News From Congresswoman
Nydia M. Velázquez
Representing New York's 12th Congressional District - Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens
Ranking Democratic Member, House Small Business Committee

For Immediate Release
May 23, 2005

CONTACT: Kate Davis, Allyson Ivins, 202-225-4038

MEDIA ADVISORY

Members and Women Business Owners Demand Federal Marketplace Be Open
Support strengthens for lawsuit to expand contracting opportunities to women

WASHINGTON - Democratic Members of Congress - frustrated because women business owners are not getting their fair share of federal contracts and by the Small Business Administration's (SBA) continued refusal to implement the women's procurement program - will file an amicus brief (Friend of the Court) in support of a lawsuit, which would force the administration to implement the program.

The suit was filed six months ago by the U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce on behalf of women business owners across the country. These extraordinary steps are necessary due to the lack of effort demonstrated by SBA to implement the program. The women's procurement program, which was signed into law in 2000, would expand opportunities in the federal marketplace for women business owners in industries that have historically been closed to them.

This move was necessary because of the continued inability of federal agencies to meet the mandated five percent women-owned business contracting goal. The administration's refusal to implement the program has cost women business owners $25 billion in lost contracting opportunity. Implementation of the women's procurement program would go a long way in helping female entrepreneurs to receive their fair share of the federal marketplace.

When and Where:

When: Thursday, May 26, 2005, at 9:30 a.m.

Where: Cannon Terrace, HC-9
(Rain location: 311 Cannon House Office Building)

Who: Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez, Ranking Democrat, House Small Business Committee
Democratic Members
Margot Dorfman, U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce
Deborah L. Frett, CEO Business and Professional Women (BPW)
Women business owners

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