Several minority-owned businesses in the United States say they are losing access to federal construction contracts.
The complaints follow changes to a transportation programme approved under Donald Trump.
A federal court previously ruled in favour of the administration’s overhaul of a United States Department of Transportation programme.
The policy change affects a programme that previously supported participation of minority-owned businesses in government construction projects.
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Business owners say the new framework has reduced opportunities for companies owned by minority entrepreneurs.
They argue that the changes could limit their ability to compete for billions of dollars in infrastructure contracts.
The affected programme has historically encouraged diversity in government-funded transport and infrastructure construction projects.
Advocates say minority-owned businesses depend on the programme to access large federal construction contracts.
Supporters of the policy say the reforms aim to change how federal contracting programmes operate.
However, critics warn that the changes could widen existing gaps in business opportunities.
Industry groups and policy analysts are now reviewing the potential impact on minority participation in infrastructure development.
The debate continues as businesses and policymakers examine how the programme will operate in future contracts.
