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REP. HILL AWARDS GOLDEN FLEECE TO SBA INNOVATION OFFICE FOR ENABLING SBIR MILLS

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. French Hill (AR-02) on Tuesday announced the Small Business Administration’s Office of Investment and Innovation as the latest recipient of his Golden Fleece Award due to the misuse of Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funding by repeat recipients, commonly referred to as “SBIR mills.”

The SBIR and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are intended to help startups and small businesses develop innovative technologies and bring new products to market. However, recent analysis shows that a small number of companies receive a disproportionate share of funding, often without producing meaningful commercial outcomes. Over the lifetime of the SBIR and STTR programs, more than 180 organizations have received more than 100 awards, and six organizations have received over 1,000 awards.

Rep. Hill said, “Programs like SBIR are meant to support innovation and give small businesses a chance to succeed. But when a handful of companies repeatedly receive funding without delivering results or bringing products to market, it undermines the entire purpose of these programs. Every dollar that goes to one of these 'SBIR mills' is a dollar taken away from a startup or entrepreneur striving to make America stronger and more competitive, whether developing a new medical device or agricultural technology, or creating the next breakthrough in telecommunications or American manufacturing.”

Rep. Hill continued, "Like so many states across America, small businesses are the backbone of Arkansas's economy. When tax dollars are put toward programs to help small businesses and drive innovation, Arkansans, like all Americans, expect a return on their investment, not to see their money given to repeat players gaming the system and delivering nothing."

In his letter to SBA Associate Administrator, Mr. Joshua Carter, Rep. Hill writes:

Dear Mr. Carter,

I write today to inform you that the Small Business Administration Office of Investment and Innovation is this month’s recipient of my Golden Fleece Award. The Golden Fleece is being awarded due to the overuse of Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) by a small number of companies.

Let me be clear, I strongly support the mission of the SBIR and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. Congress created these programs to increase small business participation in federally funded research and development and to promote the commercialization of innovative technologies. These programs are critical to ensuring entrepreneurs and startups can compete and bring new products to market. That said, there is a longstanding issue within these programs that deserves urgent attention: the rise of “SBIR mills.”

Policy analysts, academic research, and Congressional oversight have all identified SBIR mills as organizations that specialize in securing large numbers of SBIR awards, while failing to translate those awards into meaningful commercial outcomes. SBIR mills repeatedly secure early-stage awards without bringing products to market.

A small number of companies receive a disproportionate share of SBIR funding. A Defense Innovation Board analysis found that the top 25 companies, representing less than 1 percent of participants, received roughly 18 percent of early-stage funding. Throughout the lifetime of the SBIR and STTR programs, over 180 organizations have received more than 100 awards through the program and six companies have received over one thousand awards.

This concentration of funding raises concerns that the program may not be reaching the broader pool of small, innovative businesses it was designed to support. Every dollar that goes to a company that is not bringing products to market is a dollar that is not going to a startup developing a new medical device, a new agricultural technology, or a new manufacturing process.

This issue has real consequences for everyday Americans. When a small group of repeat players captures a disproportionate share of SBIR funding, fewer resources are available to true startups and first-time entrepreneurs who are trying to turn new ideas into businesses. For a state like Arkansas, where small businesses and startups are a key driver of economic growth, this means fewer opportunities for local innovators to access capital, grow their companies, and create jobs in their communities.

The existence of SBIR mills undermines the intent of the SBIR and STTR programs. Federal research funding is meant to seed innovation, expand participation, and help small businesses transition and succeed. When a small group of organizations captures a disproportionate share of awards without delivering commercialization results, it risks crowding out new program entrants and reducing the overall effectiveness of the programs.

The Small Business Administration plays a central role in coordinating these programs and ensuring they operate consistently with Congressional intent. As such, it is critical that the Administration take additional steps to ensure that SBIR and STTR awards are distributed in ways that promote innovation, accountability, and measurable outcomes.

I remain committed to supporting these programs and ensuring their long-term success. However, long-term success includes restoring confidence that taxpayer dollars are being used effectively and that these programs are supporting the next generation of American innovators, rather than sustaining a cycle of repeated awards without results.

Should you require additional authority from Congress to strengthen oversight or improve program integrity, I stand ready to work with you to ensure these programs meet their full potential.

