I ask unanimous consent that all Members have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and that written statements be made part of the record.  Hearing no objection, so ordered.

Today’s hearing will provide the U.S. Government Accountability Office an opportunity to update us on the ongoing work on veteran-owned small businesses, and also provide the Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy opportunity to update us on the veteran small business population.

We will also hear from the veteran’s community about the barriers encountered by veteran-owned small business while providing them the opportunity to submit recommendations on how to improve existing programs.

Finally, we will hear from Administration officials highlighting veteran small business programs within their respective offices.  This timely hearing comes three days after President Obama authorized an Executive Order to establish an Interagency Task Force on Veterans Small Business Development, of which I would like to learn more about. 

I look forward to hearing from all of our panelists here today.  I now recognize our Ranking Member, Representative John Boozman for any opening remarks he may have.