[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 4 (Monday, February 1, 1999)]
[Pages 150-151]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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

[[Page 151]]

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.