Washington, D.C. -- The National Association of Government Contractors supports new legislation expanding government contracting opportunities for small businesses.

The Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee approved a bill Thursday designed to expand small-business opportunities for federal work.

"Small businesses are too often shut out of the process," said NAGC Communications Director Simon Brody. "Legislation is often the only way to get agencies to open contracts up to small businesses."

The bill, S 2989, would require agencies to reserve some prime contracts for small businesses. Contractor. Some opponents contend that small businesses already have preferential treatment under existing contracting programs. Requiring small-business set-asides in the programs could, in certain circumstances, limit opportunities for some small businesses.

The bill may require further elaboration once sent to the full Senate.

ABOUT NAGC: Since 1957, the National Association of Government Contractors (NAGC) has been the nation's premier trade association for government contractors, representing the interests of 120,000 businesses across America. For more information, visit GovernmentContractors.org.