[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 10]
[House]
[Pages 14607-14616]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



  VETERANS ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 1999

  Mr. TALENT. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 1568) to provide technical, financial, and procurement 
assistance to veteran owned small businesses, and for other purposes, 
as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                               H.R. 1568

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

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans Entrepreneurship 
     and Small Business Development Act of 1999''.

     SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS.

Sec. 1. Short title.
Sec. 2. Table of contents.

                      TITLE I--GENERAL PROVISIONS

Sec. 101. Findings.
Sec. 102. Purpose.
Sec. 103. Definitions.

                TITLE II--VETERANS BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Sec. 201. Veterans business development in the Small Business 
              Administration.
Sec. 202. National Veterans Business Development Corporation.
Sec. 203. Advisory Committee on Veterans Business Affairs.

                    TITLE III--TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

Sec. 301. SCORE program.
Sec. 302. Entrepreneurial assistance.
Sec. 303. Business development and management assistance for military 
              reservists' small businesses.

                     TITLE IV--FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Sec. 401. General business loan program.
Sec. 402. Assistance to active duty military reservists.
Sec. 403. Microloan program.
Sec. 404. Delta loan program.
Sec. 405. State development company program.

                    TITLE V--PROCUREMENT ASSISTANCE

Sec. 501. Subcontracting.
Sec. 502. Participation in Federal procurement.

                 TITLE VI--REPORTS AND DATA COLLECTION

Sec. 601. Reporting requirements.
Sec. 602. Report on small business and competition.
Sec. 603. Annual report of the Administrator.
Sec. 604. Data and information collection.

                  TITLE VII--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Sec. 701. Administrator's order.
Sec. 702. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy.
Sec. 703. Study of fixed-asset small business loans.

                      TITLE I--GENERAL PROVISIONS

     SEC. 101. FINDINGS.

       Congress finds the following:
       (1) Veterans of the United States Armed Forces have been 
     and continue to be vital to the small business enterprises of 
     the United States.
       (2) In serving the United States, veterans often faced 
     great risks to preserve the American dream of freedom and 
     prosperity.
       (3) The United States has done too little to assist 
     veterans, particularly service-disabled veterans, in playing 
     a greater role in the economy of the United States by forming 
     and expanding small business enterprises.
       (4) Medical advances and new medical technologies have made 
     it possible for service-disabled veterans to play a much more 
     active role in the formation and expansion of small business 
     enterprises in the United States.
       (5) The United States must provide additional assistance 
     and support to veterans to better equip them to form and 
     expand small business enterprises, thereby enabling them to 
     realize the American dream that they fought to protect.

     SEC. 102. PURPOSE.

       The purpose of this Act is to expand existing and establish 
     new assistance programs for veterans who own or operate small 
     businesses. This Act accomplishes this purpose by--
       (1) expanding the eligibility for certain small business 
     assistance programs to include veterans;
       (2) directing certain departments and agencies of the 
     United States to take actions that enhance small business 
     assistance to veterans; and
       (3) establishing new institutions to provide small business 
     assistance to veterans or to support the institutions that 
     provide such assistance.

     SEC. 103. DEFINITIONS.

       (a) Small Business Act.--Section 3 of the Small Business 
     Act (15 U.S.C. 632) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(q) Definitions Relating to Veterans.--In this Act, the 
     following definitions apply:
       ``(1) Service-disabled veteran.--The term `service-disabled 
     veteran' means a veteran with a disability that is service-
     connected (as defined in section 101(16) of title 38, United 
     States Code).
       ``(2) Small business concern owned and controlled by 
     service-disabled veterans.--The term `small business concern 
     owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans' means a 
     small business concern--
       ``(A) not less than 51 percent of which is owned by 1 or 
     more service-disabled veterans or, in the case of any 
     publicly owned business, not less than 51 percent of the 
     stock of which is owned by 1 or more service-disabled 
     veterans; and
       ``(B) the management and daily business operations of which 
     are controlled by 1 or more service-disabled veterans or, in 
     the case of a veteran with permanent and severe disability, 
     the spouse or permanent caregiver of such veteran.
       ``(3) Small business concern owned and controlled by 
     veterans.--The term `small business concern owned and 
     controlled by veterans' means a small business concern--
       ``(A) not less than 51 percent of which is owned by 1 or 
     more veterans or, in the case of any publicly owned business, 
     not less than 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by 1 
     or more veterans; and
       ``(B) the management and daily business operations of which 
     are controlled by 1 or more veterans.
       ``(4) Veteran.--The term `veteran' has the meaning given 
     the term in section 101(2) of title 38, United States 
     Code.''.
       (b) Applicability to This Act.--In this Act, the 
     definitions contained in section 3(q)

[[Page 14608]]

     of the Small Business Act, as added by this section, apply.

                TITLE II--VETERANS BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

     SEC. 201. VETERANS BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT IN THE SMALL BUSINESS 
                   ADMINISTRATION.

