[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 3 (Thursday, January 8, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E45-E46]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




INTRODUCTION OF H.R. 294 THE VETERAN OWNED SMALL BUSINESS PROMOTION ACT 
                                OF 2009

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. STEVE BUYER

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 8, 2009

  Mr. BUYER. Madam Speaker, today I am introducing the Veteran Owned 
Small Business Promotion Act of 2009. As this body ponders legislation 
to stimulate the economy and create new jobs, I believe the best 
economic stimulus we can offer is to empower those who have defended 
America, and the Department of Veterans' Affairs should play a major 
role in that effort.
  This legislation includes our nation's veterans in our economic 
recovery by promoting veteran-owned small businesses. Those who have 
done so much to protect the American economy deserve every opportunity 
to start and grow a viable business. This bill would renew VA's 
authority to guarantee small business loans up to $500,000 for small 
businesses owned and operated by veterans. VA would be authorized up to 
$1 billion in loan guarantees for each fiscal year. The previous

[[Page E46]]

program was terminated in 1986 and it is time that VA once again became 
a leader in promoting veteran-owned businesses.
  It is not right that some set-aside programs get a competitive 
advantage over veteran-owned businesses, so my bill also includes 
provisions to have veteran-owned small business evaluated and awarded 
contracts under the same rules as 8(a) businesses.
  If this bill is enacted it will be a win-win for all Americans, as it 
will provide a valuable boost to our veterans who want to start a 
business, while stimulating the economy at the same time. I urge my 
colleagues to co-sponsor and support this measure.

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