[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 186 (Thursday, December 6, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2512]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   MILITARY RESERVIST AND VETERAN SMALL BUSINESS REAUTHORIZATION AND 
                        OPPORTUNITY ACT OF 2007

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                               speech of

                             HON. RON KLEIN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 5, 2007

  Mr. KLEIN of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to support the 
Improve & Expand Small Business Assistance Programs for Veterans Act of 
2007. America's veterans have given their best for this country, for 
the freedoms that we cherish so much, and we must give them our best in 
return.
  This legislation would expand the Small Business Administration's 
Office of Veterans Business Development in order to facilitate better 
business outreach to our Nation's veterans. The legislation requires 
that the SBA open two additional Veterans' Outreach offices in the 
coming year and expand opportunities for women veterans. It would also 
allow veterans to obtain reduced fee SBA loans.
  Approximately 5 percent of the 80 million small businesses in this 
country are owned by veterans. Veteran-owned small businesses have a 
higher success rate than other small businesses, perhaps because of the 
strong work ethic and value system that the military imbues in its 
soldiers. I support this legislation because it will help veterans to 
enter and compete in today's business world, and I urge my colleagues 
to support this legislation today.

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