House Passes 'AI for Main Street' Small‑Business Training Bill 395–14

The House of Representatives has overwhelmingly passed the AI for Main Street Act in a 395–14 vote, directing the Small Business Administration and its network of Small Business Development Centers to provide AI training, outreach and education to small firms within their existing budgets. Sponsored by Rep. Mark Alford, R‑Mo., the bill is designed to help startups and Main Street businesses adopt artificial intelligence tools securely, safely, ethically and effectively so they are not left behind larger corporations that are rapidly integrating AI. According to the SBA, at least 900 service locations coordinated through 62 SBDC centers will be part of the implementation, and the measure explicitly does not allocate new funding, instead folding AI support into current operations. Eleven Republicans and three Democrats opposed the bill, but the lopsided margin underscores rare bipartisan consensus that AI policy should include concrete support for smaller enterprises rather than only regulation or big‑tech engagement. The legislation now moves to the Senate, where its broad House backing and lack of new spending could ease consideration even as wider debates continue over AI’s impact on jobs, privacy and competition.