Nydia M. Velazquez: “The statutory goal of awarding 3 percent of all prime Federal contracts to HUBZone firms has never been met. H.R. 5879…”

“The statutory goal of awarding 3 percent of all prime Federal contracts to HUBZone firms has never been met. H.R. 5879 will enable agencies to better meet this goal by eliminating all ambiguity and clarifying that the HUBZone price evaluation preference applies to orders. I commend the gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. Newman), the sponsor of the bill, and the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Salazar), the cosponsor, for working together on this sensible piece of legislation. H.R. 5879 will undoubtedly strengthen the HUBZone program which, in turn, will create jobs and stimulate local economies across the Nation. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes,'' and I yield back the balance of my time.”