PETALUMA, Calif., July 27, 2006 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Small Business League issued the following statement today applauding Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez (D-NY) for her efforts to end fraud and abuse in federal small business contracting programs.

Nydia Velazquez has a longstanding record as a tireless advocate for small businesses. Her hard work has kept consistent pressure on the government to initiate legislation to create a more level playing field for small firms to participate in the federal marketplace. For seven years, she has published an annual "Scorecard" report, rating the government on the results of its small business programs and giving a more accurate picture of the problems in the system.

"Nydia Velazquez is one of the only members of Congress that has continually focused attention on the government's unfair policies that have diverted billions of dollars in small business contracts to Fortune 1000 corporations and their subsidiaries. If there were more members of Congress like her, this corruption would have stopped years ago," stated Lloyd Chapman, president of the American Small Business League. "Every small business owner in America owes Ms. Velazquez a debt of gratitude for her unwavering efforts to fight for their rights. And no matter what state they live in, Nydia Velazquez is their voice in the House of Representatives."

About the ASBL
The American Small Business League was formed to promote and advocate policies that provide the greatest opportunity for small businesses - the 98% of U.S. companies with less than 100 employees. The ASBL is founded on the principle that small businesses, the backbone of a vital American economy, should receive the fair treatment promised by the Small Business Act of 1953. Representing small businesses in all fields and industries throughout the United States, the ASBL monitors existing policies and proposed policy changes by the Small Business Administration and other federal agencies that affect its members.

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