Mark Alford

Alford Bill to Facilitate Small Business Technology Adoption Passes Committee

Position: Congressman Alford supports legislation that clarifies SBA 7(a) loans can be used for technology purchases by small businesses, including cloud software, cybersecurity, and AI tools, to help them compete in the modern economy.

Watch Congressman Alford’s remarks in support of his legislation here or by clicking the image above. “Small Businesses create jobs, strengthen local communities, and drive innovation across this country,” said Congressman Alford. “But in today’s economy, they simply cannot compete without access to modern technology and digital tools. Whether it’s cloud-based accounting software, payroll systems, cybersecurity protections, inventory management platforms, or emerging AI tools, technology is no longer a luxury for small businesses. It is essential to ensuring that Main Street keeps up with Wall Street. Our bill provides a simple, commonsense fix by clarifying that SBA 7(a) loans may be used for technology that facilitates business operations. I’m proud it passed the Small Business Committee and grateful for Chairman Williams support.”

Alford Priorities Pass Appropriations Committee in FY27 Energy & Water Development Funding Bill

Position: Congressman Alford supports the FY2027 Energy and Water Development appropriations bill, which he characterizes as advancing nuclear energy expansion, restoring Army Corps of Engineers funding, supporting rural infrastructure, and eliminating prior-administration programs.

Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) issued the following statement after the House Appropriations Committee passed the Energy, Water Development, and Related Agencies funding bill for Fiscal Year 2027. "Today, the House Appropriations Committee once again advanced another strong, America First funding Bill for Fiscal Year 2027. The Energy and Water Development bill strengthens national security, unleashes American energy dominance, and delivers results for Missouri families," said Congressman Alford. "This legislation champions our nuclear deterrent, advances President Trump’s goal to quadruple nuclear energy capacity by 2050, restores full funding for Army Corps of Engineers water projects, and supports rural America, while eliminating wasteful Biden-era programs. I am particularly proud the bill includes language supporting the Kansas City National Security Campus expansion, which is one of America’s premier national security manufacturing sites right here in our backyard.” Fourth District priorities secured by Congressman Alford in the Energy and Water Development appropriations bill include:

Committee on Small Business and Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Demand Answers on Concealment of PPP Abuse under the Biden Administration

Position: The release criticizes the Biden Administration for alleged misuse and concealment of Paycheck Protection Program funds, asserting that pandemic relief money intended for small businesses was diverted to political allies and that oversight failures occurred.

