The Small Business Administration’s (SBA’s) Microloan program provides direct loans to qualified nonprofit intermediary lenders who, in turn, provide “microloans” of up to $50,000 to small businesses and nonprofit child care centers. It also provides marketing, management, and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and potential borrowers. This report opens with a discussion of the rationale provided for having a Microloan program, describes the program’s eligibility standards and operating requirements for lenders and borrowers, and examines the arguments presented by the program’s critics and advocates. It then discusses P.L. 111-240, the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, which increased the Microloan program’s loan limit for borrowers from $35,000 to $50,000, and the aggregate loan limit for intermediaries after their first year of participation in the program from $3.5 million to $5 million.

This report offers a brief background of the salient issues raised by the detainee provisions of the FY2012 NDAA, provides a section-by-section analysis, and discusses executive interpretation and implementation of the act's mandatory military detention provision. It also addresses detainee provisions in subsequent defense authorization legislation, as well as those under consideration during the House and Senate deliberations of the 2016 NDAA.

This report presents background and analysis on the development of TPA, a summary of the major provisions under the expired authority, and a discussion of the issues that have arisen in the debate over TPA renewal. It also explores some of the policy options available to Congress.

None

This report discusses issues regarding Iran's political history and structure. It also takes a look at economic and defense policy responses for Congress.

This report presents current data on estimated ownership of U.S. Treasury securities and major holders of federal debt by country. Federal debt represents the accumulated balance of borrowing by the federal government.

None

Bill introduced by the Texas House of Representatives relating to prekindergarten, including a high quality prekindergarten grant program provided by public school districts.

Bill introduced by the Texas House of Representatives relating to the exemption from vehicle registration for certain farm vehicles owned by a farmers' cooperative society or marketing association.

Bill introduced by the Texas House of Representatives relating to the criteria for awarding the Texas Purple Heart Medal to members of the armed forces wounded or killed at Fort Hood on November 5, 2009.

Bill introduced by the Texas House of Representatives relating to the allocation and use of the proceeds from taxes imposed on the sale, storage, or use of sporting goods.

Bill introduced by the Texas House of Representatives relating to the composition, duties, and continuation of the human trafficking prevention task force.

Bill introduced by the Texas House of Representatives relating to the information required to be posted by the Texas Water Development Board on the board's Internet website regarding the use of the state water implementation fund for Texas.

Bill introduced by the Texas House of Representatives relating to the Montgomery County Hospital District.

Bill introduced by the Texas House of Representatives relating to the creation of an advisory committee to examine and recommend revisions to any state laws pertaining to juvenile records.

Bill introduced by the Texas House of Representatives relating to eligibility to participate in health benefit programs for certain state employees reemployed after military service.

Bill introduced by the Texas House of Representatives relating to the premises covered by mixed beverage permits for certain county-owned facilities.

Bill introduced by the Texas House of Representatives relating to the procedures for discharging bail in certain criminal proceedings.

Bill introduced by the Texas House of Representatives relating to the Haskell County Hospital District; authorizing the issuance of bonds.

Bill introduced by the Texas House of Representatives relating to the requirements of certain minors applying for a hunting or fishing license.

Bill introduced by the Texas House of Representatives relating to creating a criminal offense regarding the breach of computer security.

Bill introduced by the Texas House of Representatives relating to the obligation of certain retail public utilities to mitigate their system water loss.

Bill introduced by the Texas House of Representatives relating to the creation of the Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 216; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.

Bill introduced by the Texas House of Representatives relating to the membership of the Electrical Safety and Licensing Advisory Board.