Christian Menefee Responds After Federal Judge Strikes Down Houston MWBE Program

Congressman Christian Menefee (D) criticized a federal court ruling declaring the City of Houston's Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) program unconstitutional, arguing that the decision threatens efforts to expand contracting opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses.

Menefee criticizes the decision

The ruling invalidates the city's contracting program, which was designed to increase participation by minority and women-owned businesses in municipal contracts.

Menefee said the ruling is part of a broader trend challenging diversity-related programs.

Rep. Christian Menefee: "This ruling is yet another step by far-right activists... fighting to erase every tool minority and women business owners use to compete on a level playing field."

He also referenced previous U.S. Supreme Court decisions involving affirmative action and the Voting Rights Act, arguing they have contributed to challenges facing diversity initiatives.

Disparities in public contracting

Menefee pointed to studies and testimony presented during the case that he said demonstrate continued disparities in government contracting.

According to his office:

• Expert testimony during the trial indicated minority-owned businesses continue to receive a disproportionately small share of City of Houston contracts.
• A 2020 study of Harris County contracting found that more than 90% of contracting dollars over three years were awarded to businesses owned by white men.

Rep. Christian Menefee: "MWBE programs help close gaps. They are not a favor or a handout."

Following the court's decision, Menefee urged local governments to pursue legally permissible ways to promote broader participation in public contracting.

Rep. Menefee continued: "I hope local officials continue to look for lawful way to make sure contracting with our local governments reflects the full diversity of our region."

The Bottom Line

Congressman Christian Menefee is criticizing a federal ruling that struck down Houston's Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise program, arguing it threat effort address longstanding disparities in public contracting while calling on local officials to pursue lawful alternatives that expand opportunities for small businesses.