Yesterday, two bills introduced by Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar (FL-27) passed the House of Representatives. H.R. 3065, the Expanding Contracting Opportunities for Small Businesses Act, and H.R. 5306, the REEF Act, were incorporated into the final House passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA passed the House by vote of 316-113.
These policies will help small businesses, protect our environment, and grow our economy.
“Securing these policy priorities in the NDAA will boost Florida’s economy and enhance our marine environment,” said Rep. Salazar. “Without question, passing a robust National Defense Authorization Act each is year is one of our most critical responsibilities in Congress. The NDAA provides necessary funding for our troops and veterans, and ensures that we have the capabilities to remain strong on the world stage and protect our country from existing and emerging threats.”
Salazar Bills included in NDAA:
Amendment No. 365: The Expanding Contracting Opportunities for Small Businesses Act raises sole source contracting thresholds from $5 million to $8 million for general contracts and from $7 million to $10 million for manufacturing contracts. This program specifically benefits veteran-owned, women-owned, and minority-owned businesses, as well as those operating in economically disadvantaged areas. These changes will level the playing field and encourage more small contractors to participate in government programs leading to a quicker rebuilding of the US economy.
"Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, creating jobs and providing opportunities for success for everyone. Sadly, entrepreneurs faced many challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic and they need support to recover,” said Rep. Salazar. “Increasing sole source contracting caps will level the playing field and provide expanded opportunities for our small business contractors. Since coming to Congress, I've made it my mission to secure new opportunities for small businesses to contract with the federal government and it it an honor to be able to deliver on this promise."
Amendment No. 364: The REEF Act is a program that incentivizes more retired Navy ships to be turned into artificial reefs, benefitting the environment, creating recreational opportunities, and spurring local economies in the process.
“In my home state of Florida, we say that the environment is the economy, and the economy is the environment. The REEF Act is a boon for both,” said Rep. Salazar. “Artificial reefs create recreational opportunities, which produce millions in revenue for local coastal economies. Perhaps most notably, the REEF Act allows our veterans to see their former ships laid to rest at sea, rather than sold for scrap. As a fierce supporter of our men and women in uniform, I am proud to introduce legislation that ensures the legacy of our retired military vessels will live on.”
Original source can be found here.
