hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Creates a fund for small businesses losing money due to immigration enforcement.
Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) sponsored this bill.
In committee, no Senate vote yet.
This bill proposes to create a $200 million fund to provide grants to small businesses that experience a significant revenue loss (25% or more) because of federal immigration enforcement actions in their area. The bill was introduced by Senator Ed Markey, a Democrat from Massachusetts, on February 12, 2026. It has been referred to the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship for review and discussion, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full Senate.
Introduced Feb 12, 2026
This bill is currently in the 'Introduced' stage. It means Senator Markey has officially submitted it to the Senate. It was then referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. For it to become law, it must first be approved by this committee, then pass a vote in the full Senate, then pass a vote in the House of Representatives, and finally be signed by the President.
If this bill passes, eligible small businesses in your community that experience a direct revenue loss of at least 25% due to a federal immigration enforcement action could apply for grants up to $1 million (or $500,000 per location). The Small Business Administration would be responsible for distributing these funds, and they would implement robust fraud checks, including verifying tax returns and cross-referencing government databases, to ensure only legitimate claims are paid. This means businesses seeking aid would need to provide detailed financial documentation and certifications.
Supporters Say
Proponents would argue this bill helps protect vulnerable small businesses and local economies from disruptions caused by federal actions.
Critics Say
Opponents might question the use of federal funds to compensate businesses for losses related to immigration enforcement.
Supporters of this bill would likely emphasize that small businesses are the backbone of local economies and need a safety net when federal actions, even those unrelated to their operations, cause significant financial harm. Providing grants could help these businesses stay open, retain employees, and recover. Critics, however, might raise concerns about the precedent of such a fund, the potential for misuse, or argue that businesses should bear the risks associated with their operations without federal intervention, especially for actions related to enforcing existing laws.