[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 105 (Monday, July 29, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1451]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              VELAZQUEZ-ISSA-WILSON AMENDMENT TO H.R. 5005

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. DARRELL E. ISSA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 25, 2002

  Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my support for the 
Velazquez-lssa-Wilson amendment. I would like to thank the gentlewomen 
from New York and New Mexico for joining me in introducing this 
amendment that is so important to America's small businesses.
  Small businesses are the backbone of our nation's economy. They 
represent over 99% of all companies in the United States and employ 
over half of the nation's workforce. The Department of Homeland 
Security should facilitate a competitive purchasing atmosphere where 
high quality goods provided by small businesses can assist in the 
critical mission of this new agency.
  The Velazquez-lssa-Wilson amendment will require the Department of 
Homeland Security to adhere to the same minimum procurement goals as 
other federal agencies. Additionally, the amendment puts accountability 
into the hands of procurement officials by making goal attainment an 
element of worker performance evaluations.
  It is critical that government support American small businesses, 
which is why Congress created statutory goals for small business 
procurement.
  Support the Velazquez-lssa-Wilson amendment and let us secure a place 
for small businesses in Homeland Security's procurement market.

                          ____________________