RELEASE: REP. HILL HOSTS 2026 ARKANSAS HBCU SUMMIT AT ARKANSAS BAPTIST COLLEGE

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

LITTLE ROCK, AR – Rep. French Hill (AR-02) yesterday hosted his 2026 HBCU Summit at Arkansas Baptist College in Little Rock. The summit's theme was "Building Resilient Futures for HBCUs: Infrastructure, Innovation, and Economic Mobility."

Rep. Hill was joined by several distinguished guests, including:

Rep. Alma Adams (NC-12), founder and co-chair of the HBCU Caucus
Arkansas Governor Sarah Sanders
Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott, Jr.
Asahi Pompey, President of the Goldman Sachs Foundation and President of Goldman Sachs Gives
Kelly Mitchell, Executive Director, White House Initiative on HBCUs
Dr. Terrence Tarver, Director, Public Policy, Legislative and Government Affairs, United Negro College Fund (UNCF)
Dr. Harry L. Williams, President, Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF)

“Historically Black Colleges and Universities, including the four we are blessed to have here in central Arkansas, have played a vital role in expanding access to higher education for generations of Americans,” said Rep. Hill, co-chair of the bipartisan, bicameral HBCU Caucus. “Today’s summit was an opportunity to bring together leaders from government, philanthropy, business, and higher education to discuss how we ensure these institutions remain strong and continue fulfilling that mission for generations to come.”

“I’m grateful to my friend and HBCU Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Alma Adams (D-NC) for her partnership and unwavering support for HBCUs, and for making the trip to Little Rock, as well as to Governor Sanders and our keynote speaker, Goldman Sachs executive, Asahi Pompey. I also want to thank the presidents, panelists, and participants whose leadership and insights made today’s summit such a valuable conversation for our institutions and the students they serve.”

“It was a pleasure to join my colleague Congressman French Hill at the HBCU Summit this week,” said Congresswoman Alma Adams, co-founder and co-chair of the bipartisan, bicameral HBCU Caucus. “HBCUs have long been a cornerstone of opportunity in this country, educating generations of leaders and driving economic mobility in communities across America. I appreciated the chance to bring together leaders from across the HBCU community to talk about the real challenges our institutions face, especially aging campus infrastructure. Through the HBCU Caucus, Congressman Hill and I have worked to secure federal investments to support our campuses, and I look forward to continuing that bipartisan work while advancing efforts like the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act to strengthen HBCUs for the future.”

“Congressman French Hill has been a strong advocate for Historically Black Colleges and Universities through his leadership as co-chair of the Congressional HBCU Caucus,” said Governor Sanders. “Arkansas’ four HBCUs have expanded opportunity for generations, and my administration is proud to support them through investments like increased funding for UAPB and workforce programs that help students turn education into careers.”

“As we celebrate our country's 250^th anniversary, we honor the institutions that have produced generation after generation of this country’s leaders, doctors, engineers, and judges,” said Asahi Pompey, Global Head of Corporate Engagement and Chair of the Urban Investment Group, Goldman Sachs. “Strengthening these institutions is an investment in the promise of America. We thank Congressman Hill for his partnership and leadership."

“For nearly 190 years, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have served as the beacon of life-changing opportunity for millions of Americans,” Thurgood Marshall College Fund President & CEO Dr. Harry L. Williams said. “The HBCU Summit, being hosted by Bipartisan HBCU Caucus Co-Chair Congressman French Hill, is a tremendous opportunity to not only highlight the tremendous work being done at these institutions but also connect their leaders directly with other business leaders and change-makers in Arkansas.”

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HBCU Summit Speakers:

Rep. French Hill (AR-02), Co-Chair of the HBCU Caucus
Rep. Alma Adams (NC-12), Founder and Co-Chair of the HBCU Caucus
Arkansas Governor Sarah Sanders
Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott, Jr.
Asahi Pompey, Partner, Global Head of Corporate Engagement & President of the Goldman Sachs Foundation, Goldman Sachs
Video remarks from Rep. Burgess Owens (UT-04)

Panel Topics and Panelists:

Campus Infrastructure and Long-Term Sustainability

Rep. French Hill (R-AR), Co-Chair HBCU Caucus
Rep. Alma Adams (D-NC), Co-Chair HBCU Caucus
Dr. Maurice Gipson, President, Philander Smith University
Dr. Harry L. Williams, President, Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF)
Dr. Terrence Tarver, Director, Public Policy, Legislative and Government Affairs, the United Negro College Fund (UNCF)

