Political Quotes

“I support H.R. 1460, the Veterans' Entrepreneurship and Benefits Improvement Act of 2003 and urge passage by this Chamber. I would like to thank Chris Smith, chairman of the full committee, the Benefits Subcommittee chairman, Henry Brown and ranking member, Michael Michaud, for their hard work in bringing this legislation to the floor. I also want to acknowledge the contributions of Don Manzullo and Nydia Velazquez, chairman and ranking member of the House Small Business Committee, along with their respective staffs for assisting us in crafting this legislation. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this bill as it provides increased opportunities for veterans to develop their entrepreneurial skills and become successful small business owners. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1460 is a good bill and a step in the right direction with respect to its small business contracting provisions. The Federal Government engages in procurement contracts of up to $235 billion a year. Surely, service-disabled veteran small business owners deserve an opportunity to participate in this system. Section 2 authorizes the use of VA education assistance to pay for nondegree and noncredit business courses at approved institutions. This provision should expand the educational and training opportunities for service-disabled veterans.”