Rep. Moore Amendment Helps Small and Minority Owned Businesses Working at Our Nation’s Airports
Washington,
April 26, 2018
Washington, DC – In response to the inclusion of her prompt payment amendment in the House’s FAA Reauthorization Act, H.R. 4, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) released the following statement.
“Despite the existence of federal laws calling for their inclusion, minority and women-owned businesses continue to confront major barriers competing for and winning federally funded transportation contracts. My amendment to the FAA Reauthorization Bill, which would help ensure prompt payment to contractors, takes an important step forward in removing an obstacle affecting all businesses, especially those that have historically faced discrimination. “A 2017 Department of Transportation (DOT) Inspector General report found that half of new Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE), small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, struggle to receive timely payments for their work. For these businesses operating with tight margins, late payments can deal a deathblow. Current DOT regulations requiring prompt payments do not do nearly enough to solve the problem. My amendment strengthens existing rules by requiring airports with DBE programs to track delayed payment complaints and report those complaints to the FAA. It further requires the FAA to take steps to improve compliance with existing federal payment rules. “The issue of delayed payments is just one of many barriers that deny qualified minority and women-owned businesses across this country a fair opportunity to compete and win work. As this moves through the legislative process, it is essential that Congress continue to work to protect these businesses from discrimination and ensure their equal treatment.” The Moore amendment was endorsed by Airport Minority Advisory Council and the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association and can be read here.
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