On the recordMay 23, 2011
Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Once again, I also rise in support of H.R. 1657. It is absolutely unconscionable that we would have folks taking the set-asides that we have made specifically available to our veterans as they return home to start small businesses. Again, it's certainly not a lottery they have won. It is this Nation's commitment to them to make sure they get on an equal footing and get going again; and anyone who is intentionally stealing those funds, it certainly should be a serious matter. I applaud the gentleman from Indiana for continuing on this very bipartisan--in the last Congress, Congresswoman Herseth Sandlin and now-Senator Boozman took this up, started it moving, and it looks like you are going to get her across for us, Mr. Stutzman; and for that I am very happy. I hope all my colleagues will join me in making sure we improve the protections for the veteran-owned enterprises and send a very clear signal that this is certainly fraud for those individuals who are engaging and taking those set-aside dollars because it is absolutely critical for our returning veterans. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
