Nydia M. Velazquez: “This motion to recommit will take away contracts from veterans with service disabilities. At this time, I would like to…”

“This motion to recommit will take away contracts from veterans with service disabilities. At this time, I would like to submit for the Record a letter from the American Legion that clearly states, ``We steadfastly oppose any amendments to alter the legislation's provisions that assist veteran-owned businesses in section 101.'' On behalf of the 2.7 million members of The American Legion I am writing to strongly endorse the Small Business Contracting Program Improvements Act, which is scheduled for markup in the Committee on Small Business as early as this week. Further, we steadfastly oppose any amendments to alter the legislation's provisions that assist veteran-owned businesses in section 101. Recently, the entrepreneurial needs of America's veterans have been brought to the forefront, particularly those that have sustained a disability as a result of their active-duty service in the armed forces. With nearly a quarter of newly discharged veterans considering starting their own businesses, the importance of opening the federal marketplace to veterans, who are entrepreneurs, has never before been so important.”