Private Capital, Innovation, and Public-Private Partnerships

Mr. Charles King, Southeast Arkansas College (Moderator)
Dr. Bruce McGowan, Interim Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Mr. Ventrell Thompson, Vice President of Customer Service, Entergy
Dr. Christopher B. Davis, President of LeMoyne-Owen College
Mr. Curtis Howse, CEO, Synchrony
Mr. Andy Goodman, President, Arkansas's Independent Colleges and Universities

From Classroom to Career: Connecting HBCU Talent to the Economy

Ms. Kelly Mitchell, Executive Director, White House Initiative on HBCUs (Moderator)
Mr. Bill Walker, President, Arkansas Baptist College
Ms. Taiwan Brown, Vice President of Workforce and Talent Development, Entergy Arkansas
Dr. Jeffery Norfleet, President, Shorter College
Mr. Kyle Williams, Head of Middle Market Nonprofit Banking, JPMorgan

MEDIA ADVISORY: THURSDAY – REP. HILL TO HOST ARKANSAS HBCU SUMMIT

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

LITTLE ROCK, AR – On Thursday, March 12, 2026, from 8:00 AM CT – 11:00 AM CT, Rep. French Hill (AR-02) will host the 2026 Arkansas Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Summit at Arkansas Baptist College in Little Rock.

Rep. Hill will be joined by Rep. Alma Adams (NC-12), founder and co-chair of the Congressional HBCU Caucus; Gov. Sarah Sanders; and several other distinguished guests for a summit entitled “Building Resilient Futures for HBCUs: Infrastructure, Innovation, and Economic Mobility.”

The summit will feature panel discussions on Campus Infrastructure and Long-Term
Sustainability, Private Capital and Public-Private Partnerships, and Connecting HBCU Talent to the Economy.

The summit will also feature keynote remarks from Asahi Pompey, Partner, Global Head of Corporate Engagement, and President of the Goldman Sachs Foundation at Goldman Sachs.

The event will be open to members of the press.

WHO:
Rep. French Hill
Rep. Alma Adams
Gov. Sarah Sanders
Asahi Pompey, Goldman Sachs
Additional panelists and guests

WHAT:
2026 Arkansas HBCU Summit

WHEN:
Thursday, March 12, 2026
8:00 AM CT – 11:00 AM CT

WHERE:
Arkansas Baptist College
Little Rock, AR

MEDIA CONTACT:
Travis Evans
(771) 241-4639

MEDIA ADVISORY: REP. HILL TO HOST FIELD HEARING ON FAILURES OF LITTLE ROCK HOUSING AUTHORITY

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Little Rock, AR – On Friday, March 13, 2026, at 10:00 AM CT, Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, Rep. French Hill (AR-02), will hold a Field Hearing at the Central Arkansas Library System in Little Rock, Arkansas.

The Financial Services Committee’s Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, chaired by Rep. Dan Meuser (PA-09), will be coming to Little Rock to examine the failures of the Little Rock Housing Authority and the impact on residents.

Additional information will be available HERE.

WHO: Rep. French Hill, Rep. Dan Meuser, Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance Chairman Mike Flood (NE-01), Rep. Troy Downing (MT-02), and Rep. Tim Moore (NC-14)

WHAT: Field Hearing titled: “Broken Promises: Failures of the Little Rock Housing Authority and the Impact on Residents”

WHEN: 10:00 AM CT, Friday, March 13, 2026

WHERE:

Central Arkansas Library System
Library Square
100 S Rock St.
Little Rock, AR

Press:

Further inquiries can be directed to the Financial Services Committee’s Communications Director, Dan Schneider, or Rep. Hill’s Communications Director, Travis Evans.

RELEASE: REP. HILL STATEMENT ON OPERATION EPIC FURY

Sat, 28 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. French Hill (AR-02) released the following statement regarding the launch of Operation Epic Fury:

"For five decades, the Iranian regime has terrorized its own people, threatened regional stability, and pursued weapons of mass destruction in defiance of the international community.

"Decades of sanctions imposed bilaterally and by the United Nations have failed to stop Iran's destructive ambitions. Years of intensive but ultimately futile negotiations over Iran's nuclear program accomplished nothing and were rightly rejected by bipartisan majorities in both the House and Senate at the end of the Obama Administration.

"Each year that I have served in the House, I have spoken directly to the Iranian people, most recently at the Organization of Iranian American Communities event on Capitol Hill in December, where I again condemned the brutality of the Iranian regime and stood with all Iranians fighting for a democratic, secular, non-nuclear republic.

