House passes AI for Main Street Act with overwhelming bipartisan support
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The House of Representatives passed a bill Tuesday evening that would require the government to provide greater access to artificial intelligence (AI) training for small businesses.
The Main Street AI Act passed with broad bipartisan support on a vote of 395 to 14. Eleven Republicans and three Democrats voted against the resolution.
The bill is sponsored by R-Mo. “Main Street stands on the cusp of a major transformation because the AI revolution isn’t just coming, it’s already here,” Rep. Mark Alford said in a statement after the bill was passed.
(Photo courtesy of Rep. Mark Alford’s office.) (Office of Representative Mark Alford/Fox News Digital)
“We’re ensuring entrepreneurs and job creators aren’t left behind. Our AI for Main Street Act will provide small businesses with the resources, education and training needed to use AI responsibly.”
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The AI for Main Street Act would direct the Small Business Administration (SBA) and Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) to help startups learn to adopt AI technologies by providing training and outreach.
The bill fits within the pre-existing framework of SBDCs.
U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, DC, USA on Sunday, May 18, 2025. (Alex Wroblewski/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Accordingly SBA and SBDCs exist to help small businesses access capital, exchange information about new technologies, improve business planning, manage their finances, manage personnel, and more.
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The SBA states: there is At least 900 service points coordinating 62 SBDC centers nationwide.
The bill does not allocate any additional funds for new directives on artificial intelligence.
Alford said he fears that much larger companies will quickly integrate AI technologies, while smaller businesses will struggle to adopt new tools and be left behind.
Representative Mark Alford is introducing a bill aimed at cutting funding for DEI programs in the federal government (Getty Images)
“We want small business owners to understand not only what AI can do, but how to use it in a safe, secure, ethical and effective way,” Alford said in a floor speech about his bill. he said.
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“This bill is about empowering people, not replacing them. I’m proud to see the House pass bipartisan bill to support small businesses,” Alford added.
The bill, approved in the Parliament, goes to the Senate for consideration.
