Political Quotes

“I rise this evening to offer an amendment that levels the playing field and promotes fairness for veterans when it comes to contracting with the Federal Government. According to the most recent census, there are almost 22 million veterans living in the United States and over 2.4 million of them now manage their own company. Providing opportunities for veteran-owned small businesses I believe utilizes the talents and training of our Nation's heroes and can help end epidemic levels of veteran unemployment. Unfortunately, not all of our servicemen and -women have found opportunities upon their return home. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that the unemployment rate among veterans, including those returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, was at a staggering 21.9 percent. These numbers are unacceptable. These brave men and women who have served our country deserve every effort from this body to give them the tools they need to provide for themselves and their families. It should be the explicit policy of this Congress and all government agencies to support our veterans and our veteran entrepreneurs. Therefore, Mr. Chairman, the amendment I am again offering to the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act would give veteran-owned small businesses the preference for contracts equal to that of any group eligible for a preferred consideration except for service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses.…”