"I have long been a steadfast advocate for the people of Iran. In the last Congress, my bill—the Holding Iranian Leaders Accountable Act—was signed into law to expose the regime's financial corruption, and this year I cosponsored a bipartisan resolution condemning the regime's terrorism and supporting the Iranian people's call for democratic change.

"Throughout my time in Congress, I have consistently consulted with regional leaders in the Gulf and in our ally Israel about the Iranian threat and the importance of standing together against terror, aggression, and a nuclear-armed Iran.

"I pray for our servicemembers as they carry out these operations, for our allies in the region, and for the Iranian people. May this be the dawn of a new day for the Iranian people and a step toward lasting peace in the Middle East."

RELEASE: REP. HILL AWARDS GOVERNOR TIM WALZ THE GOLDEN FLEECE FOR FAILING TO PREVENT BILLIONS IN TAXPAYER FRAUD

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. French Hill (AR-02) announced Governor Tim Walz and his administration as the latest recipients of his Golden Fleece Award following the uncovering of massive fraud across taxpayer-funded programs in Minnesota.

Federal prosecutors estimate that roughly $9 billion in taxpayer dollars was stolen through schemes involving nutrition assistance, Medicaid services, and other federally funded programs intended to support vulnerable Americans. The fraud included the Feeding Our Future scheme and related cases, which have resulted in at least 78 federal arrests to date and exposed widespread abuse of public funds that were entrusted to the state for administration and oversight.

Rep. Hill said, “The stories of massive fraud coming out of Minnesota are outrageous, made worse by the fact that the funds were meant for children and our most vulnerable citizens. Federal prosecutors now estimate the total fraud could reach roughly $9 billion, likely just the tip of the iceberg, which is why I applaud President Trump’s efforts to go after fraud and abuse across the country. Taxpayers in Arkansas and across the nation expect and deserve to know their money is being watched and used the way it was intended, and Governor Walz needs to spend the remaining time he has left in office cleaning up the mess made under his watch.”

In his letter to Governor Tim Walz, Rep. Hill writes:

Dear Governor Walz,

I write today to inform you that you and your Administration are this month’s recipients of my Golden Fleece Award.

Let me be clear, I fully recognize that recent events in Minneapolis have impacted Minnesota and the nation. It is a tragedy whenever someone loses their life. For that reason, I support Congress providing appropriate oversight into events in Minnesota, including the shooting deaths of Renee Goode and Alex Pretti.

That said, I am writing to address a separate matter that predates both of those events and is nonetheless worthy of attention and, indeed, resolution. The uncovering of massive fraud in recent months has highlighted the pervasive, almost systemic, theft that has occurred in the State of Minnesota. Federal prosecutors are now estimating that the level of this brazen abuse is approximately $9 billion.

Welfare programs, including those for childcare, nutrition, and health care, are a promise to those who truly need assistance. Those who would steal from children and others via fraudulent application or direction of funds deserve to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I am, therefore, happy to hear that the Department of Justice is working to ensure that those responsible are discovered and prosecuted.

The discovery of this massive fraud began with the investigation of Feeding Our Future, a program that purported to use the Federal Child Nutrition Program to serve meals to over 6,000 school children every day. In reality, most of this money was funneled to the organizers of Feeding Our Future instead of the children they claimed to serve. In November 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office announced its 78^th arrest in this scheme, which frankly, encompasses an ecosystem of organizations like Brilliant Minds Services LLC, Faladcare Inc, Leo Human Services LLC, and Liberty Plus LLC.

Even earlier, in September, the U.S. Attorney charged several people with defrauding Medicaid of money earmarked to help people find and keep stable housing arrangements. The perpetrators of the scheme, as in the case of Feeding Our Future, claimed to provide services and payments under the program but never actually delivered or did so at inflated cost. Such criminal theft is best summarized by one of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agents who helped uncover the various schemes. Special Agent in Charge, Alvin M. Winston Sr. of the FBI Minneapolis Station said, “Exploiting this program undermines the financial and physical security of the community amid a housing and addiction crisis."

Finally, and perhaps most egregiously, federal prosecutors discovered that Smart Therapy, a company owned by individuals who were also involved in Feeding Our Future, fraudulently claimed to provide Applied Behavior Analysis therapy (ABA therapy) under the Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention program, a benefit of Minnesota’s Medicaid program. ABA therapy is administered to children on the autism spectrum to improve their social skills. Under the scheme, services, including ABA therapy, were claimed but not performed, their cost inflated, or were provided by unqualified individuals. In some cases, families were even offered kickbacks to enroll their children. Clearly, Minnesota is in need of greater oversight of how it conducts and programs efforts paid for with federal dollars.

