{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://alford.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1676", "Alford Bill to Facilitate Small Business Technology Adoption Passes House", "2026-06-24", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "House", "MO", "Mark Alford", "A000379", "alford.house.gov", "alford", "https://alford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC\u2014Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Congressman Mark Alford\u2019s (MO-04) Small Business Technological Advancement Act (H.R. 915), bipartisan legislation that ensures small businesses can use SBA 7(a) loans to invest in modern digital tools and technology needed to compete in today\u2019s economy.\n\n\u201cSmall businesses are the backbone of the American economy. They create jobs, strengthen communities, and drive innovation across this country,\u201d said Congressman Alford. \u201cBut in today\u2019s economy, they cannot compete without access to modern technology and digital tools.\n\nThis bill provides a simple, commonsense fix by making clear that SBA 7(a) loans can be used for the technology that keeps Main Street competitive \u2014 including software, cloud services, cybersecurity, and other essential tools. It removes uncertainty, expands opportunity, and helps entrepreneurs focus on what they do best: growing their businesses and creating jobs,\" said Congressman Alford.\n\nWatch Congressman Alford\u2019s remarks on the House floor here.\n\nThe bill clarifies that loan funds may be used for essential business technologies such as accounting software, payroll systems, cybersecurity tools, inventory management platforms, cloud services, and emerging artificial intelligence applications. By codifying current federal guidance, the legislation streamlines access to capital and helps small businesses modernize and grow.\n\nThe House Small Business Committee previously advanced the legislation with strong bipartisan support.\n\nThe bill now heads to the Senate for further consideration.\n\n###", 1, "2026-06-25T06:30:03Z", "2026-06-25T06:31:21Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://alford.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1676"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 0.9419568814337254, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}