       (a) In General.--Section 4(b)(1) of the Small Business Act 
     (15 U.S.C. 633(b)(1)) is amended--
       (1) in the 5th sentence, by striking ``four Associate 
     Administrators'' and inserting ``five Associate 
     Administrators''; and
       (2) by inserting after the 5th sentence the following: 
     ``One such Associate Administrator shall be the Associate 
     Administrator for Veterans Business Development, who shall 
     administer the Office of Veterans Business Development 
     established under section 32.''.
       (b) Office of Veterans Business Development; Associate 
     Administrator.--The Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 631 et 
     seq.) is further amended--
       (1) by redesignating section 32 as section 34; and
       (2) by inserting after section 31 the following:

     ``SEC. 32. VETERANS PROGRAMS.

       ``(a) Office of Veterans Business Development.--There is 
     established in the Administration an Office of Veterans 
     Business Development, which shall be administered by the 
     Associate Administrator for Veterans Business Development (in 
     this section referred to as the `Associate Administrator') 
     appointed under section 4(b)(1).
       ``(b) Associate Administrator for Veterans Business 
     Development.--The Associate Administrator--
       ``(1) shall be an appointee in the Senior Executive 
     Service;
       ``(2) shall be responsible for the formulation, execution, 
     and promotion of policies and programs of the Administration 
     that provide assistance to small business concerns owned and 
     controlled by veterans and small business concerns owned and 
     controlled by service-disabled veterans. The Associate 
     Administrator shall act as an ombudsman for full 
     consideration of veterans in all programs of the 
     Administration; and
       ``(3) shall report to and be responsible directly to the 
     Administrator.''.

     SEC. 202. NATIONAL VETERANS BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION.

       The Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 631 et seq.) is further 
     amended by adding after section 32 (as added by this Act) the 
     following:

     ``SEC. 33. NATIONAL VETERANS BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT 
                   CORPORATION.

