What This Bill Does · Plain English
Summary · Congress.gov
Northern Mariana Islands Small Business Access Act This bill expands eligibility for the Small Business Administration microloan program to include entities in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The microloan program provides loans up to $50,000 for small businesses and certain nonprofit childcare centers.
Action Timeline
2026-01-26
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
2026-01-20
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3496.
2026-01-20
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2026-01-20
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H929)
2026-01-20
Mr. Williams (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
2026-01-20
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H929-930)
2026-01-20
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H929)
2025-12-12
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 350.
2025-12-12
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Small Business. H. Rept. 119-402.
2025-12-12
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Small Business. H. Rept. 119-402.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did HR.3496 pass?
HR.3496 is still alive. Current stage: PASSED_ONE. Pass likelihood: pending.
What does HR.3496 do?
Northern Mariana Islands Small Business Access Act This bill expands eligibility for the Small Business Administration microloan program to include entities in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The microloan program provides loans up to $50,000 for small businesses and certain nonprofit childcare centers.
Who sponsored HR.3496?
HR.3496 was sponsored by Kimberlyn King-Hinds (R-Northern Mariana Islands).
Full Bill Text
119 HR 3496 EH: Northern Mariana Islands Small Business Access Act U.S. House of Representatives text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. IB 119th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 3496 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AN ACT To amend the Small Business Act for microloan eligibility for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Northern Mariana Islands Small Business Access Act . 2. Inclusion of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in the microloan program (a) In general Section 7(m)(7)(B) of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 636(m)(7)(B) ) is amended— (1) by inserting , the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands after Guam each place it appears; and (2) in clause (i)(I)(bb), by striking 1/55 and inserting 1/56 . (b) Technical amendment Section 7(m)(11)(C)(ii) of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 636(m)(11)(C)(ii) ) is amended by striking rural and all that follows through the end of the clause and inserting rural; and . Passed the House of Representatives January 20, 2026. Kevin F. McCumber, Clerk.
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