[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 73 (Monday, April 29, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H2638-H2639]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          AMERICA'S SOUTHERN BORDER IS NOT A SOCIAL CONSTRUCT

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. LaLota) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. LaLOTA. Mr. Speaker, America's southern border is not a social 
construct.
  On a trip to the U.S.-Mexico border this past weekend, an academic 
from a prestigious institution shocked our bipartisan group by stating 
that he teaches students the border is a social construct to facilitate 
the free flow of people and ideas.
  What the heck, Mr. Speaker?
  It is appalling, but it sheds light on the ideology guiding President 
Biden's border policy decisions. These decisions include: halting 
border wall construction, implementing a mass parole system, and 
failing to promptly expel noncitizens who illegally cross in between 
ports of entry.
  This mindset ignores the fundamental importance of border security 
and the rule of law. By dismissing the border as a mere social 
construct, it undermines the legitimate efforts to protect our Nation's 
sovereignty and ensure the safety of our citizens.
  We must reject such dangerous rhetoric and work toward policies that 
prioritize border security.


          accessible federal contracting for small businesses

  Mr. LaLOTA. Mr. Speaker, the hurdles facing America's small 
businesses in obtaining Federal contracts are unjustifiably high.
  These businesses, the lifeblood of our economy, shouldn't require a 
legal team or extensive compliance infrastructure just to compete for 
Federal contracts. That is why I have introduced H.R. 7987, the Plain 
Language in Contracting Act, aimed at simplifying the process for small 
businesses to secure government contracts.
  I extend my gratitude to my colleague, Representative Thanedar of 
Michigan, for co-leading this crucial legislation across party lines.
  With over 33 million small businesses in America, only a small 
fraction secure Federal prime contracts. Many entrepreneurs cite the 
complexity of government procurement processes as a major deterrent. 
The language used in contract solicitations is often ambiguous and 
unnecessarily complex, deterring small businesses from even attempting 
to bid.
  A study by the Naval Postgraduate School revealed that less than 3 
percent of DOD contract solicitations are written in plain English. 
This complexity drives small businesses away from Federal contracting, 
eroding competition, and harming our economy.
  My bill mandates Federal agencies to use clear language in contract 
solicitations, fostering greater accessibility to contracts for small 
businesses.
  I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense legislation, 
recognizing the pivotal role small businesses play in our Nation's 
economy.
  Let's pave the way for a more accessible Federal contracting process 
for all businesses. Doing so benefits small businesses, the Federal 
Government, and its taxpayers.

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