[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 98 (Monday, June 18, 2007)]
[House]
[Pages H6620-H6622]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   SBA VETERANS' PROGRAMS ACT OF 2007

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 2366) to reauthorize the veterans entreprenurial development 
programs of the Small Business Administration, and for other purposes.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                               H.R. 2366

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

       (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``SBA 
     Veterans' Programs Act of 2007''.
       (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act 
     is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.

            TITLE I--OFFICE OF VETERANS BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Sec. 101. Office of Veterans Business Development.

[[Page H6621]]

               TITLE II--VETERANS ASSISTANCE AND SERVICES

Sec. 201. Veterans Assistance and Services program.

        TITLE III--EXPANDING VETERANS BUSINESS OUTREACH CENTERS

Sec. 301. Increasing the number of outreach centers.
Sec. 302. Independent study on gaps in availability of outreach 
              centers.

            TITLE I--OFFICE OF VETERANS BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

     SEC. 101. OFFICE OF VETERANS BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT.

       Section 32 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 657b) is 
     amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (e); and
       (2) by inserting after subsection (b) the following:
       ``(c) Participation in TAP Workshops.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Associate Administrator shall 
     increase veteran outreach by ensuring that Veteran Business 
     Outreach Centers regularly participate, on a nationwide 
     basis, in the workshops of the Transition Assistance Program 
     of the Department of Labor.
       ``(2) Presentations.--In carrying out paragraph (1), a 
     Center may provide grants to eligible entities located in 
     Transition Assistance Program locations to make presentations 
     on the opportunities available from the Administration for 
     recently separating veterans. Each such presentation must 
     include, at a minimum, the entrepreneurial and business 
     training resources available from the Administration.
       ``(3) Reports.--The Associate Administrator shall submit to 
     Congress progress reports on the implementation of this 
     subsection.
       ``(d) Women Veterans Business Training Resource Program.--
     The Associate Administrator shall establish a Women Veterans 
     Business Training Resource Program. The program shall--
       ``(1) compile information on resources available to women 
     veterans for business training, including resources for--
       ``(A) vocational and technical education;
       ``(B) general business skills, such as marketing and 
     accounting; and
       ``(C) business assistance programs targeted to women 
     veterans; and
       ``(2) disseminate the information through Veteran Business 
     Outreach Centers and women's business centers.''.

               TITLE II--VETERANS ASSISTANCE AND SERVICES

     SEC. 201. VETERANS ASSISTANCE AND SERVICES PROGRAM.

       Section 21 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 648) is 
     amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(n) Veterans Assistance and Services Program.--
       ``(1) In general.--A Small Business Development Center may 
     apply for an additional grant to carry out a veterans 
     assistance and services program.
       ``(2) Elements of program.--Under a program under paragraph 
     (1), the Center shall--
       ``(A) create a marketing campaign to promote awareness and 
     education of the services of the Center that are available to 
     veterans, and to target the campaign toward veterans, 
     disabled veterans, military units, Federal agencies, and 
     veterans organizations;
       ``(B) use technology-assisted online counseling and 
     distance learning technology to overcome the impediments to 
     entrepreneurship faced by veterans and members of the Armed 
     Forces; and
       ``(C) increase coordination among organizations that assist 
     veterans, including by establishing virtual integration of 
     service providers and offerings for a one-stop point of 
     contact for veterans who are entrepreneurs or small business 
     owners.
       ``(3) Minimum amount.--Each grant under this subsection 
     shall be for at least $75,000.
       ``(4) Maximum amount.--A grant under this subsection may 
     not exceed $250,000.
       ``(5) Funding.--Subject to amounts approved in advance in 
     appropriations Acts, the Administration may make grants or 
     enter into cooperative agreements to carry out the provisions 
     of this subsection.''.

        TITLE III--EXPANDING VETERANS BUSINESS OUTREACH CENTERS

     SEC. 301. INCREASING THE NUMBER OF OUTREACH CENTERS.

