[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 58 (Wednesday, April 9, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E554]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION ESTABLISHING A DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS 
       ENTERPRISE PROGRAM AT THE FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION

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                           HON. CORRINE BROWN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 9, 2014

  Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is critical that we continue to 
improve access for women and minorities to jobs and contract 
opportunities in the field of transportation.
  As the Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, 
and Hazardous Materials I am introducing legislation today establishing 
a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program at the Federal 
Railroad Administration so that women and minority owned businesses 
will be guaranteed participation in any new passenger and high speed 
rail initiatives.
  The U.S. Department of Transportation has been the leader in ensuring 
minority and women owned participation in transportation projects, 
advocating for a reasonable 10% set aside for businesses that often 
struggle to compete on an uneven playing field with larger firms. 
Currently, each of the other modes of transportation have a successful 
DBE program, and it is critical that the Federal Railroad 
Administration develop a program for these same businesses.
  The Congressional Black Caucus has made strengthening Disadvantaged 
Business Enterprise (DBE) programs at the Department of Transportation 
a top priority, and will continue to push to ensure that these worthy 
goals are being met.
  This legislation will keep the American Dream alive for many women 
and minority owned companies and I encourage its swift passage and 
implementation.

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