Sean Patrick Maloney: “I rise in opposition to a provision in the Spence amendment that threatens one of the basic tenets of our economy, full…”

“I rise in opposition to a provision in the Spence amendment that threatens one of the basic tenets of our economy, full and open competition. Section 1505 of the amendment of the gentleman from South Carolina would allow the Government to limit competition when it buys noncommercial goods and services. Current law allows simplified procurement procedures for commercial goods and services. Full and open competition guarantees lower prices, competitive bidding, provides an even playing field for businesses, and helps weed out fraud, favoritism, and abuse. It guarantees the Government the best price and value, while at the same time ensuring the integrity of the system and protecting taxpayers' dollars. The Government spends $200 billion a year on goods and services. That is $800 for every American taxpayer in the procurement system.”