       ``(a) Establishment.--There is established a federally 
     chartered corporation to be known as the National Veterans 
     Business Development Corporation (in this section referred to 
     as the `Corporation') which shall be incorporated under the 
     laws of the District of Columbia and which shall have the 
     powers granted in this section.
       ``(b) Purposes of the Corporation.--The purposes of the 
     Corporation shall be--
       ``(1) to expand the provision of and improve access to 
     technical assistance regarding entrepreneurship for the 
     Nation's veterans; and
       ``(2) to assist veterans, including service-disabled 
     veterans, with the formation and expansion of small business 
     concerns by working with and organizing public and private 
     resources, including those of the Small Business 
     Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the 
     Department of Labor, the Department of Commerce, the 
     Department of Defense, the Service Corps of Retired 
     Executives (described in section 8(b)(1)(B) of this Act), the 
     Small Business Development Centers (described in section 21 
     of this Act), and the business development staffs of each 
     department and agency of the United States.
       ``(c) Board of Directors.--
       ``(1) In general.--The management of the Corporation shall 
     be vested in a Board of Directors composed of 9 voting 
     members and 3 nonvoting ex officio members.
       ``(2) Appointment of voting members.--The President shall 
     appoint United States citizens to be voting members of the 
     Board of Directors as follows:
       ``(A) 1 from a list of individuals nominated by the 
     chairman of the Committee on Small Business of the House of 
     Representatives.
       ``(B) 1 from a list of individuals nominated by the 
     chairman of the Committee on Small Business of the Senate.
       ``(C) 1 from a list of individuals nominated by the ranking 
     minority member of the Committee on Small Business of the 
     House of Representatives.
       ``(D) 1 from a list of individuals nominated by the ranking 
     minority members of the Committee on Small Business of the 
     Senate.
       ``(E) 1 from a list of individuals nominated by the 
     chairman of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House 
     of Representatives.
       ``(F) 1 from a list of individuals nominated by the 
     chairman of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate.
       ``(G) 1 from a list of individuals nominated by the ranking 
     minority member of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the 
     House of Representatives.
       ``(H) 1 from a list of individuals nominated the ranking 
     minority member of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the 
     Senate.
       ``(I) 1 of the President's own choosing.
       ``(3) Ex officio members.--The Administrator of the Small 
     Business Administration, the Secretary of Defense, and the 
     Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall serve as the nonvoting ex 
     officio members of the Board of Directors.
       ``(4) Chairperson.--The members of the Board of Directors 
     appointed under paragraph (2) shall elect one such member to 
     serve as chairperson of the Board of Directors for a term of 
     2 years.
       ``(5) Terms of appointed members.--
       ``(A) In general.--Each member of the Board of Directors 
     appointed under paragraph (2) shall serve a term of 6 years, 
     except as provided in subparagraph (B).
       ``(B) Terms of initial appointees.--As designated by the 
     President at the time of appointment, of the members first 
     appointed--
       ``(i) 3 shall be for a term of 2 years; and
       ``(ii) 3 shall be for a term of 4 years.
       ``(C) Unexpired terms.--Any member of the Board of 
     Directors appointed to fill a vacancy occurring before the 
     expiration of the term for which the member's predecessor was 
     appointed shall be appointed only for the remainder of the 
     term. A member may serve after the expiration of that 
     member's term until a successor has taken office.
       ``(6) Vacancies.--Any vacancy on the Board of Directors 
     shall be filled in the manner in which the original 
     appointment was made. In the case of a vacancy in the office 
     of the Administrator of the Small Business Administration or 
     the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and pending the 
     appointment of a successor, an acting appointee for such 
     vacancy may serve as an ex officio member.
       ``(7) Ineligibility for other offices.--No voting member of 
     the Board of Directors may be an officer or employee of the 
     United States while serving as a member of the Board of 
     Directors or during the 2-year period preceding such service.
       ``(8) Impartiality and nondiscrimination.--The Board of 
     Directors shall administer the affairs of the Corporation 
     fairly and impartially and without discrimination.
       ``(9) Obligations and expenses.--The Board of Directors 
     shall prescribe the manner in which the obligations of the 
     Corporation may be incurred and in which its expenses shall 
     be allowed and paid.
       ``(10) Quorum.--5 voting members of the Board of Directors 
     shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number may hold 
     hearings.
       ``(d) Corporate Powers.--On October 1, 1999, the 
     Corporation shall become a body corporate and as such shall 
     have the authority to do the following:
       ``(1) To adopt and use a corporate seal.
       ``(2) To have succession until dissolved by an Act of 
     Congress.
       ``(3) To make contracts or grants.
       ``(4) To sue and be sued, and to file and defend against 
     lawsuits in State or Federal court.
       ``(5) To appoint, through the actions of its Board of 
     Directors, officers and employees of the Corporation, to 
     define their duties and responsibilities, fix their 
     compensations, and to dismiss at will such officers or 
     employees.
       ``(6) To prescribe, through the actions of its Board of 
     Directors, bylaws not inconsistent with Federal law and the 
     law of the State of incorporation, regulating the manner in 
     which its general business may be conducted and the manner in 
     which the privileges granted to it by law may be exercised.
       ``(7) To exercise, through the actions of its Board of 
     Directors or duly authorized officers, all powers 
     specifically granted by the provisions of this section, and 
     such incidental powers as shall be necessary.
       ``(8) To solicit, receive, and disburse funds from private, 
     Federal, State and local organizations.
       ``(9) To accept and employ or dispose of in furtherance of 
     the purposes of this section any money or property, real, 
     personal, or mixed, tangible or intangible, received by gift, 
     devise, bequest, or otherwise.
       ``(10) To accept voluntary and uncompensated services.
       ``(e) Corporate Funds.--
       ``(1) Deposit of funds.--The Board of Directors shall 
     deposit all funds of the Corporation in federally chartered 
     and insured depository institutions until such funds are 
     disbursed under paragraph (2).
       ``(2) Disbursement of funds.--Funds of the Corporation may 
     be disbursed only for purposes that are--
       ``(A) approved by the Board of Directors by a recorded vote 
     with a quorum present; and
       ``(B) in accordance with the purposes of the Corporation as 
     specified in subsection (b).
       ``(f) Network of Information and Assistance Centers.--In 
     carrying out the purpose described in subsection (b), the 
     Corporation shall establish and maintain a network of 
     information and assistance centers for use by veterans and 
     the public.
       ``(g) Annual Report.--On or before October 1 of each year, 
     the Board of Directors shall transmit a report to the 
     President and Congress describing the activities and 
     accomplishments of the Corporation for the preceding year and 
     the Corporation's findings regarding the efforts of Federal, 
     State and private organizations to assist veterans in the 
     formation and expansion of small business concerns.

[[Page 14609]]

       ``(h) Assumption of Duties of Advisory Committee.--On 
     October 1, 2004, the Corporation established under this 
     section shall assume the duties, responsibilities, and 
     authority of the Advisory Committee on Veterans Affairs 
     established under section 203 of this Act.
       ``(i) Use of Mails.--The Corporation may use the United 
     States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions 
     as the departments and agencies of the United States.
       ``(j) Professional Certification Advisory Board.--
       ``(1) In general.--Acting through the Board of Directors, 
     the Corporation shall establish a Professional Certification 
     Advisory Board to create uniform guidelines and standards for 
     the professional certification of members of the Armed 
     Services to aid in their efficient and orderly transition to 
     civilian occupations and professions and to remove potential 
     barriers in the areas of licensure and certification.
       ``(2) Membership.--The members of the Advisory Board shall 
     serve without compensation, shall meet in the District of 
     Columbia no less than quarterly, and shall be appointed by 
     the Board of Directors as follows:
       ``(A) Private sector members.--The Corporation shall 
     appoint not less than 7 members for terms of 2 years to 
     represent private sector organizations and associations, 
     including the American Association of Community Colleges, the 
     Society for Human Resource Managers, the Coalition for 
     Professional Certification, the Council on Licensure and 
     Enforcement, and the American Legion.
       ``(B) Public sector members.--The Corporation shall invite 
     public sector members to serve at the discretion of their 
     departments or agencies and shall--
       ``(i) encourage the participation of the Under Secretary of 
     Defense for Personnel and Readiness;
       ``(ii) encourage the participation of 2 officers from each 
     branch of the Armed Forces to represent the Training Commands 
     of their branch; and
       ``(iii) seek the participation and guidance of the 
     Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment and 
     Training.
       ``(k) Authorization of Appropriations.--
       ``(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated 
     to the Corporation to carry out this section the following 
     amounts:
       ``(A) $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2000;
       ``(B) $4,000,000 for fiscal year 2001;
       ``(C) $4,000,000 for fiscal year 2002; and
       ``(D) $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2003.
       ``(2) Privatization.--The Corporation shall institute and 
     implement a plan to raise private funds and become a self-
     sustaining corporation.''.

