Congressman Garamendi Introduces Amendment to Protect Local Small Businesses and Create Jobs Near Travis Air Force Base

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman John Garamendi (D-Walnut Creek, CA), a Member of the House Armed Services Committee, today spoke on the House floor about his amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that requires 40 percent of military subcontracts to come from businesses within 60 miles of the base making the contracts. This would potentially create thousands of jobs near Travis Air Force Base and provide a significant boost to Solano County's economy. The amendment was voted down. Video of Congressman Garamendi speaking on this issue is here.

"While Travis Air Force Base has been a great partner to Solano County and the surrounding region, too many small businesses near Travis have been denied contracts with the Department of Defense through an often opaque subcontracting process," said Congressman Garamendi. "My amendment would have created good local jobs by forcing the Defense Department to more actively engage local businesses. While I regret this amendment was not incorporated in this year's NDAA, I look forward to working with Congress and the military to continue addressing this problem."