House advances Stauber’s bill to bolster subcontracting for small businesses

The U.S. House of Representatives on June 8 voted 411-11 to approve bipartisan legislation offered by U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber (R-MN) that aims to help more American small businesses compete for federal contracts. 

The House-approved Strengthening Subcontracting for Small Businesses Act of 2022, H.R. 7694, which Rep. Stauber sponsored on May 10 with lead original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D-MD), was received in the U.S. Senate on June 9 and referred to the U.S. Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee for action.

“I’m glad to see this critical legislation pass the House and hope to see quick action in the Senate,” Rep. Stauber said last week.

If enacted, H.R. 7694 would require federal agencies to consider when evaluating offers for contracts the extent to which, in a subcontracting plan, the offeror proposes to use small businesses as subcontractors in the performance of the contract, according to the congressional record bill summary.

“Small businesses are the engines driving our economy, yet it’s becoming more difficult for them to compete for federal contracts,” said Rep. Stauber. “At a time when small businesses are struggling with inflation, a supply chain crisis, and a labor shortage, this legislation will provide them with a greater opportunity for success.”