Sanford Bishop: “Veteran-owned companies do two really important things: First, they create jobs and provide positive impact on our…”

“Veteran-owned companies do two really important things: First, they create jobs and provide positive impact on our economy. And most importantly, veteran-owned small businesses provide a great venue for unemployed veterans to find work. Mr. Chairman, I believe that the government has done poorly in reaching the 3 percent contracting goal for veterans. For example, agency contractor awards are below 1 percent from 2003 to 2006. The most recent figures for 2009 show agencies awarded only 1.98 percent to service-disabled veterans. Agencies need to do better, and I believe this amendment will help the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs do a better job. {time} 1920 I support this amendment, and I urge its adoption.”