     SEC. 203. ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON VETERANS BUSINESS AFFAIRS.

       (a) In General.--There is established an advisory committee 
     to be known as the ``Advisory Committee on Veterans Business 
     Affairs'' (in this section referred to as the ``Committee''), 
     which shall serve as an independent source of advice and 
     policy recommendations to--
       (1) the Administrator of the Small Business Administration 
     (in this section referred to as the ``Administrator'');
       (2) the Associate Administrator for Veterans Business 
     Development of the Small Business Administration;
       (3) Congress;
       (4) the President; and
       (5) other United States policymakers.
       (b) Membership.--
       (1) In general.--The Committee shall be composed of 15 
     members, of whom--
       (A) 8 shall be veterans who are owners of small business 
     concerns (within the meaning of the term under section 3 of 
     the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632)); and
       (B) 7 shall be representatives of veterans organizations.
       (2) Appointment.--
       (A) In general.--The members of the Committee shall be 
     appointed by the Administrator in accordance with this 
     section.
       (B) Initial appointments.--Not later than 90 days after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall 
     appoint the initial members of the Committee.
       (3) Political affiliation.--Not more than 8 members of the 
     Committee shall be of the same political party as the 
     President.
       (4) Prohibition on federal employment.--
       (A) In general.--Except as provided in subsection (B), no 
     member of the Committee may serve as an officer or employee 
     of the United States.
       (B) Exception.--A member of the Committee who accepts a 
     position as an officer or employee of the United States after 
     the date of the member's appointment to the Committee may 
     continue to serve on the Committee for not more than 30 days 
     after such acceptance.
       (5) Term of service.--
       (A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the term of 
     service of each member of the Committee shall be 3 years.
       (B) Terms of initial appointees.--As designated by the 
     Administrator at the time of appointment, of the members 
     first appointed--
       (i) 6 shall be appointed for a term of 4 years; and
       (ii) 5 shall be appointed for a term of 5 years.
       (6) Vacancies.--The Administrator shall fill any vacancies 
     on the membership of the Committee not later than 30 days 
     after the date on which such vacancy occurs.
       (7) Chairperson.--
       (A) In general.--The members of the Committee shall elect 
     one of the members to be Chairperson of the Committee.
       (B) Vacancies in office of chairperson.--Any vacancy in the 
     office of the Chairperson of the Committee shall be filled by 
     the Committee at the first meeting of the Committee following 
     the date on which the vacancy occurs.
       (c) Duties.--The duties of the Committee shall be the 
     following:
       (1) Review, coordinate, and monitor plans and programs 
     developed in the public and private sectors, that affect the 
     ability of small business concerns owned and controlled by 
     veterans to obtain capital and credit and to access markets.
       (2) Promote the collection of business information and 
     survey data as they relate to veterans and small business 
     concerns owned and controlled by veterans.
       (3) Monitor and promote plans, programs, and operations of 
     the departments and agencies of the United States that may 
     contribute to the formation and growth of small business 
     concerns owned and controlled by veterans.
       (4) Develop and promote initiatives, policies, programs, 
     and plans designed to foster small business concerns owned 
     and controlled by veterans.
       (5) In cooperation with the National Veterans Business 
     Development Corporation, develop a comprehensive plan, to be 
     updated annually, for joint public-private sector efforts to 
     facilitate growth and development of small business concerns 
     owned and controlled by veterans.
       (d) Powers.--
       (1) Hearings.--Subject to subsection (e), the Committee may 
     hold such hearings, sit and act at such times and places, 
     take such testimony, and receive such evidence as the 
     Committee considers advisable to carry out its duties.
       (2) Information from federal agencies.--Upon request of the 
     Chairperson of the Committee, the head of any department or 
     agency of the United States shall furnish such information to 
     the Committee as the Committee considers to be necessary to 
     carry out its duties.
       (3) Use of mails.--The Committee may use the United States 
     mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as 
     other departments and agencies of the United States.
       (4) Gifts.--The Committee may accept, use, and dispose of 
     gifts or donations of services or property.
       (e) Meetings.--
       (1) In general.--The Committee shall meet, not less than 
     three times per year, at the call of the Chairperson or at 
     the request of the Administrator.
       (2) Location.--Each meeting of the full Committee shall be 
     held at the headquarters of the Small Business Administration 
     located in Washington, District of Columbia. The 
     Administrator shall provide suitable meeting facilities and 
     such administrative support as may be necessary for each full 
     meeting of the Committee.
       (3) Task groups.--The Committee may, from time to time, 
     establish temporary task groups as may be necessary in order 
     to carry out its duties.
       (f) Compensation and Expenses.--
       (1) No compensation.--Members of the Committee shall serve 
     without compensation for their service to the Committee.
       (2) Expenses.--The members of the Committee shall be 
     reimbursed for travel and subsistence expenses in accordance 
     with section 5703 of title 5, United States Code.
       (g) Report.--Not later than 30 days after the end of each 
     fiscal year beginning after the date of enactment of this 
     section, the Committee shall transmit to Congress and the 
     President a report describing the activities of the Committee 
     and any recommendations developed by the Committee for the 
     promotion of small business concerns owned and controlled by 
     veterans.
       (h) Termination.--The Committee shall terminate its 
     business on September 30, 2004.

