Washington:The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a bill designed to protect American small businesses from economic and cybersecurity threats posed by foreign adversaries, including North Korea. The legislation, titled the Combating Foreign Threats to Main Street Act of 2026, was passed on Wednesday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the bill mandates the Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide guidance and information to small businesses on identifying and responding to threats from foreign adversaries. This measure aims to address risks such as intellectual property theft, cyberattacks, counterfeit goods, and predatory investment practices.

"China, Russia and North Korea are working to undermine our economic and national security, and American businesses are increasingly caught in the crosshairs," stated Rep. Roger Williams (R-TX) during a House floor debate. He emphasized that while businesses of all sizes are affected, small businesses are particularly vulnerable due to their limited resources and expertise to identify and protect against these threats.

The bill also requires the SBA to annually review its educational materials starting in October 2027 and to notify relevant congressional committees about activities that pose significant risks to U.S. economic or national security interests. The legislation is now pending deliberation by the Senate.