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Counting Lower-Tier Small Businesses Bill Moves to Senate On June 14, the House of Representatives adopted the 51����-supported that would allow prime contractors to count lower-tier small business subcontractors towards their small business goals.  Prior to ultimate passage of the NDAA bill by a 315-108 vote, this 51����-backed legislation was amended into the National Defense Authorization Act of 2014 (NDAA) without objection. Rep. Richard Hanna (R-N.Y.), along with House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-Pa.), House Small Business Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-Mo.), and Reps. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) and Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.), offered the amendment that included H.R. 2232. Current law only allows prime contractors to count first-tier small business subcontractors towards their goals. This simple record keeping change in H.R. 2232 will encourage prime contractors to make sure small businesses have the opportunity to compete for subcontracts at every tier, thereby allowing more opportunities for small business growth.  51���� of H.R. 2232 before the House Small Business Committee in May. Last week’s successful vote is in large part thanks to the hundreds of 51���� members who sent letters on this issue to their Representative through 51����’s Legislative Action Center. Action now moves to the Senate, where 51���� will continue to fight for the enactment of this measure. For more information, please contact Jimmy Christianson at (703) 837-5325 or christiansonj@agc.org.