End Race and Gender Preferences in Government Contracts

Imagine losing a federal contract — despite submitting the lowest bid and the strongest proposal — because of the color of your skin or your sex. Most Americans would call that discrimination. The Constitution calls it unconstitutional. And yet, for decades, this is exactly what the federal government has been doing: It’s allowed to engage in preferential treatment based on race and gender.

The Ending Discrimination in Government Contracting Act, introduced last week by Senator Mike Lee (R., Utah) and Representative Glenn Grothman (R., Wis.), would finally put a stop to it.

MS

About the Author

Maddie Salamone

Maddie Salamone is a federal policy counsel for Pacific Legal Foundation.

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Imagine losing a federal contract — despite submitting the lowest bid and the strongest proposal — because of the color of your skin or your sex. Most Americans would call that discrimination. The Constitution calls it unconstitutional. And yet, for decades, this is exactly what the federal government has been doing: It’s allowed to engage in preferential treatment based on race and gender.

The Ending Discrimination in Government Contracting Act, introduced last week by Senator Mike Lee (R., Utah) and Representative Glenn Grothman (R., Wis.), would finally put a stop to it.