Small Business Fairness In Contracting Act

Floor Speech

SMALL BUSINESS FAIRNESS IN CONTRACTING ACT -- (House of Representatives - May 09, 2007)

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Mr. WELCH of Vermont. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I first congratulate the gentlelady from New York and the gentleman from Ohio on the incredible hardworking committee that is producing more legislation that is good for the American people, and I think just about everybody else in Congress, so all of us appreciate your good work. And it is all about the fact that they recognize, as I think we all do, that small businesses are the backbone of our Nation's economy. They must have the opportunity to compete for Federal contracts.

This underlying legislation establishes broad parameters and goals to make small business opportunities available to folks in this country who have not had access to that opportunity. The purpose of this amendment is to establish a goal that will give an opportunity for businesses that are green to have access to these contracts.

Small businesses in my State of Vermont create two out of every three jobs, and it is critical that small businesses be encouraged to develop and supply products and services in an environmentally sound way. My amendment would take a step towards encouraging green businesses by recognizing that those practices of companies can be considered in Federal Government contracts. This isn't just because it is the right thing to do for the environment, it is because there is a growing recognition that if we take on the challenge of cleaning up our environment, it can be pro-high-tech, pro-growth policies that will accomplish that, and I urge favorable consideration.

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