Nydia M. Velazquez: “In their service to the Nation, veterans have demonstrated strength, discipline and dedication to preserving security.…”

“In their service to the Nation, veterans have demonstrated strength, discipline and dedication to preserving security. At home, they have proven to be invaluable components of a strong economy. We have already seen the impact veterans can have on the business community. Currently, approximately 22 percent of servicemembers in the United States have either purchased or started a new business. These entrepreneurs are significant contributors to job growth and expansion of local economies. I wish to commend Congressman Jason Altmire and Congressman Vern Buchanan for their leadership in crafting this bill that will further this effort. H.R. 4253 promotes veterans' continued pursuit of self-employment and provides them with the support for growth that they deserve. It accomplishes this objective by comprehensively updating several of the Small Business Administration's programs to better meet the current needs of veteran entrepreneurs. The bill addresses several of the impediments to veterans' success as entrepreneurs.”