Agency Accountability Act of 2024

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. McGARVEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Agency Accountability Act. I thank Chairman Williams, Ranking Member Velazquez, and my colleague from Minnesota, Representative Stauber, for bringing this important bill forward and getting it to the floor.

As Representative Stauber said, small businesses are the backbone of the American economy. They are what keep things moving. In Louisville, our small businesses are so special. We have a saying in our small business community that says ``Keep Louisville Weird,'' meaning make sure our small businesses are here and they are thriving.

One of the reasons I enjoy being on the Small Business Committee is we get together every week, and we talk about what small businesses need and how we can make sure we are helping foster the growth and entrepreneurship that keep America's small businesses moving forward.

When you look at what small businesses need, however, they need a fair shot, among other things. The Federal Government is the largest purchaser of goods and services around the world, so we have recognized that the Federal Government must engage in purchasing things from our small businesses.

Representative Stauber, a former hockey player, knows a rule isn't any good unless it is enforced. With the Federal Government having a quota, what happens if it doesn't meet it? This bill answers that question, and it says that we must hold failing agencies accountable, that if they aren't meeting their quota of purchasing from small businesses, that they are going to have to come before the House and the Senate and testify as to why.

I am proud to support this bill because it makes sure that we are continuing to support our small businesses all over this country, and I am proud to be a cosponsor of the Agency Accountability Act.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source