Sharice Davids: “I thank the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Velazquez) for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in strong support…”

“I thank the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Velazquez) for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in strong support of the Successful Entrepreneurship for Reservists and Veterans Act, or the SERV Act, which I introduced alongside my friend and colleague from Missouri (Mr. Alford). The SERV Act not only honors our veterans; it honors their service. It empowers our veterans to embark on a new chapter as entrepreneurs and small business owners. My mom served in the Army for 20 years. My grandfather served, as well. Through them, I learned so much about service, about leadership, and certainly about the dedication to country. Our veterans have defended our freedoms from so many things and with unwavering commitment. We absolutely owe it to them to provide the support that they need to achieve personal and professional success as they return home. The SERV Act is a testament to that commitment that we have to the brave veterans that have served, and it is necessary because veterans do face distinct barriers when transitioning to civilian life, specifically when starting a business. Those challenges can include overcoming stigmas around physical disability or post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as difficulty accessing credit. It forces small businesses to sometimes turn to alternative lenders, which can be predatory or more expensive than traditional sources.…”