Award Federal Contracts on Merits
Our country's history has many examples of political patronage. Past presidents were able to appoint many civil service positions- including Postmaster General. Many big cities had political machines run by bosses who were able to steer jobs and contracts to favored supporters.
Those days are largely gone now. Companies compete for federal tax dollars based on criteria like price and quality. This practice takes politics out of the equation.
Last week, I chaired a Small Business Committee hearing on the Administration's proposal to require firms to list their political donations when they apply for federal contracts. The Obama administration said that the information would not be used in awarding contracts, but for transparency purposes.
That does not pass the smell test. The information is already publicly available. Why make a business jump through another hoop if it is not a part of the bid process?
Our federal government shouldn't be asking who's a Democrat and who's a Republican when awarding contracts. They ought to be asking who can get the job done well and for the least amount of taxpayer money. This requirement would place an additional burden on small businesses who want to bid for federal work.
I firmly believe that the federal government should award contracts based on merit, not political connections. Taxpayer dollars should not be used to reward supporters or punish political enemies.
It is my hope that the President listens to the chorus of opposition from both Republicans and Democrats and abandons this Executive Order.
Sincerely,
