Congressman Menefee: Killing Minority Business Programs Hurts Every Houstonian

July 28, 2026 Press Release HOUSTON, TX — Today, a federal judge ruled that the City of Houston's Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) program is unconstitutional. In response, Congressman Christian D. Menefee (TX-18) released the following statement, warning that the decision is the latest step in a broader effort to dismantle programs that level the playing field for minority- and women-owned businesses. “This ruling is yet another step by far-right activists, like the lawyers who filed this case, fighting to erase every tool minority and women business owners use to compete on a level playing field,” sai d Rep. Menefee. “They’ve fought to end diversity programs in our colleges, at corporations, and in government contracts. It’s a shame, and The Supreme Court of the United States has cleared the way for it to happen in ending affirmative action and gutting the Voting Rights Act." “We’ve seen the data showing that local governments across our region overwhelmingly contract with companies owned by white men,” continued Rep. Menefee. “The gaps in contracting are massive, and they are proof that minority and women business owners still face real barriers when they try to win public contracts. MWBE programs help close those gaps. They are not a favor or a handout.” Studies conducted over the years, along with evidence presented in the case, show clear racial disparities in who receives contracts from local governments across the Houston area. During the trial, the City's expert witness testified that minority-owned businesses continue to lose out on city contracts, confirming ongoing racial disparities in the City's contracting process. Similarly, a 2020 study of Harris County government contracting found that the county awarded more than 90% of its contracting dollars over a three-year period to businesses owned by white men. These disparities are well documented and are the reason MWBE programs were created in the first place. “I hope local officials continue to look for lawful ways to make sure contracting with our local governments reflects the full diversity of our region,” said Rep. Menefee. “Every dollar that a small business owner earns from a government contract supports a family and builds a neighborhood. We can’t let far right agitators tear that apart.” Issues : Congress Economy