    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1999, Book I)]
    [January 29, 1999]
    [Page 130]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Transportation Department's Disadvantaged Business
    Enterprise Program
    January 29, 1999

        For 6 years, our administration has worked hard to give more
    Americans the tools to make the most of their lives. Today I am pleased
    to announce that the Department of Transportation is reforming and
    strengthening a program designed to open the doors of economic
    opportunity for those who have too often been shut out.
        The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program gives thousands of
    minority-owned and women-owned business an opportunity to compete for
    State and local contracts to maintain our roads, construct new highways,
    and improve public transportation, among many other projects.
        After carefully considering hundreds of comments and suggestions
    from local leaders, business owners, and citizens from across the
    country, the Transportation Department has amended the DBE rules to
    ensure that this vitally important program works more fairly, more
    efficiently, and meets all constitutional requirements. The new rule is
    an excellent example of our efforts to mend, not end, affirmative
    action. I applaud the hard work and dedication of Secretary
    Slater and his staff to make sure that all
    Americans can share in this time of prosperity.