[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 181 (Tuesday, November 29, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2123]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION PROVIDING A DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS 
    ENTERPRISE PROGRAM (DBE) AT THE FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION

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                           HON. CORRINE BROWN

                               of flordia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 29, 2011

  Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, today, along with 33 minority 
Members of Congress, I am introducing critical legislation that will 
address the lack of a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program 
at the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).
  Including Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) language in the 
Surface Transportation Reauthorization bill will ensure that minority, 
veteran, and women-owned businesses are getting their fair share of 
federal transportation dollars. Federal transportation spending has 
historically served as a crucial means of empowering socially 
disadvantaged businesses. Thanks to the efforts of the Black, Hispanic, 
and Asian-Pacific Congressional Caucus' and a bipartisan group of 
Members on the House Transportation Committee, every major 
transportation bill since 1983 has mandated minimum levels of 
participation by minority and/or women owned companies.
  Unfortunately, because the Federal Railroad Administration has not 
historically been a significant grant-making agency, it is not 
currently authorized to require opportunities for disadvantaged 
businesses. Without this authority, the FRA is limited in their ability 
to ensure that disadvantaged businesses are provided an even playing 
field.

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