Senator Edward J. Markey advanced the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act, bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.
Support and work to reauthorize the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.
Occurrences
We must work to make these programs permanent because entrepreneurs and innovators should be in the lab focusing on their work—not worrying about what is happening in Washington.
Senator Markey introduced the SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act of 2025, aiming to make the programs permanent and expand them. The legislation sought to provide stability and increased funding for small businesses engaged in research and development.
Evidence
On March 3, 2026, Senator Edward J. Markey advanced the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act, bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. The bill passed the Senate by voice vote and moved to the House of Representatives for consideration.
On March 17, 2026, the House of Representatives passed the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act, which reauthorizes the SBIR and STTR programs for five years. Senator Markey praised the passage, noting that the legislation is expected to become law, reopening the programs and keeping them authorized through September 30, 2031.
On May 1, 2025, Senator Markey introduced the SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act of 2025, aiming to make the programs permanent and expand them. The legislation sought to provide stability and increased funding for small businesses engaged in research and development.
On March 5, 2025, during a Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee hearing, Senator Markey advocated for making the SBIR and STTR programs permanent, emphasizing their importance to innovation and economic growth.
Assessments
Delivered. During Senator Markey's current federal Senate term, he introduced and advocated for SBIR/STTR reauthorization legislation, helped advance the bipartisan Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act through the Senate by voice vote on March 3, 2026, and the House passed it on March 17, 2026. Subsequent reporting indicates the measure was signed into law in April 2026, reauthorizing SBIR and STTR through September 30, 2031. This directly fulfills the promise to support and work to reauthorize the programs, with clear candidate contribution and same-term timing.
The evidence confirms Senator Markey both supported and worked to reauthorize the SBIR and STTR programs. He introduced relevant legislation, championed the effort in committee hearings, and advanced a bipartisan reauthorization bill that passed both the Senate and the House. The legislation is expected to become law, fulfilling the intent and letter of his campaign promise within the same term.