Small Business Committee, Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
This legislation, titled the "ThinkDIFFERENTLY About Disability Employment Act," aims to significantly increase employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities by establishing a formal collaboration between the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the National Council on Disability (NCD). The Administrator of the SBA, in consultation with the NCD Chair, is directed to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding or other agreement to carry out specific activities. These activities include: Providing assistance to individuals with disabilities who wish to become entrepreneurs or be self-employed. Helping individuals with disabilities find employment opportunities within small business concerns. Assisting small businesses with the process of hiring individuals with disabilities and addressing related accessibility issues. Furthermore, the bill mandates that the SBA and NCD conduct extensive outreach and education regarding these initiatives to maximize their impact. A comprehensive report detailing the activities, achievements, and future plans for expanding employment opportunities must be submitted to Congress within two years of enactment. It is important to note that this Act explicitly states that no additional funds are authorized to carry out its requirements, meaning existing resources must be utilized.
Referred to the House Committee on Small Business.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 25 - 0.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 21.
Reported by the Committee on Small Business. H. Rept. 119-32.
Mr. Williams (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2399-2401)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1634.
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2399)
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2399)
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
Commerce
Disability and paralysisDisability assistanceEmployee hiringSmall business
ThinkDIFFERENTLY About Disability Employment Act
USA119th CongressHR-1634| House
| Updated: 6/4/2025
This legislation, titled the "ThinkDIFFERENTLY About Disability Employment Act," aims to significantly increase employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities by establishing a formal collaboration between the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the National Council on Disability (NCD). The Administrator of the SBA, in consultation with the NCD Chair, is directed to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding or other agreement to carry out specific activities. These activities include: Providing assistance to individuals with disabilities who wish to become entrepreneurs or be self-employed. Helping individuals with disabilities find employment opportunities within small business concerns. Assisting small businesses with the process of hiring individuals with disabilities and addressing related accessibility issues. Furthermore, the bill mandates that the SBA and NCD conduct extensive outreach and education regarding these initiatives to maximize their impact. A comprehensive report detailing the activities, achievements, and future plans for expanding employment opportunities must be submitted to Congress within two years of enactment. It is important to note that this Act explicitly states that no additional funds are authorized to carry out its requirements, meaning existing resources must be utilized.