H.R. 10329 — Combating Foreign Threats to Main Street Act of 2026
Executive Summary
H.R. 10329, the 'Combating Foreign Threats to Main Street Act of 2026,' mandates the Small Business Administration (SBA) to develop and distribute educational materials to help small businesses identify and mitigate threats from foreign adversaries. The bill addresses growing concerns over intellectual property theft, cyberattacks, and supply chain vulnerabilities orchestrated by hostile nations. By leveraging SBA district offices and interagency expertise, the legislation aims to equip Main Street businesses—which often lack the security resources of large corporations—with actionable intelligence to protect their assets and U.S. economic security.
Arguments For
- National Security & Economic Protection: Shields vulnerable small businesses from sophisticated state-sponsored IP theft and cyberattacks, preserving American innovation and economic competitiveness.
- Bipartisan Appeal: Being 'tough on foreign adversaries' (especially China and Russia) is a strong bipartisan talking point that plays well in almost every congressional district.
- Low Cost, High Impact: Leverages existing SBA infrastructure and interagency knowledge to provide valuable intelligence without creating massive new grant programs or heavy regulatory burdens.
Likely Supporters
Arguments Against
- Implementation Burden: The SBA is not an intelligence agency and may struggle to accurately assess and disseminate rapidly evolving foreign threat data without heavy, continuous reliance on the IC and DHS.
- Potential Chilling Effect on Commerce: Broad definitions regarding 'predatory or non-market investment practices' could inadvertently chill legitimate foreign direct investment or complicate lawful international joint ventures for small businesses.
Likely Opponents
📋 Key Provisions
- Requires the SBA Administrator, in consultation with other federal agencies, to develop and disseminate educational materials on foreign adversary conduct that harms small businesses.
- Mandates that the materials include best practices for protecting intellectual property, sensitive data, and supply chains, as well as guidance on cybersecurity.
- Directs the SBA to inform small businesses about the risks associated with foreign investments, joint ventures, and commercial relationships involving entities controlled by foreign adversaries.
- Establishes an annual review and update process for the educational materials beginning October 1, 2027.
- Requires the SBA to notify congressional committees if a specific foreign adversary activity is determined to pose a significant risk to U.S. economic or national security.
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Verification Guide
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Requires the SBA to develop and disseminate educational materials regarding foreign adversary conduct.
"disseminate educational materials regarding foreign adver-"
Mandates the inclusion of guidance regarding cybersecurity and data protection.
"provide guidance regarding cybersecurity and data protection"
Requires an annual review and update of the materials starting in 2027.
"Beginning Oc-tober 1, 2027, and annually"
Defines foreign adversary conduct to explicitly include forced labor and the importation of goods produced with it.
"forced labor and the importation of goods"