Honorable Lane Evans
Veterans Entrepreneurship and Small Business Act
of 1999 – H.R. 1568

June 29, 1999

I rise in strong support of H.R. 1568, the Veterans Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Act of 1999. As a long-time supporter of veterans’ small business efforts and veterans’ employment programs, I commend Congressman Jim Talent, Chairman of the House Committee on Small Business, and Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez the Committee’s Ranking Democrat, for bringing this important legislation before the House. In developing this legislation, Jim listened to hard-working veteran business owners and veterans’ advocates who strongly encouraged creation of a National Veterans Business Development Corporation. Additionally, H.R. 1568 provides a clear mandate for the Small Business Administration to not just support, but champion, veteran entrepreneurs to gain access to business opportunities.

Small businesses are the engines that drive job creation in America. Most net job growth in the last 10 to 15 years in the United States has resulted from small businesses. Not only does America need small business, it needs the networking skills, the inventiveness, the can-do attitude of veterans that have been gained during their military service. Our country has an investment in the success of veteran-entrepreneurs – including many disabled veterans – and this legislation will help protect our investment.

Veterans who establish their own businesses are a double asset to America. They contribute their service-honed skills to the development of our economy, and they are a key link in the expansion of employment opportunities for others. It is simply good sense to give them meaningful support in today’s global economy. After serving this nation in uniform, our "Private Ryans" have come home to contribute to America’s economic success – not only after World War II, but after every subsequent conflict. Using skills gained during their military service, veterans have become successful entrepreneurs, continuing to contribute to our Nation. We can never repay these men and women for their sacrifices, but we can certainly support their efforts to become successful entrepreneurs – success which will benefit all Americans.