Political Quotes

“I rise to support the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program and oppose the amendment of the Senator from Kentucky which would eliminate it. This amendment, at least, implies that there is something wrong with supporting socially and economically disadvantaged businesses. I see nothing wrong with supporting socially and economically disadvantaged businesses. I believe it is entirely appropriate we do whatever we can, legally, to help small businesses flourish, businesses that might otherwise get swamped by larger, better financed competitors. Mr. President, it is a sad fact that as we near the end of this century, socially and economically disadvantaged businesses tend to be minority owned. If we don't focus our attention on helping these businesses succeed, we are never going to achieve the dream of an economically colorblind society. The evidence of this, regrettably, is compelling and disturbing. White-owned construction firms receive 50 times as many loan dollars as African American-owned firms that have identical equity. Where DBE programs at the State level have been eliminated, participation by qualified women and qualified minorities in government transportation contracts has plummeted. There is no way to know whether this discrimination is intentional or subconscious, but the effect is the same.”