Amendment to Broadband Title of Stimulus Package

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Amendment to Broadband Title of Stimulus Package

"Mr. Chairman, I will be brief given that we have a lot of work ahead of us during this markup. "My amendment is simple and directs the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to consider whether an eligible entity applying for a grant is a "socially and economically disadvantaged small business concern" as defined under Section 8(a) of the Small Business Act. The purpose of this amendment is for the NTIA to take into account women- and minority-owned businesses when issuing grants for the development of broadband services.

"The amendment does not run afoul of the Constitution and is not a "quota" or "set-aside program" that would be of concern to the courts. The amendment requires that NTIA exhibit sensitivity to the needs of women- and minority-owned businesses in an effort to promote diversity in the marketplace. This is only one factor among many that NTIA must consider when issuing grants, and it is not a definitive factor. My staff has consulted with the Congressional Research Service and CRS does not believe this amendment raises Constitutional problems.

"Mr. Chairman, I have long been a champion of increasing women and minority ownership in the telecommunications industry. For too long, the same faces and the same companies have dominated this highly lucrative, multi-billion dollar market with no chance for disadvantaged businesses to participate and compete. This amendment is a small step towards attempting to create diversity in the marketplace so that ALL businesses can take advantage of the promise of advanced telecommunications services.

"I thank the Chairman for his support of my amendment, and I urge its adoption."

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