                    TITLE III--TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

     SEC. 301. SCORE PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--The Administrator of the Small Business 
     Administration shall enter into a memorandum of understanding 
     with the Service Core of Retired Executives (described in 
     section 8(b)(1)(B) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 
     637(b)(1)(B)) and in this section referred to as ``SCORE'') 
     to provide for the following:
       (1) The appointment by SCORE in its national office of an 
     individual to act as National Veterans Business Coordinator, 
     whose duties shall relate exclusively to veterans business 
     matters, and who shall be responsible for the establishment 
     and administration of a program to coordinate counseling and 
     training regarding entrepreneurship to veterans through the 
     chapters of SCORE throughout the United States.
       (2) The assistance of SCORE in the establishing and 
     maintaining a toll-free telephone number and an Internet 
     website to provide access for veterans to information about 
     the

[[Page 14610]]

     counseling and training regarding entrepreneurship available 
     to veterans through SCORE.
       (3) The collection of statistics concerning services 
     provided by SCORE to veterans, including service-disabled 
     veterans, for inclusion in each annual report published by 
     the Administrator under section 4(b)(2)(B) of the Small 
     Business Act (15 U.S.C. 633(b)(2)(B)).
       (b) Resources.--The Administrator shall provide to SCORE 
     such resources as the Administrator determines necessary for 
     SCORE to carry out the requirements of the memorandum of 
     understanding specified in paragraph (1).

     SEC. 302. ENTREPRENEURIAL ASSISTANCE.

       Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Administrator of 
     the Small Business Administration, and the head of the 
     association formed pursuant to section 21(a)(3)(A) of the 
     Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 648(a)(3)(A)) shall enter into 
     a memorandum of understanding with respect to entrepreneurial 
     assistance to veterans, including service-disabled veterans, 
     through Small Business Development Centers (described in 
     section 21 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 648)) and 
     facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Such 
     assistance shall include the following:
       (1) Conducting of studies and research, and the 
     distribution of information generated by such studies and 
     research, on the formation, management, financing, marketing, 
     and operation of small business concerns by veterans.
       (2) Provision of training and counseling to veterans 
     concerning the formation, management, financing, marketing, 
     and operation of small business concerns.
       (3) Provision of management and technical assistance to the 
     owners and operators of small business concerns regarding 
     international markets, the promotion of exports, and the 
     transfer of technology.
       (4) Provision of assistance and information to veterans 
     regarding procurement opportunities with Federal, State, and 
     local agencies, especially such agencies funded in whole or 
     in part with Federal funds.
       (5) Establishment of an information clearinghouse to 
     collect and distribute information, including by electronic 
     means, on the assistance programs of Federal, State, and 
     local governments, and of the private sector, including 
     information on office locations, key personnel, telephone 
     numbers, mail and electronic addresses, and contracting and 
     subcontracting opportunities.
       (6) Provision of Internet or other distance learning 
     academic instruction for veterans in business subjects, 
     including accounting, marketing, and business fundamentals.
       (7) Compilation of a list of small business concerns owned 
     and controlled by service-disabled veterans that provide 
     products or services that could be procured by the United 
     States and delivery of such list to each department and 
     agency of the United States. Such list shall be delivered in 
     hard copy and electronic form and shall include the name and 
     address of each such small business concern and the products 
     or services that it provides.

     SEC. 303. BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE FOR 
                   MILITARY RESERVISTS' SMALL BUSINESSES.

