Eastern Iowa Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer becomes the youngest woman in history to pass a bill in Congress

(Photo courtesy of CSPAN)

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed legislation introduced by Eastern Iowa Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer to help bring federal investment to small businesses in rural America. The legislation won bi-partisan support and made Finkenauer the youngest woman in history to pass a bill in Congress.

The bill approved by Congress affects the Small Business Innovative Research program (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program, initiatives which provide capital and other support to allow small businesses to engage in federal research and development with the goal of commercialization.  Specifically, Finkenauer's bill would require acquisition personnel to conduct outreach so more small firms can benefit from the SBIR and STTR programs.