The program was established upon the belief that while high technologybased companies under 500 employees tended to be highly innovative. and innovation is essential to our economic wellbeing and the high standard of living that we enjoy. that small businesses are. unfortunately. underrepresented in government R&D activities. Our amendment is simple. Similar to other amendments that have been offered on various pieces of legislation. it is codifying current regulations and makes absolutely clear that illegal immigrants are not eligible for these programs. Legal permanent residents would be eligible. however. illegal immigrants would not. Moreover. a firm found to be in violation of this provision would be barred from receiving future awards. If this language looks familiar. it should. As I just alluded to. similar language was adopted last year during consideration of H.R. 3867. the Small Business Contracting Program Improvements Act. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. The American taxpayer must have confidence that their hardearned dollars are being spent properly. and this amendment. by making crystal clear that illegal Immigrants are not eligible for these programs. helps accomplish this. Upon passage of comprehensive immigration reform. the path to eligibility for these programs will be the path to citizenship under the rule of law. Again. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.
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illegal immigrants illegal Immigrants immigration