BONDING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

SEC. 1951. BONDING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. Section 332 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting at the end the following:“(e) Bonding Assistance.—“(1) In general.—The Secretary, acting through the Minority Resource Center established under subsection (b), shall provide assistance in obtaining bid, payment, and performance bonds by disadvantaged business enterprises pursuant to subsection (b)(4).“(2) Authorization of appropriation.—There is authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2005 through 2009 to carry out activities under this subsection.”.