House Of Representatives Approves Bill To Help Small Businesses Use AI For Improvements In Cybersecurity And Business Operations

A new bill has been passed that considers AI’s presence in small businesses.

AI for Main Street Act Explained

In October 2025, the AI for Main Street Act was introduced by Rep. Mark Alford (Republican for Missouri’s 4th District) and Rep. Hillary Scholten (Democrat for Michigan’s 3rd District). The bipartisan bill ensures that the Small Business Administration’s Small Business Development Centers will assist small businesses in adopting and evaluating AI by providing information, guidance, and training, per a press release shared by Rep. Alford’s office.

The desired outcomes, outlined in the legislation, are to ensure small businesses understand best practices for using AI; can integrate it into business operations; and can plan for unexpected circumstances, protect data and intellectual property, improve cybersecurity, and increase customer trust, among others.

In the press release, Rep. Scholten noted the legislation would ensure small businesses “aren’t being left behind” as new industries arise from AI and as current industries are reshaped. Rep. Alford echoed this sentiment.

“The expanding use of artificial intelligence across America comes with massive opportunities, as well as significant risks,” Alford said in the press release. “As big businesses—which have the financial and human resources needed to invest in this technology—continue to lead the development and adoption of AI, Main Street is being left behind. That’s why we’re introducing the AI for Main Street Act to provide small businesses with the resources, education, and training needed to utilize artificial intelligence.”

Passed By House of Representatives

On Jan. 20, 2026, the AI for Main Street Act was passed by the House of Representatives in a 395-14 vote, Fox News reports. The Bill will now head to the Senate for approval.

“We want small business owners to understand not only what AI can do, but how to use it securely, safely, ethically and effectively,” Alford said in a floor speech on his bill, per the outlet. “This bill is about empowering people, not replacing them. I’m proud to see the House pass our bipartisan bill to champion small businesses.”