[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 169 (Tuesday, September 28, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1036-E1037]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN SUPPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY MENTOR-PROTEGE 
  PROGRAM ACT OF 2021 AND THE NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR 
                            FISCAL YEAR 2022

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. A. DONALD McEACHIN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 28, 2021

  Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, small businesses play a crucial role in 
our national security and it is imperative that we do everything in our 
power to strengthen their ability to

[[Page E1037]]

compete for government contracts. That is why I introduced the 
Department of Homeland Security Mentor-Protege Program Act of 2021, 
which authorizes a business mentor-protege program within the 
Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This bill pursues two critical 
goals: strengthening and helping small businesses, the backbone of our 
economy, and bolstering DHS, which has the critical responsibility to 
keep Americans safe. The legislation will give a hand up to minority-, 
woman-, and veteran-owned small businesses, making them more 
competitive for DHS contracts, and therefore, more likely to be 
successful, offering jobs and returning dollars to their communities. 
This pandemic has only reinforced the significant role that small 
businesses play. A broader, more diverse pool of DHS contractors saves 
taxpayer dollars, creates a stronger economy and most critically, helps 
keep our country safe. The Department of Homeland Security Mentor-
Protege Program Act of 2021 has been included in the House version of 
the FY 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) as an amendment 
and I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure that this 
vital piece of legislation remains in the final NDAA.

                          ____________________