Thomas R. Suozzi: “There is bipartisan agreement in this House that there is no greater obligation in our Nation than to our Nation's…”

“There is bipartisan agreement in this House that there is no greater obligation in our Nation than to our Nation's veterans. I have an amendment before us that increases funding from the Small Business Administration's Entrepreneurial Development Programs, specifically for the Veterans Business Outreach Centers. These centers provide a wide range of services to our veterans, including training and counseling. They also provide transitioning service members with a large network of successful business advisers and veteran businessowners. There are over 800,000 veterans in my State. These veterans bring a wealth of skills and experience that make them uniquely suited to be successful small business owners. They have sacrificed a great deal for our Nation, and it is our responsibility to support them as they transition to the next stage of their lives and careers. Veterans Business Outreach Centers support an aspiring small business owner through every step of the process. They organize workshops that walk veterans through the key considerations of starting a small business. They also help clients set up business plans to help strategic, legal, and financial requirements. Mr. Chairman, according to the SBA, there are over 2.5 million businesses in the United States that are majority owned by veterans. These businesses employ over 5 million people and generate annual revenues of over $1 trillion.…”