Nydia M. Velazquez: “I rise today to ensure that the new Department has access to the innovative resources this Nation's small businesses can…”

“I rise today to ensure that the new Department has access to the innovative resources this Nation's small businesses can offer in the defense for our country. The amendment offered with my colleagues from California and New Mexico makes sure that the American taxpayer gets the best value for the dollar and that the new Department of Homeland Security has access to the best work and highest technology by requiring the new agency to open up its estimated $37 billion market to our Nation's small businesses. America's small businesses are the top innovators in the global economy. In an age when high technology will help keep us one step ahead of those who will do us harm, we cannot afford to ignore the contributions our small companies can make. When the private sector corporations need a job done quickly, they look to nimble, fast-working small businesses. Unfortunately, small businesses face many obstacles when trying to win contracts from Federal agencies. The Velazquez-Issa-Wilson amendment will tear down barriers to part of that market by requiring the new Department of Homeland Security to have a small-business goal that is at least the statutory minimum of 23 percent. The amendment also adds accountability to the process by including goal achievement in Federal contracting officers' performance evaluations. I close by asking my colleagues to get this new agency off to a good start.”