Nydia M. Velazquez: “Mr. Chairman, today we are considering the $19 billion Foreign Operations appropriation bill. Billions of dollars of…”

“Mr. Chairman, today we are considering the $19 billion Foreign Operations appropriation bill. Billions of dollars of this funding will be spent on Federal contracts performed overseas. This amendment ensures that U.S. small businesses have an opportunity to compete for this work. Large contractors in the United States are currently required to submit subcontracting plans for work performed in the United States. These plans must simply identify small business goals and demonstrate that small companies have a reasonable opportunity to compete for these subcontracts. The Kilpatrick amendment merely extends this requirement to overseas contracts. I cannot overstate the important role of small businesses in our economy. Whether domestic projects or overseas work, our Nation's small businesses deserve access to Federal contract opportunities. The Kilpatrick amendment eliminates these double standards and gives United States small businesses a chance to compete. I urge its adoption.”