Washington, D.C.— Today, House Small Business Committee Chairwoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) issued the following statement following President Biden signing a “Buy American” executive order for government procurement:
“The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic created a once in a lifetime crisis for American small businesses. Since the start of his campaign, President Biden has stressed the need for an equitable recovery that prioritizes the small firms that make up our communities and economies’ backbone. This “Buy American” executive order will institute critical provisions to support small businesses and manufacturers through government contracting. This executive order will help ensure that taxpayer dollars are going to help American firms and American workers to drive our recovery. By giving American small businesses a larger role in the government procurement process, this administration will create good-paying jobs and boost American businesses in dire need of support.
"This executive order represents an investment in American small businesses. This is a breath of fresh air for American entrepreneurs after suffering through four years of erratic trade wars and economic policy geared toward fulfilling large corporations’ desires. The order will also produce new opportunities for small firms by directing agencies to connect with American small and medium suppliers who can meet their contracting needs.
“Today’s actions are a step in the right direction, and I look forward to working with the Biden administration to stay attuned to the needs of small businesses and the issues they face. Small businesses aren’t monolithic, and we must take a diverse range of small business concerns into account. Including the many that utilize foreign components to make their products. By bringing all small firms to the table, the administration can propel a more equitable recovery and create an environment where all businesses can prosper.”