The fraud that happened under your watch is concerning. Federal taxpayers, through Congress, gave funds to Minnesota to carry out myriad programs designed to help vulnerable individuals. Your administration provided minimal oversight, which resulted in these dollars being stolen. In essence, I worry that your inaction has caused, even encouraged, these criminals to steal from hardworking Americans, including hardworking Arkansans.

Should you need additional authority from Congress to identify and eliminate further fraud, I urge you to notify me. I would also welcome any technical assistance you can provide to help us correct statutory issues that may have contributed to this costly failure.

Sincerely,

French Hill

Member of Congress

CC: The Honorable Keith Ellison, Attorney General of Minnesota

RELEASE: REP. HILL LEADS READING OF WASHINGTON’S FAREWELL ADDRESS ON HOUSE FLOOR

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. French Hill (AR-02) today led House colleagues in reading President George Washington’s Farewell Address on the House floor in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary and in recognition of the enduring principles that continue to guide our nation.

Rep. Hill said, “It was a privilege to lead my House colleagues in reading President Washington’s Farewell Address as we approach America’s 250th anniversary. Washington’s words were not simply a reflection on the founding of our republic, but a lasting guide for its future. His message of unity, civic duty, and constitutional government remains as relevant today as it was nearly 230 years ago, reminding us of our responsibility to preserve and strengthen the nation he helped create.”

“I am grateful to Rep. Mike Kennedy (R-UT), Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA), and Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) for joining me in reading this historic address and honoring President Washington’s enduring legacy.”

You can watch the full reading of President George Washington's Farewell Address HERE.

RELEASE: REP. HILL ANNOUNCES HIS GUEST FOR THE 2026 STATE OF THE UNION

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. French Hill (AR-02) today announced that Dr. Lowry Barnes, Chancellor of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), will be his guest at the State of the Union address.

“I am honored to host Dr. Lowry Barnes, the recently appointed Chancellor of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, as my guest at the State of the Union. A physician, educator, and innovator, Dr. Barnes has dedicated his career to serving Arkansas patients, strengthening UAMS’ mission, and expanding access to world-class care. From founding the Orthopaedic and Spine Hospital to leading our state’s flagship academic medical center, Dr. Barnes understands firsthand how vital UAMS is to training physicians, driving medical research, and ensuring families around our state, especially in rural communities, have access to high-quality care close to home.

“In Congress, I have worked to support rural health care initiatives, expand telehealth access, and invest in medical research and physician training programs that directly benefit institutions like UAMS and the patients they serve. I look forward to working with President Trump and my Congressional colleagues to continue delivering for Arkansas patients, grow our health care workforce, and ensure leaders like Dr. Barnes and institutions like UAMS have the support they need to provide exceptional care across our state.”

RELEASE: REP. HILL STATEMENT ON THE STATE OF THE UNION

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. French Hill (AR-02) today released the following statement after President Trump delivered the annual State of the Union address.

“President Trump inherited a sputtering economy weighed down by years of reckless spending, excessive regulation, and policies that made life more expensive for hardworking Arkansans. Tonight, he made clear that we are turning the corner, with Republican leadership delivering commonsense solutions to get our economy back on track and restore the American Dream for families across our country.

"But the job is far from finished. I look forward to working with President Trump and my colleagues in Congress to build on this momentum and fight for policies that expand access to affordable housing and investment opportunities, support our small businesses, and deliver bigger paychecks and lower prices for Arkansas families.

“I also appreciate the President highlighting America’s upcoming 250th anniversary. This is something every American can take pride in, regardless of party. It is a chance to come together, reflect on how far we have come, and recommit ourselves to ensuring the next chapter of our history is even stronger and more prosperous.”

RELEASE: REP. HILL RESPONDS TO SUPREME COURT RULING ON IEEPA AUTHORITY

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – Rep. French Hill (AR-02) today released the following statement on the Supreme Court’s decision regarding the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA):

“I share in President Trump’s goal of securing fair and reciprocal trade agreements and holding bad actors accountable for their unfair trade policies,” said Rep. Hill. “While tariffs can be a useful tool when applied in a targeted way, today’s Supreme Court decision underscores the need for Congress to play a role in trade policy. My focus remains on advancing a trade strategy that supports Arkansas jobs, businesses, and consumers, and strengthens U.S. competitiveness.”