The legislation seeks to amend existing statutes related to the collection of loans guaranteed under the Small Business Act. It ensures that any decision to suspend collections on loans under $100,000 must be made by the Department of the Treasury, providing a clear framework for maintaining the integrity of loan collections vis-à-vis funded relief programs. Additionally, the bill extends the timeline for pursuing criminal or civil actions related to fraud associated with these loans up to 10 years following the alleged offense.
Summary
SB2664, known as the 'Strengthening Taxpayer Recoveries Act', aims to prohibit the suspension of collections on loans made to small businesses in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. This bill addresses the need for ongoing accountability and recovery of federal funds allocated for various pandemic relief programs. Proponents argue that ceasing collections could undermine the financial recovery of the federal budget and support for these businesses under potentially fraudulent circumstances.
Contention
While supporters of SB2664 argue that it is vital for protecting taxpayers and ensuring the proper use of federal funds, critics may raise concerns about the pressure this places on small business owners attempting to recover from the financial impacts of the pandemic. There are fears that strictly enforcing loan collections may harm businesses struggling to get back on their feet, especially in a post-COVID economy. Furthermore, the balance between rigorous enforcement and compassion in addressing the ongoing economic impact of the pandemic remains a point of significant debate.
Advanced Aviation Act This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to redesignate the Office of NextGen as the Office of Advanced Aviation within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The new office duties include the coordination of rulemaking and approval processes on matters relating to advanced aviation systems (e.g., drones, supersonic aircraft technologies, counter-unmanned aircraft systems). The bill also establishes an Office of Advanced Integration within the Office of Advanced Aviation. Additionally, DOT must establish an Advanced Aviation Coordination Unit within the FAA whose responsibilities shall include the promotion of the safe and responsible integration of advanced aviation systems into the national airspace system. Further, DOT must redesignate the William J. Hughes Technical Center as the William J. Hughes Technical Center for Advanced Aviation. The center must establish and manage a program to evaluate new aviation-related technologies proposed to be used in the national airspace system and facilitate the integration of such technologies into the national airspace system.