       (a) In General.--Section 8 of the Small Business Act (15 
     U.S.C. 637) is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(l) Management Assistance for Small Businesses Affected 
     by Military Operations.--The Administration shall utilize, as 
     appropriate, its entrepreneurial development and management 
     assistance programs, including programs involving State or 
     private sector partners, to provide business counseling and 
     training to any small business concern adversely affected by 
     the deployment of units of the Armed Forces of the United 
     States in support of a period of military conflict (as 
     defined in section 7(n)(1)).''.
       (b) Enhanced Publicity During Operation Allied Force.--For 
     the duration of Operation Allied Force and for 120 days 
     thereafter, the Administration shall enhance its publicity of 
     the availability of assistance provided pursuant to the 
     amendment made by this section, including information 
     regarding the appropriate local office at which affected 
     small businesses may seek such assistance.
       (c) Guidelines.--Not later than 30 days after the date of 
     enactment of this section, the Administrator of the Small 
     Business Administration shall issue such guidelines as the 
     Administrator determines to be necessary to carry out this 
     section and the amendment made by this section.

                     TITLE IV--FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

     SEC. 401. GENERAL BUSINESS LOAN PROGRAM.

       (a) Definition of Handicapped Individual.--Section 3(f) of 
     the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632(f)) is amended to read 
     as follows:
       ``(f) For purposes of section 7 of this Act, the term 
     `handicapped individual' means an individual--
       ``(1) who has a physical, mental, or emotional impairment, 
     defect, ailment, disease, or disability of a permanent nature 
     which in any way limits the selection of any type of 
     employment for which the person would otherwise be qualified 
     or qualifiable; or
       ``(2) who is a service-disabled veteran.''.
       (b) Authorization To Make Loans.--Section 7(a)(10) of the 
     Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(a)(10)) is amended--
       (1) by inserting ``guaranteed'' after ``provide''; and
       (2) by inserting, ``, including service-disabled 
     veterans,'' after ``handicapped individual''.

     SEC. 402. ASSISTANCE TO ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY RESERVISTS.

       (a) Repayment Deferral for Active Duty Reservists.--Section 
     7 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636) is amended by 
     adding at the end the following:
       ``(n) Repayment Deferred for Active Duty Reservists.--
       ``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
       ``(A) Eligible reservist.--The term `eligible reservist' 
     means a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces 
     ordered to active duty during a period of military conflict.
       ``(B) Essential employee.--The term `essential employee' 
     means an individual who is employed by a small business 
     concern and whose managerial or technical expertise is 
     critical to the successful day-to-day operations of that 
     small business concern.
       ``(C) Period of military conflict.--The term `period of 
     military conflict' means--
       ``(i) a period of war declared by Congress;
       ``(ii) a period of national emergency declared by Congress 
     or by the President; or
       ``(iii) a period of a contingency operation, as defined in 
     section 101(a) of title 10, United States Code.
       ``(D) Qualified borrower.--The term `qualified borrower' 
     means--
       ``(i) an individual who is an eligible reservist and who 
     received a direct loan under subsection (a) or (b) before 
     being ordered to active duty; or
       ``(ii) a small business concern that received a direct loan 
     under subsection (a) or (b) before an eligible reservist, who 
     is an essential employee, was ordered to active duty.
       ``(2) Deferral of direct loans.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Administration shall, upon written 
     request, defer repayment of principal and interest due on a 
     direct loan made under subsection (a) or (b), if such loan 
     was incurred by a qualified borrower.
       ``(B) Period of deferral.--The period of deferral for 
     repayment under this paragraph shall begin on the date on 
     which the eligible reservist is ordered to active duty and 
     shall terminate on the date that is 180 days after the date 
     such eligible reservist is discharged or released from active 
     duty.
       ``(C) Interest rate reduction during deferral.--
     Notwithstanding any other provision of law, during the period 
     of deferral described in subparagraph (B), the Administration 
     may, in its discretion, reduce the interest rate on any loan 
     qualifying for a deferral under this paragraph.
       ``(3) Deferral of loan guarantees and other financings.--
     The Administration shall--
       ``(A) encourage intermediaries participating in the program 
     under subsection (m) to defer repayment of a loan made with 
     proceeds made available under that subsection, if such loan 
     was incurred by a small business concern that is eligible to 
     apply for assistance under subsection (b)(3); and
       ``(B) not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of 
     this subsection, establish guidelines to--
       ``(i) encourage lenders and other intermediaries to defer 
     repayment of, or provide other relief relating to, loan 
     guarantees under subsection (a) and financings under section 
     504 of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 that were 
     incurred by small business concerns that are eligible to 
     apply for assistance under subsection (b)(3), and loan 
     guarantees provided under subsection (m) if the intermediary 
     provides relief to a small business concern under this 
     paragraph; and
       ``(ii) implement a program to provide for the deferral of 
     repayment or other relief to any intermediary providing 
     relief to a small business borrower under this paragraph.''.
       (b) Disaster Loan Assistance for Military Reservists' Small 
     Businesses.--Section 7(b) of the Small Business Act (15 
     U.S.C. 636(b)) is amended by inserting after the undesignated 
     paragraph that begins with ``Provided, That no loan'', the 
     following:
       ``(3)(A) In this paragraph--
       ``(i) the term `essential employee' means an individual who 
     is employed by a small business concern and whose managerial 
     or technical expertise is critical to the successful day-to-
     day operations of that small business concern;
       ``(ii) the term `period of military conflict' has the 
     meaning given the term in subsection (n)(1); and
       ``(iii) the term `substantial economic injury' means an 
     economic harm to a business concern that results in the 
     inability of the business concern--
       ``(I) to meet its obligations as they mature;
       ``(II) to pay its ordinary and necessary operating 
     expenses; or
       ``(III) to market, produce, or provide a product or service 
     ordinarily marketed, produced, or provided by the business 
     concern.
       ``(B) The Administration may make such disaster loans 
     (either directly or in cooperation with banks or other 
     lending institutions through agreements to participate on an 
     immediate or deferred basis) to assist a small business 
     concern that has suffered or that is

