Over the years this committee has heard testimony, received Inspection General reports, and heard reports of numerous businesses who we believe took advantage of set-asides rightfully reserved for service-disabled veteran-owned small…

I will say the testimony we heard in this subcommittee about how vulnerable the system was and is has probably been the most shocking I have heard on this committee in over three years.

I think that is very critical. I appreciate your efforts on that, and my office is more than willing to--if you hear of examples and cases that perhaps the VA has not acted on quickly enough, let us know.

The bill simply requires that upon receiving a contract with the VA the VA must obtain a certification that the business concerns will comply with the requirements already written into the law.

This act would apply to small business concerns owned and controlled by a veteran with a service disability as well as small businesses controlled by veterans who receive federal contracts from the VA.

Will you commit to directing your employees to do a better job responding to these inquiries?

I need the extension.

This is just amazing and shocking that they would leave that penalty in place.

I am worried about small business men and women actually trying to make their payroll.

Mr. Huelskamp. No.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I certainly appreciate the ability to be here today. Appreciate the leadership of many on this committee.