Bush Administration Stalls Implementation of Women's
In spite of six-year-old
federal legislation and a federal court order, the Bush
administration continues to stall implementation of the
women's procurement program. This has resulted in the loss
of billions of dollars in federal small business contracts
to women entrepreneurs. The government's latest delaying
tactic was to issue a "proposed rule" through the Small
Business Administration requiring a public comment period.
The U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce points out that the
SBA's new proposal changes the language of the original
legislation and calls for stringent certification
requirements which will significantly slow the ability of
many women business owners to participate in the program. If
adopted, the policy will be stricter than the certification
requirements for disabled veterans.
In a recent interview with GovExec.com, Margot Dorfman, CEO
of the Women's Chamber stated, "At every turn, the SBA has
sought to sabotage the implementation of this important
program for women as established in 2000. Now they seek to
change the laws established by Congress."
"Republican women business owners need to stop listening to
what President Bush says and start paying heed to what he
does-I say actions speak louder than words," stated Lloyd
Chapman, President of the American Small Business League.
"Bush's refusal to implement the women's procurement program
clearly shows his lack of commitment to women entrepreneurs.
All women business owners, both Democrats and Republicans
alike, need to keep this in mind the next time they step
into a voting booth."
Chapman added, "I think every woman business owner owes the
U.S. Women's Chamber a debt of gratitude for their
unwavering commitment to see that this program is properly
implemented."
Comments on the SBA's proposal can be sent through the U.S.
Women's Chamber Web site at
http://www.capwiz.com/sblink/issues/alert/?alertid=8889136 .
The deadline to submit a comment is Monday, July 17, 2006.
About the ASBL
The American Small Business League was formed to promote and
advocate policies that provide the greatest opportunity for
small businesses - the 98% of U.S. companies with less than
100 employees. The ASBL is founded on the principle that
small businesses, the backbone of a vital American economy,
should receive the fair treatment promised by the Small
Business Act of 1953. Representing small businesses in all
fields and industries throughout the United States, the ASBL
monitors existing policies and proposed policy changes by
the Small Business Administration and other federal agencies
that affect its members.