       The Administrator of the Small Business Administration 
     shall use the authority in section 8(b)(17) of the Small 
     Business Act (15 U.S.C. 647(b)) to ensure that the number of 
     Veterans Business Outreach Centers throughout the United 
     States increases--
       (1) by at least 2, for each of fiscal years 2008 and 2009; 
     and
       (2) by the number that the Administrator considers 
     appropriate, based on existing need, for each fiscal year 
     thereafter.

     SEC. 302. INDEPENDENT STUDY ON GAPS IN AVAILABILITY OF 
                   OUTREACH CENTERS.

       The Administrator of the Small Business Administration 
     shall sponsor an independent study on gaps in the 
     availability of Veterans Business Outreach Centers across the 
     United States. The purpose of the study shall be to identify 
     the gaps that do exist so as to inform decisions on funding 
     and on the allocation and coordination of resources. Not 
     later than 6 months after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report on 
     the results of the study.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
New York (Ms. Velazquez) and the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. David 
Davis) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from New York.


                             General Leave

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and 
include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from New York?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  There is no question our Nation's veterans have made great sacrifices 
for this country. Many traveled long distances, spent lengthy amounts 
of time away from their families, and have been in harm's way to ensure 
our safety.
  To date, more than 135,000 troops have come home from Iraq and 
Afghanistan. These men and women are increasingly turning toward small 
business ownership. Congressman Buchanan's legislation, the Small 
Business Administration Veterans Programs Act of 2007, ensures that 
service men and women will not only have the opportunity to pursue 
entrepreneurship but to succeed at starting their own firms.
  While many have the American dream of owning a business, veterans 
face unique challenges when working to start or maintain their firms. 
For this sector of the population to be successful in their small 
business endeavors, there needs to be assistance available in local 
communities. They cannot be expected to return home knowing all of the 
necessary and available tools to start a business. Outreach efforts to 
these aspiring entrepreneurs need to be increased and information must 
be accessible. The Small Business Administration Veterans Programs Act 
of 2007 makes these resources available.
  Service men and women contributing to economic growth is not a new 
trend. After World War II, the GI bill provided the opportunity of a 
college education to this Nation's veterans. By 1956 there were 7.8 
million World War II veterans that had participated in an education or 
training program. The impact that that single piece of legislation had 
on this Nation's economy was great.
  Much like ensuring the right to a college education, as the GI bill 
did, H.R. 2366 expands business ownership. It provides specific 
assistance for aspiring business owners. Starting a business after 
leaving military service provides an opportunity for returning veterans 
to not only begin a new career but to secure their livelihood. Enabling 
this to be a viable option for some of the most dedicated individuals 
in our country spurs economic development in local economies, 
demonstrates our commitment to their aspirations of entrepreneurship, 
and represents true patriotism.
  I strongly urge support of this legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time 
as I may consume.
  Today, Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the request to suspend the 
rules and pass H.R. 2366, the SBA Veterans Programs Act of 2007. I 
would like to thank Chairwoman Velazquez for working in a cooperative, 
bipartisan manner to bring this bill, authored by Mr. Buchanan, a 
freshman member of the committee, to the House floor.
  No one can debate the sacrifice that America's veterans have made and 
continue to make in defense of our country. While the repayment of that 
debt may never occur, we can certainly provide them with the needed 
assistance to prosper in civilian life. H.R. 2366 is a modest 
contribution to repaying the debt and helping them make a smooth 
transition into civilian life.
  The bill recognizes that veterans learn a variety of critical skills. 
Recruitment advertisements for the armed services highlight the various 
technical skills that they can obtain through the military. These 
skills clearly are valued in civilian companies. In addition, the 
military inculcates its members with other important skills such as 
leadership, decision-

[[Page H6622]]

making, teamwork, and the drive to win. All of these are critical to 
success as a small business owner.
  The military does not teach its members how to take these skills and 
transfer them to starting a business. They require additional training 
to understand the key components of operating their own business 
without first having to serve a sort of ``apprenticeship'' working with 
others.
  In 1999 Congress recognized that more services should be directed to 
help the 25 million veterans start and grow their small businesses. 
Those efforts succeeded because a number of small businesses owned by 
veterans have grown to 14 percent of all small businesses.
  Despite this success more must be done to assist our veterans in the 
startup and operation of their businesses. Outreach must improve to 
ensure that veterans wishing to start their own businesses will have 
the training and advice needed to transfer their skills to 
entrepreneurship.
  The technical advice and assistance are not limited to veterans 
leaving the service. Reservists who operate their own small businesses 
have their own unique set of operational problems associated with their 
call-up to duty. They may not know how long their call-up will last, 
and they may need assistance in ensuring that they have in place a plan 
to operate their businesses while they are on Active Duty.

