Nydia Velázquez

it has become increasingly clear that the lion's share of benefits from the Republican tax bill will flaw disproportionately to the largest corporations and the very wealthy.

I am committed to reviewing the Small Business Administration's veteran-focused programs.

The problem with the two certification processes is simple; it creates confusion for business owners and contracting officers alike.

This bipartisan legislation will make it easier for the veteran-owned businesses to do business with the government.

There are a lot of questions about this project. It is big and very bold. Some would say it is too bold.

The Federal Government is in a unique position to support veteran-owned businesses.

This is why this bill, H.R. 499, is so important.

It is important the message that we are sending today to our disabled veterans and reservists, that we are not checking a box.

I am proud to be an original cosponsor of the VA-SBA Act which will harmonize both programs under the SBA.

I am also concerned about the lack of diversity in Facebook's upper ranks, and I fear that if these plans go forward, women and minorities, and women- and minority-owned businesses may be excluded from participating fully.

This bill harmonizes the two conflicting contracting programs by eliminating the VA certification and transferring it to the SBA.

I commend the gentleman from Illinois, Mr. Schneider, and the gentleman from Florida, Mr. Spano, for their leadership on this bill and for working hard to increase business opportunities for our Nation's heroes.

It is important that we provide certainty to this program, and that is exactly what this bill does by codifying the program for 5 years.

Facebook remains under a 2011 consent order from the Federal Trade Commission for deceiving consumers and failing to keep consumer data private.

Facebook's voice is more like the godfather's voice in the family.

Earlier today, I told Mr. Marcus that this is not Silicon Valley and that all problems with the Libra and the association need to be worked out before the launch date.

So do you think a member's withdrawal could threaten the value of the Libra currency?

We want to make sure that companies that do not fall into the normal bucket of regulatory authority could not threaten the U.S. financial system.

Ultimately, if Facebook's plans come to fruition, the company and its partners will yield immense economic power that could destabilize currencies and governments.

Will you commit yourself to not launch Libra before all the concerns from the Federal Reserve and all the regulators are addressed?

We do not want to stifle innovation, but we do have a healthy dose of skepticism.

I have serious concerns with Facebook's plans to create a digital currency and digital wallet and its effort to enlist partners that expand its reach, like MasterCard, PayPal, Visa, Uber, Lyft, and Spotify.

We are also providing stability for that business to ensure that they can remain competitive rather than immediately penalized by the death of the service-disabled veteran business owner.

Today, actually, I am working with some of my colleagues to introduce the Relief for Defrauded Students Act of 2019.

Veteran-owned small businesses and entrepreneurs play a key role in strengthening our economy and creating jobs.