45th Anniversary of the Minority Business Development Agency

Floor Speech

(Mr. COHEN asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.)

Mr. COHEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to applaud the Minority Business Development Agency on its 45th anniversary.

The Minority Business Development Agency was established by executive order on March 5, 1969, and has worked to promote the growth and global competitiveness of a critical segment of

the U.S. economy, the minority business community. Through their nationwide network of MBDA Business Centers, the MBDA has helped minority firms access contracts, capital, and enter market opportunities, both domestic and global.

Over the last 5 years specifically, this assistance has provided minority firms access to nearly $20 billion in contracts and capital. I thank the MBDA for all it has accomplished over the last 45 years, especially the work at the Memphis MBDA Business Center in Tennessee Nine, my congressional district in Memphis, Tennessee.

In the coming years, the growth of America's workforce will come from minorities, and we need strong minority businesses to achieve maximum economic growth. I am certain the MBDA will lead the Nation to achieving our full potential.

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