Bill would speed partial payments to small firms on federal building jobs
In markupH.R. 4615Latest action
Sponsor: Pete Stauber · Representative · MN
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Small Business Payment for Performance Act of 2025
119th Congress
Topics: Jobs & the economy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.
Federal agencies would owe small construction contractors at least 50% of estimated extra costs upfront after contract changes.
35-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
The bill requires federal agencies to pay small business construction contractors at least 50% of estimated extra costs upfront when the agency changes contract terms without the contractor's agreement, while final costs are negotiated. Contractors must then pass an appropriate share of that partial payment down to subcontractors, who must do the same for their own subcontractors.
Who does it affect?
Small businesses holding federal construction contracts and their subcontractors, plus federal agencies managing those contracts and the Small Business Administration, which implements the rules.
Why does it matter?
The change shifts financial risk from small contractors to federal agencies during contract disputes, and requires agencies to adjust payment processes and timelines for construction contract changes.
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Based on the “Introduced in House” text of Jul 22, 2025.
After that text, a committee agreed on Sep 16, 2026 to send the bill to the full chamber with changes. This plain-language version may not reflect them.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedJul 22, 2025
- House committeeYou are here · Sep 16, 2026
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 23 - 0.