[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 31 (Friday, March 8, 1996)]
[House]
[Page H2032]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  COMMENDING PRESIDENT CLINTON FOR SUSPENDING USE OF RACE- AND GENDER-
           BASED SET-ASIDES IN AWARDING OF FEDERAL CONTRACTS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Connecticut [Mr. Franks] is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. FRANKS of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I commend President Clinton 
for suspending the use of race- and gender-based set-asides for the 
awarding of Federal contracts. These preferences are the most onerous 
aspect of affirmative action.
  Last year I fought hard with an amendment to the defense 
appropriations bill to accomplish this same objective. However, that 
was not possible.
  In October, President Clinton reviewed and quietly ended that 
practice for defense contracts. But today's broader executive branch 
decision marks the true beginning of the end for race- and gender-based 
set-asides.
  Mr. Speaker, like all Americans, I want my children, Azia, Jessica, 
and Gary, Jr., to have an equal opportunity to succeed in this great 
country of ours. I want to them to know that, when selected, they are 
not just the best black person for the job, but that they are the best 
person for the job.
  It has to be the goal of this Nation to have more blacks, Hispanics, 
Asians, and women of all hues on the playing field of economic 
opportunity and growth. We want to see more bids on Government 
contracts for minorities and women, not fewer than the handful received 
today. That will truly enhance the likelihood of more Government 
contracts going to minorities and women.
  Mr. Speaker, outreach programs are essential. The are critical. 
Cabinet members and other high-level Federal officials must be held 
accountable for their outreach efforts. Once again, the Government 
should seek as many bids for minorities and women as possible, but once 
the bids are opened in the small business category, low bids should 
prevail regardless of one's gender or one's race.
  I thank the President for his actions.

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