved" Clause):
- Recognizes the vital role of women-owned businesses in the U.S. economy.
- Commends the entrepreneurial spirit of women business owners.
- Celebrates women entrepreneurs across the country.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
None. This is a non-binding resolution that expresses congressional sentiment and does not amend, repeal, or enact any laws or regulations.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens and Businesses: May raise public awareness of women's economic contributions, potentially inspiring more women to start businesses or seek support, but has no direct legal or financial effects.
- On Government Agencies: No operational changes; it could encourage agencies like the Small Business Administration to highlight women-owned businesses in reports or programs.
- On International Relations: Negligible, as it focuses on domestic economic recognition without foreign policy elements.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Women Business Owners and Entrepreneurs: Primary beneficiaries through formal acknowledgment of their achievements.
- U.S. Economy and Workforce: Indirectly affected via emphasis on the sector's growth and job creation.
- Bipartisan Sponsors: Introduced by Senators Risch, Peters, Crapo, Rosen, Shaheen, Kennedy, Britt, Collins, Kelly, and Markey, indicating broad political support.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: As a simple resolution, it requires only a majority vote in the Senate and does not need House or presidential approval; it aligns with Congress's power to express opinions under Article I of the Constitution but carries no enforceable weight.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan consensus on promoting gender equity in business, potentially influencing future legislation on small business support or women's economic empowerment without partisan controversy. Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation for consideration.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (10)
Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI], Sen. Crapo, Mike [R-ID], Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV], Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH], Sen. Kennedy, John [R-LA], Sen. Britt, Katie Boyd [R-AL], Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME], Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ], Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA], Sen. Sullivan, Dan [R-AK]
Recent Actions
- 2025-03-06: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (text: CR S1609)
- 2025-03-06: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Celebrating the extraordinary accomplishments and vital role of women business owners in the United States. — issued 2025-03-06 — PDF (2 pages)