[[Page 14611]]

     likely to suffer substantial economic injury as the result of 
     an essential employee of such small business concern being 
     ordered to active military duty during a period of military 
     conflict.
       ``(C) A small business concern described in subparagraph 
     (B) shall be eligible to apply for assistance under this 
     paragraph during the period beginning on the date on which 
     the essential employee is ordered to active duty and ending 
     on the date that is 90 days after the date on which such 
     essential employee is discharged or released from active 
     duty.
       ``(D) Any loan or guarantee extended pursuant to this 
     paragraph shall be made at the same interest rate as economic 
     injury loans under paragraph (2).
       ``(E) No loan may be made under this paragraph, either 
     directly or in cooperation with banks or other lending 
     institutions through agreements to participate on an 
     immediate or deferred basis, if the total amount outstanding 
     and committed to the borrower under this subsection would 
     exceed $1,500,000, unless such applicant constitutes a major 
     source of employment in its surrounding area, as determined 
     by the Administration, in which case the Administration, in 
     its discretion, may waive the $1,500,000 limitation.
       ``(F) For purposes of assistance under this paragraph, no 
     declaration of a disaster area shall be required.''.
       (c) Enhanced Publicity During Operation Allied Force.--For 
     the duration of Operation Allied Force and for 120 days 
     thereafter, the Administration shall enhance its publicity of 
     the availability of assistance provided pursuant to the 
     amendments made by this section, including information 
     regarding the appropriate local office at which affected 
     small businesses may seek such assistance.
       (d) Guidelines.--Not later than 30 days after the date of 
     enactment of this section, the Administrator of the Small 
     Business Administration shall issue such guidelines as the 
     Administrator determines to be necessary to carry out this 
     section and the amendments made by this section.
       (e) Effective Dates.--
       (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the 
     amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date 
     of the enactment of this section.
       (2) Disaster loans.--The amendments made by subsection (b) 
     shall apply to economic injury suffered or likely to be 
     suffered as the result of a period of military conflict 
     occurring or ending on or after March 24, 1999.

     SEC. 403. MICROLOAN PROGRAM.

       Section 7(m)(1)(A)(i) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 
     636(m)(1)(A)(i)) is amended by inserting ``veteran (within 
     the meaning of such term under section 3(q)),'' after ``low-
     income,''.

     SEC. 404. DELTA LOAN PROGRAM.

       Section 7(a)(21)(A) Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 
     636(a)(21)(A)) is amended in subclause (ii) by inserting ``or 
     a veteran'' after ``qualified individual''.

     SEC. 405. STATE DEVELOPMENT COMPANY PROGRAM.

       Section 501(d)(3) of the Small Business Investment Act (15 
     U.S.C. 695(d)(3)) is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subparagraphs (E), (F), and (G) as 
     subparagraphs (F), (G), and (H), respectively; and
       (2) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following:
       ``(E) expansion of small business concerns owned and 
     controlled by veterans, as defined in section 3(q) of the 
     Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632(q)), especially service-
     disabled veterans, as defined in such section 3(q),''.

                    TITLE V--PROCUREMENT ASSISTANCE

     SEC. 501. SUBCONTRACTING.

