Military

Representatives Bentivolio and Duckworth Introduce Bill to Help Veteran-owned Small Businesses


Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–July 31, 2014.  Today, Congressman Kerry Bentivolio (R-MI) and Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) introduced the Veterans Small Business Enhancement Act (H.R. 5231) — which allows Veteran-owned small businesses to apply for and receive unwanted government surplus or excess property.

“Our Veterans sacrifice everything to defend our great nation,” said Rep. Kerry Bentivolio, an Army veteran of Vietnam and Iraq.  “Providing Veteran business owners with unused vehicles and office equipment will not only help our returning servicemen and women, but it will boost our economy by supporting job creators.”

“Our Veterans deserve every opportunity to achieve the American Dream that they fought for,” said Rep. Duckworth. “This legislation will help Veteran owned businesses grow and allow some of our country’s most talented workers to succeed and create jobs.” 

The Veterans Small Business Enhancement Act of 2014 will allow eligible Veteran-owned businesses with a justifiable need for surplus property, that meet all criteria assigned by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and General Services Administration (GSA), to select and receive excess and surplus federal property. The Veteran-owned small business will not be charged for the surplus or excess property, but will be responsible for service and handling charges.

The bill is similar to the FOR VETS Act, which was signed into law by the President last year and gives Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) access to surplus property. Congressman Bentivolio supported the bill during its consideration by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Source: duckworth.house.gov


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