Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I want to first thank Representative Andrews for introducing the IMPROVE Act, H.R. 5013, and to Chairman Skelton for all their hard work on this legislation and really steadfast support of our armed services. My amendment will help businesses that are in the vicinity of defense installations, especially small, minority and women-owned businesses and veteran-owned businesses, access defense contracting opportunities. I have heard the frustration of my constituent small businesses that are unable to access the complex system of defense acquisition and procurement. For example, one company located just across the street from Andrews Air Force Base in Camp Springs, Maryland, in my congressional district has repeatedly attempted to access on-base business opportunities. This company has the capacity, as indicated by contracts they have with other government entities, but they have been stymied on every attempt at Andrews. With this amendment, this company will receive the technical assistance necessary to compete. In my conversations with the base leadership at Andrews--and I want to thank them for their hard work--I hear their desire to work with the surrounding community and the businesses in it. With this amendment, they will receive the authority they need to engage in outreach to drive economic development activity directly around the base with entities such as the company I referenced in Camp Springs.…”