Political Quotes

“I introduced H.R. 2906, the Fairness to Veterans Act, because I believe if anyone deserves a leg up in America, it is those who have served on our behalf. The Fairness to Veterans Act is straightforward. It says that if any business receives a contracting preference, then a veteran-owned small business should receive that very same preference. I call this bill Fairness to Veterans because I believe it is only fair that if we are going to be singling out certain businesses to receive special consideration for government contracts, then that same benefit should be extended to veteran-owned small businesses. More than 250,000 servicemembers are transitioning each year from military to civilian life; 2.4 million veterans own a small business of their own. Overall, one in four veterans say they want to start a business. This bipartisan bill makes sure that we are tapping into the most highly skilled workforce in history and utilizing their unique skills to get our economy moving again. Mr. Speaker, whether my colleagues believe there should be contracting preferences or not is not at the heart of this legislation. The question here is: Do Members believe that veterans deserve to be on a level playing field with anyone when bidding for government contracts? I believe the answer to that question is a resounding ``yes.'' I urge my colleagues to cosponsor H.R. 2906. ____________________”