PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Received in the Senate and read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business.
Congressional Research Service
Version 17 · Reported to House with amendment(s) · Oct 5, 1999
Women's Business Centers Sustainability Act of 1999 - Amends the Small Business Act to require all women's business centers to be private (current law) and nonprofit organizations.(Sec. 3) Directs the Small Business Administration (SBA) to: (1) perform an annual examination of the programs and finances of each women's business center; and (2) determine the viability of each center after such examination. Requires a report from the SBA to the congressional small business committees on the effectiveness of all projects conducted under the women's business centers program.(Sec. 4) Establishes a four-year pilot program under which the SBA is authorized to make grants on a competitive basis to organizations that have received assistance for participation in the women's business centers program and that: (1) are in the final year of a five-year project; or (2) have completed a financed project and continue to provide assistance to women entrepreneurs. Outlines grant participation conditions, including certification that the organization is private and nonprofit and submission of a five-year plan that demonstrates the organization's ability to serve women business owners or potential owners and to provide training and services to women who are both socially and economically disadvantaged. Outlines matching fund requirements and application procedures. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 through 2003 for the pilot program, earmarking specified amounts for administrative costs related to the selection of grant participants and sustainability grants.
People & committees
Rep. Udall, Tom [D-NM-3] · D–NM
Legislative record
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Received in the Senate and read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1497.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H10235-10240)
Mrs. Kelly moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 206.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Small Business. H. Rept. 106-365.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Small Business. H. Rept. 106-365.
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Referred to the House Committee on Small Business.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E702-703)
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Sep 8, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.1497 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
Examine H.R.1497 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
Examine H.R.1497 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.
Examine H.R.1497 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.