Congressman Mark Alford (R-MO), Chairman of House Small Business Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations, Congressman Roger Williams (R-TX), Chairman of the House Committee on Small Business, Congressman James Comer (R-KY), Chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and Congressman Tim Burchett (R-TN), Chairman of House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Oversight on Delivering on Government Efficiency, wrote a letter to Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler, requesting answers regarding alleged concealment of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) abuse under the Biden Administration. The Chairmen are seeking information on oversight failures, transparency concerns, and efforts to address fraud and abuse tied to pandemic-era relief programs intended to support America’s small businesses. Quote Attributable to Congressman Mark Alford (R-MO), Small Business Subcommittee Chairman on Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations: “Accountability isn’t optional in government. Small businesses played by the rules and fought to survive during one of the toughest chapters in our nation’s history. At the same time, the Biden Administration abused pandemic-era programs to funnel taxpayer money to their political allies and then tried to cover it up. The American people deserve the full truth, plain and simple. We owe it to every Main Street business owner to follow the facts, expose any wrongdoing, and make sure this never happens again,” said Congressman Alford. Quote Attributable to Congressman Roger Williams (R-TX), Chairman of the House Committee on Small Business: “Small business owners across this country fought to keep their doors open during the pandemic. Under the Biden Administration, Small Business Administration employees took that lifeline and handed it to Planned Parenthood," said Chairman Williams. "Not only that, they allegedly used code words to hide it from the American people. That kind of corruption has no place in a federal agency, and Main Street deserves better. Administrator Loeffler is restoring accountability and transparency; the days of pandemic-era fraud going unexamined are over." Quote Attributable to Congressman James Comer (R-KY), Chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: “The Biden Administration is defined by its rampant waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer dollars. The Biden Administration took taxpayer dollars intended to help small businesses during the pandemic, funneled tax dollars to its political allies, and then sought to conceal what it did from the American people,” said Chairman Comer. “Americans demand answers and accountability for this abuse of their hard-earned money, and we are determined to deliver both for them.” Quote Attributable to Congressman Tim Burchett (R-TN), Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee Chairman on Delivering on Government Efficiency: “Four years of Joe Biden’s presidency were nothing short of an unmitigated disaster,” said Congressman Burchett. “The Biden Administration failed hard-working small business owners while directing taxpayer dollars to radical left-wing organizations like Planned Parenthood. I am proud to join my colleagues in demanding accountability for the widespread misuse of taxpayer funds under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).” “The Committee on Small Business and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform (Committees) seek to investigate recent allegations that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) during the Biden-Harris Administration obscured internal communications related to Planned Parenthood Federation of America (Planned Parenthood) and its participation in the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Specifically, the Committees are concerned that, in 2021, top SBA officials within the Biden-Harris Administration, including but not limited to General Counsel Peggy Hamilton, Chief of Staff Antwaun Griffin, and then-Deputy Chief of Staff turned Chief of Staff Arthur Plews, may have unlawfully concealed communications and information concerning SBA loans to Planned Parenthood by utilizing the cover-up term “Benghazi (PPP/PPH) Decisions.” Therefore, the Committees request your assistance in holding these officials accountable and obtaining answers for the American people. “Thanks to your leadership, the SBA has identified over $22 billion in pandemic-era fraud and has continued working to addressing the abuse that occurred under your predecessor’s watch. On January 22, 2026, you issued letters to Planned Parenthood affiliates to determine whether those entities were eligible to receive PPP loans. It is essential that federal programs are administered in a manner that is clear, consistent with statutory requirements, and fully accountable to American taxpayers. The Committees share President Trump’s commitment to accountability and transparency and continue to uncover and address the Biden-Harris era’s failures. “In light of the allegations regarding concealed communications, the Committees request the production of the following documents and communications related to the PPP loans disbursed to Planned Parenthood affiliates as soon as possible, but no later than June 1, 2026: “The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has broad authority to investigate “any matter” at “any time” pursuant to Rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives. Please contact the Committee on Small Business Majority Staff at (202) 225 5821 and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Majority Staff at (202) 225-5074 with any questions about this request. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.”

Alford Votes to Fund Veterans’ Benefits, Improve Servicemember Quality of Life

Position: Congressman Alford voted in support of H.R. 8469, which fully funds veterans' healthcare and benefits and invests in military construction to improve servicemembers' quality of life.

Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) voted to pass H.R. 8469, the Military Constructions, Veterans Affairs, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, Fiscal Year 2027. H.R. 8469 fully funds veterans’ healthcare and benefits, while investing in robust military construction to improve servicemembers’ quality of life and ensure our armed forces are prepared for future threats. Watch Congressman Alford’s remarks on the House floor in support of H.R. 8469 here. Fourth District priorities secured in the FY27 MilCon-VA bill include provisions to: Congressman Alford’s amendment to emphasize the importance of creating a pilot program under the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) program to such educational assistance to no less than 1,000 students who are a dependent of a veteran and prepare them to be successful in college or some other post-high school educational program was included in the bill. Background on the FY27 MilCon-VA Appropriations bill: Veterans Policy & Administration Priorities National Security & Military Construction China & Supply Chain Protections

Alford Proudly Supports Year-Round E-15: Delivering Lower Gas Prices, Stronger Rural Economies, and American Energy Dominance

Position: Congressman Alford supports year-round E-15 fuel sales, arguing the policy will lower gas prices, create markets for corn farmers, reduce foreign oil dependence, and support rural economies.

Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) released the following statement after he voted in favor of legislation for year-round E-15 sales through H.R. 1346, the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act: “As a proud Member of the House GOP Rural Domestic Energy Council, I’m fighting to put Missouri farmers, rural communities, and American drivers first,” said Congressman Mark Alford. “I’ve heard from many hardworking Missouri families about how the pain at the pump is making everyday activities unaffordable. Allowing the nationwide, year round sale of E15 blends would address the supply crunch that is driving up gas prices while creating new markets for Missouri farmers—a real win-win. That’s why I was proud to support the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act to do just that.” Year-round E-15 will deliver real results for Missouri and America: Saves drivers an average of 15–40 cents per gallon Creates a permanent market for American corn growers Supports more than 120,000 new jobs and adds $66 billion to the U.S. economy Reduces dependence on foreign oil by using homegrown energy Keeps energy dollars in rural communities instead of sending them overseas Provides fuel retailers the stability they need to invest in E-15 pumps

Alford, Ricketts Lead Reintroduction of the FAIR Labels Act

Position: The release advocates for federal legislation requiring clearer labeling of plant-based and cell-cultivated meat products to distinguish them from conventional meat, arguing this protects consumers and traditional livestock farmers from deceptive marketing.

Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) reintroduced the Fair and Accurate Ingredient Representation on Labels (FAIR Labels) Act of 2026. This bipartisan and bicameral bill marks a significant step towards greater transparency in food labeling. This legislation will ensure consumers have accurate information about plant-based and cell-cultivated (lab-grown) protein products when making purchasing decisions. The legislation is co-led by Reps. Mike Flood (NE-01), Buddy Carter (GA-01), Mike Simpson (ID-02), Tony Wied (WI-08), August Pfluger (TX-11), Ronny Jackson (TX-13), and Jason Smith (MO-08). Read the text of the legislation here. Read a section-by-section here. "American families deserve to know exactly what they’re eating,” said Congressman Alford. “Real meat from hardworking ranchers should be clearly labeled, not hidden behind misleading plant-based or lab-grown alternatives. Our farmers and ranchers work from dawn to dusk raising nutritious meat. They deserve a fair playing field. That’s why I’m proud to introduce the FAIR Labels Act of 2026. Missouri led the nation on honest labeling. Now we’re taking that fight to Washington." “Nebraska is the Beef State and raising livestock has long been part of Nebraska’s identity,” said Congressman Flood. “Families deserve to know exactly what they are putting on their tables, not to be confused by deceptive labeling and marketing tricks. Meanwhile, our farmers and ranchers continue to be undercut by the fake meat industry’s labeling. Thank you to Congressman Alford for his leadership in introducing this commonsense bill, which will finally bring about honest labeling of fake meat products and better inform consumers when making choices at the grocery store.” "The FAIR Labels Act ensures that Americans know what they are purchasing and feeding to themselves and their families. This is about transparency and consistency," said Congressman Buddy Carter (R-GA). "Plant-based and lab-grown meat needs to be clearly labeled so consumers can make informed decisions at the grocery store.” The Senate companion of the FAIR Labels Act is led by Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and John Fetterman (D-PA). “Deceptive labeling of plant-based protein products hurts American farmers and ranchers. It also degrades consumer trust,” said Senator Ricketts. “By enhancing oversight and enforcing stricter labeling regulations, we can protect Nebraska beef. The FAIR Labels Act is common-sense: Americans should know exactly what they’re putting in their grocery cart.” "The hardworking farmers in Pennsylvania and across our country that feed all of us with real ingredients have to unfairly compete with misleading labels of alternative meats," said Senator Fetterman. "Folks can be in the pro-bio slop caucus, but I’m in the pro-ribeye one. I'm proud to support the FAIR Labels Act to protect our farmers and all consumers who buy their great products." Highlights of the Legislation:

Alford Votes to Send Relief to Missouri Farmers and Ranchers with 2026 Farm Bill

Position: Congressman Alford supports the 2026 Farm Bill (H.R. 7567) for providing risk management tools, credit access, conservation programs, and support for beginning farmers to strengthen agricultural profitability and rural economies.

Today, Congressman Mark Alford issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act. H.R. 7567 provides vital support to farmers and ranchers in Missouri as they confront a troubling agriculture economy, while refocusing our American nutrition programs on health and eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse. Learn more about the Farm Bill here. “The 2026 Farm Bill is a critical investment in America’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities—the backbone of our nation’s food security and economic strength,” said Congressman Alford. “As a proud representative of Missouri’s agricultural heartland, I was pleased to support this legislation because it builds on the One Big, Beautiful Bill to deliver real tools for our producers: stronger risk management, expanded access to credit, enhanced conservation programs on working lands, and targeted support for beginning farmers who will carry forward our family farm legacy. By prioritizing American agriculture, promoting precision farming innovation, and ensuring fair markets, this Farm Bill will help keep our farms profitable, our rural economies thriving, and our tables full of safe, abundant, home-grown food.” Congressman Alford secured critical provisions in the 2026 Farm Bill, including:

Alford Highlights America First Wins in FY27 National Security Appropriations Bill

Position: Congressman Alford supports the FY2027 National Security appropriations bill, which reduces spending by $2.69 billion below the prior year while maintaining support for Israel, Jordan, Egypt, and Taiwan, and taking a firm stance against China and Iran.

Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) issued the following statement after the House Appropriations Committee passed the National Security, State Department, and Related Programs (NSRP) funding bill for fiscal year 2027. “This FY2027 National Security, State Department, and Related Programs bill advances President Trump’s America First agenda,” said Congressman Alford. “We’re cutting spending $2.69 billion below last year’s level while delivering robust support for key allies like Israel, Jordan, Egypt, and Taiwan and holding adversaries like Communist China and Iran accountable. This legislation prioritizes fiscal responsibility, protects American taxpayer dollars, promotes self-sufficiency in foreign assistance, and ensures our foreign policy strengthens U.S. national security.” Congressman Alford secured several priorities in the NSRP funding bill, including: A summary of the bill is available here. Bill text is available here.

Alford Secures Support for Missouri Farmers and Ranchers as Appropriations Committee Advances FY2027 Ag Appropriations Bill

Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) issued the following statement after the House Appropriations Committee passed the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies funding bill for fiscal year 2027. "The FY2027 Agriculture appropriations bill is a fiscally responsible measure that cuts waste, backs our farmers and ranchers, strengthens rural America, and prioritizes food security while advancing President Trump’s America First agenda,” said Congressman Alford. “As a member of the Committee, I’m proud to have secured more than $4 million in direct federal investments for Missouri’s Fourth District through this process. Missouri’s hardworking producers and families win big with smarter funding for research, animal and plant health, and nutrition programs that deliver real results. This bill keeps our farms strong, our food supply secure, and taxpayer dollars working harder for the heartland." As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Congressman Alford secured $4,254,782 in reasonable federal investments for the Fourth District to help turn the “Show Me State” into the “Grow Me State,” including: Additional Alford priorities secured in the FY2027 Agriculture appropriations bill include: Read a summary of the legislation here.

Alford Leads 29 Lawmakers in Bipartisan Call to Expand B-21 Program

Position: The lawmakers call for full funding of the B-21 Raider program in FY 2027 and recommend that the Department of Defense reassess and increase the current program of record beyond the originally planned 100 aircraft, citing global threats from China and conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

In a letter to House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (AL-03) and Ranking Member Adam Smith (WA-09), Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) led 29 lawmakers in calling for the expansion of the B-21 Raider program in the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act. Global developments, including the pacing threat of the Chinese Communist Party as well as conflicts in eastern Europe and the Middle East, demand significantly more B-21s than the 100 aircraft originally planned. Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri’s Fourth District, which is currently the only operating base of the B-2 stealth bomber fleet, will be among those that house the B-21. Read the full letter here or below: “Dear Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Smith: “As the Committee reviews the Department of Defense FY 2027 budget request and drafts its recommendations for the FY 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), we wanted to voice our strong support of America’s next long-range, stealth bomber, the B-21 Raider. The B-21 sets the benchmark for program performance and will outpace the highest end threats for decades to come. We recommend that the Committee fully funds the program in FY 2027 and directs the Department to reassess the current program of record. Many experts believe significantly more B-21s are needed than the 100 aircraft planned at the program’s award in 2015. Reevaluating the program of record requirement in light of global developments is appropriate at this time. “The B-21 is a masterpiece of American innovation and is China’s pacing threat, key to both American deterrence and victory in future conflicts. This sixth-generation aircraft will be the backbone of the U.S. Air Force as a daily flyer and offering a combination of range, payload, and survivability. Long-range precision strike capabilities will afford Combatant Commanders the ability to hold any target, anywhere in the world at risk. “The B-21 government and industry team continue to make tremendous progress. The first two test aircraft have flown at Edwards Air Force and performed like the simulator, reflecting the precision of the B-21 digital ecosystem. Two ground test assets have completed structures testing and progressing with fatigue testing. Low-rate initial production is underway, building off the production-representative test assets. The all-American, nationwide B-21 Industry Team has invested over $7 billion to support the program and span across 40 states and more than 400 suppliers. “We urge the Committee to fully fund the program in FY 2027. If additional resources become available, we encourage the Committees to consider funding additional B-21 modernization activities to ensure the program outpaces evolving threats in the future. “We further recommend that the FY 2027 NDAA directs the Department to reassess and validate an increase to the current B-21 Raider Program of Record to ensure that it supports the National Defense Strategy, meets the future mission requirements identified by U.S. Strategic Command, and aligns with the investment to accelerate and expand B-21 production capacity, as provided in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, enacted on July 4, 2025. “Thank you for your consideration of this request.”