hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Ends preferences for certain businesses in federal contracts.
Rep. Grothman (R, WI) introduced the bill.
In committee, no House vote yet.
This bill seeks to remove all federal programs and legal provisions that give preferential treatment or set goals for government contracts based on the race, ethnicity, or sex of business owners. The sponsor, Representative Glenn Grothman, a Republican from Wisconsin, serves on committees including Oversight and Accountability. The bill has been introduced in the House and referred to multiple committees for review, which is an early stage in the legislative process before it can be considered for a full House vote.
Introduced Apr 27, 2026
H.R. 8511 was introduced in the House of Representatives on April 27, 2026. It has been referred to the Committees on Oversight and Government Reform, Small Business, Transportation and Infrastructure, and Armed Services. For it to become law, it must first be approved by these committees, then pass a vote in the House, followed by approval in the Senate, and finally signed by the President.
The bill would amend the Small Business Act and other laws to remove provisions related to 'socially and economically disadvantaged individuals' and 'women-owned' businesses in federal contracting. It would also explicitly prohibit executive agencies from considering race, ethnicity, or sex when granting contracts, awards, or setting requirements for contractors. Programs such as the Minority Business Development Act of 2021 would be repealed, and reporting requirements on such contract categories would be eliminated.
Supporters Say
Supporters argue this bill creates a fair playing field for all businesses by eliminating preferences based on demographics.
Critics Say
Critics would likely argue such programs address historical inequalities and ensure diverse business participation in federal contracting.
Those in favor would assert that government contracts should be awarded solely on merit and competence, without regard to the owner's race, ethnicity, or sex. They would argue existing preferences amount to reverse discrimination. Opponents, however, would contend that these programs are crucial for correcting systemic disadvantages faced by minority and women-owned businesses, promoting economic opportunity, and ensuring that government spending reflects the nation's diversity.