                              {time}  1830

  H.R. 2366 represents an effort to expand the focus of the SBA 
entrepreneurial assistance programs to our veterans. Of most 
significant importance is the need to create more Veteran Business 
Outreach Centers. These centers operate as cooperative agreements 
between the Small Business Administration and the non-profit entities. 
These centers provide entrepreneurial development services, such as 
business training, counseling, mentoring and referrals. They also 
conduct entrepreneurial business development workshops focusing on 
self-development and self-employment. Counseling services may range 
from development of business plans to identifying government 
procurement opportunities.
  There are only four Veteran Business Outreach Centers. To serve our 
military men and women, more are obviously needed, and title III 
requires the establishment of two more centers in each of the next two 
fiscal years.
  Another important element of the bill is the recognition of the 
changing nature of the military with a greater involvement of women. 
Title I of the bill requires the administrator to establish within the 
Office of Veterans Business Development a program to provide assistance 
to women veterans. Given the rapid expansion and success of women-owned 
businesses, it makes sense to ensure that the needs of women veterans 
are met when they seek to start and operate small businesses.
  Our fighting men and women are the best in the world. Let us help 
them become the best entrepreneurs in the world by enacting H.R. 2366.
  With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from 
Georgia (Mr. Johnson), a member of the Small Business Committee.
  Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2366.
  By now, every American should know who our Greatest Generation is. 
Our Greatest Generation was made up of the returning heroes of the 
Second World War. This generation was responsible for one of the 
greatest periods of economic growth in our Nation's history, leading to 
the creation of the lone superpower which now has become the world's 
leader in almost every conceivable category. But it is because we 
empowered our returning veterans with educational, business and social 
opportunities which helped create an environment in which success was 
attainable for those who wanted it. The Greatest Generation went on to 
become small business owners and operators, driving the very engine 
which is critical for the sustained economic growth of our Nation.
  We are now witnessing the emergence of another great generation, a 
generation of volunteer warriors who have sacrificed so much in defense 
of our Nation's interest. We would be negligent if we did not grant to 
this generation the same opportunities to succeed as we have done with 
past generations. That is why I support H.R. 2366, and I move for its 
passage.
  Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee. I would like to yield to the gentleman 
from Florida (Mr. Buchanan) as much time as he may consume.
  Mr. BUCHANAN. I would like to thank my colleague, the gentleman from 
Tennessee, for yielding, and also the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. 
Johnson).
  I would also like to commend Chairwoman Velazquez and Ranking Member 
Chabot for their proving that leadership and bipartisanship is alive 
and well in the United States Congress. The Madam Chair has worked very 
hard on this bill, and I appreciate her effort.
  Mr. Speaker, my bill, H.R. 2366, would create an important program 
within the Small Business Administration that gives our veterans not 
just a chance in a business enterprise but provides them with all the 
help and assistance a grateful Nation can offer.
  This legislation is intended to help veterans through grants, 
information services and contacts with professionals in their field of 
endeavor. This Federal program will enhance the ability of a veteran to 
become an entrepreneur in his or her own right.
  My bill puts an emphasis on providing veterans with market research, 
financial options and technological training important to become a 
successful small business owner.
  H.R. 2366 not only expands the number and the scope of Veteran 
Outreach Centers, it ensures the opening of more doors and 
opportunities for our women veterans. Assisting our veterans returning 
from combat has been an area long overlooked, and it is high time we 
did something about it.
  I am encouraged by the unanimous consent that this bill received in 
the committee and by the spirit of bipartisanship that is symbolic of 
its passage. Today, the House will pass a bill that will help 
individuals make an important transition from a veteran to a small 
business entrepreneur.
  I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2366.
  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw the 
motion.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the motion is withdrawn.
  There was no objection.

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