Hire More Heroes Act of 2015

Floor Speech

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Ms. ADAMS. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

I rise today in support of this package of amendments that includes my amendment, which clarifies minority groups to be targeted in human resources outreach efforts by the Department of Transportation. My amendment would expand the bill's use of the term ``minority'' and specify the inclusion of underrepresented minority groups.

Oftentimes, when policies are put in place to create diversity, they are not implemented with special attention to communities that are historically underrepresented. This is a special burden for underrepresented minorities who have higher than average unemployment rates.

Furthermore, we all know investments in infrastructure means jobs for our constituents and opportunities for our businesses back home. As we work to pass this legislation, I believe we must make a concerted effort to diversify the people who are able to take advantage of these opportunities.

I should note that particular areas of the transportation industry, such as public transportation service providers see better levels of diversity, but it is time to expand these opportunities to include engineering, contracting, project development, and other components of the process. Our transportation industry should reflect the diversity of our country at every level.

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