John Kerry: “a few months ago, I introduced the Military Reservist and Veteran Small Business Reauthorization and Opportunity Act. As…”

“a few months ago, I introduced the Military Reservist and Veteran Small Business Reauthorization and Opportunity Act. As the chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, I was gratified that I was able to work with Ranking Member Senator Snowe on behalf of this Nation's veterans. I was also pleased that this bill was added by unanimous consent as an amendment to the Department of Defense Authorization, although disappointed when the final House-Senate negotiated compromise did not make it as part of the final bill. In November, Senator Snowe and I sought to pass this bill in the Senate only to meet with objections from my respected colleague from Oklahoma. I am pleased to say that Senator Coburn has worked with me in good faith and that we have reached an agreement that addresses his concerns. We have sought to protect the language that the House and Senate agreed upon and done our utmost to improve the resources that are available to our Nation's veterans. Although this bill is not perfect or exactly as I may have envisioned, it is an important step forward in supporting the American dream of business ownership for veterans and reservists.”