       (a) Statement of Policy.--Section 8(d)(1) of the Small 
     Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(1)) is amended by inserting 
     ``small business concerns owned and controlled by service-
     disabled veterans,'' after ``small business concerns,'' the 
     first place it appears in the first and second sentences.
       (b) Contract Clause.--The contract clause specified in 
     section 8(d)(3) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 
     637(d)(3)) is amended as follows:
       (1) Subparagraph (A) of such clause is amended by inserting 
     ``small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans,'' 
     after ``small business concerns,'' the first place it appears 
     in the first and second sentences.
       (2) Subparagraphs (E) and (F) of such clause are 
     redesignated as subparagraphs (F) and (G), respectively, and 
     the following new subparagraph is inserted after subparagraph 
     (D) of such clause:
       ``(E) The term `small business concern owned and controlled 
     by veterans' shall mean a small business concern--
       ``(i) which is at least 51 per centum owned by one or more 
     eligible veterans; or, in the case of any publicly owned 
     business, at least 51 per centum of the stock of which is 
     owned by one or more veterans; and
       ``(ii) whose management and daily business operations are 
     controlled by such veterans. The contractor shall treat as 
     veterans all individuals who are veterans within the meaning 
     of the term under section 3(q) of the Small Business Act.''.
       (3) Subparagraph (F) of such clause, as redesignated by 
     paragraph (2) of this subsection, is amended by inserting 
     ``small business concern owned and controlled by veterans,'' 
     after ``small business concern,'' the first place it appears.
       (c) Conforming Amendments.--Section 8(d) of the Small 
     Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637(d)) is further amended by 
     inserting ``small business concerns owned and controlled by 
     veterans,'' after ``small business concerns,'' the first 
     place it appears in paragraphs (4)(D), (4)(E), (6)(A), 
     (6)(C), (6)(F), and (10)(B).

     SEC. 502. PARTICIPATION IN FEDERAL PROCUREMENT.

       (a) Government-Wide Participation Goals.--Subsection (g)(1) 
     of section 15 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 644) is 
     amended--
       (1) in the first sentence, by inserting ``small business 
     concerns owned and controlled by service disabled veterans,'' 
     after ``small business concerns,'' the first place it 
     appears;
       (2) by inserting after the second sentence, the following: 
     ``The Government-wide goal for participation by small 
     business concerns owned and controlled by service-disabled 
     veterans shall be established at not less than 5 percent of 
     the total value of all prime contract and subcontract awards 
     for each fiscal year.''; and
       (3) in the second to last sentence, by inserting ``small 
     business concerns owned and controlled by service-disabled 
     veterans,'' after ``small business concerns,'' the first 
     place it appears.
       (b) Agency Participation Goals.--Subsection (g)(2) of 
     section 15 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 644) is 
     amended--
       (1) in the first sentence, by inserting ``by small business 
     concerns owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans,'' 
     after ``small business concerns,''; the first place it 
     appears;
       (2) in the second sentence, by inserting ``small business 
     concerns owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans,'' 
     after ``small business concerns,'' the first place it 
     appears; and
       (3) in the fourth sentence, by inserting ``small business 
     concerns owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans, 
     by'' after ``including participation by''.

                 TITLE VI--REPORTS AND DATA COLLECTION

     SEC. 601. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.

       (a) Reports to Small Business Administration.--Subsection 
     (h)(1) of section 15 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 
     644) is amended by inserting ``small business concerns owned 
     and controlled by veterans (including service-disabled 
     veterans),'' after ``small business concerns,'' the first 
     place it appears.
       (b) Reports to the President and Congress.--Subsection 
     (h)(2) of section 15 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 
     644) is amended--
       (1) by inserting ``and Congress'' before the period at the 
     end of first sentence; and
       (2) in subparagraphs (A), (D), and (E), by inserting 
     ``small business concerns owned and controlled by service-
     disabled veterans,'' after ``small business concerns,'' the 
     first place it appears.

     SEC. 602. REPORT ON SMALL BUSINESS AND COMPETITION.

       Section 303(e) of the Small Business Economic Policy Act of 
     1980 (15 U.S.C. 631b(e)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``and'' after the 
     semicolon;
       (2) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(3) small business concerns owned and controlled by 
     veterans, as defined in section 3(q) of the Small Business 
     Act (15 U.S.C. 632(q)), and small business concerns owned and 
     controlled by service-disabled veterans, as defined in such 
     section 3(q).''.

     SEC. 603. ANNUAL REPORT OF THE ADMINISTRATOR.

       The Administrator of the Small Business Administration 
     shall transmit annually to the Committees on Small Business 
     and Veterans Affairs of the House of Representatives and the 
     Senate a report on the needs of small business concerns owned 
     and controlled by veterans and small business concerns owned 
     and controlled by service-disabled veterans, which shall 
     include information on--
       (1) the availability of Small Business Administration 
     programs for such small business concerns and the degree of 
     utilization of such programs by such small business concerns 
     during the preceding 12-month period, including statistical 
     information on such utilization as compared to the small 
     business community as a whole;
       (2) the percentage and dollar value of Federal contracts 
     awarded to such small business concerns during the preceding 
     12-month period; and
       (3) proposals to improve the access of such small business 
     concerns to the assistance made available by the United 
     States.

     SEC. 604. DATA AND INFORMATION COLLECTION.

       (a) Information on Federal Procurement Practices.--The 
     Administrator of the Small Business Administration shall, for 
     each fiscal year--
       (1) collect information concerning the procurement 
     practices and procedures of each department and agency of the 
     United States having procurement authority;

[[Page 14612]]

       (2) publish and disseminate such information to procurement 
     officers in all Federal agencies; and
       (3) make such information available to any small business 
     concern requesting such information.
       (b) Identification of Small Business Concerns Owned by 
     Eligible Veterans.--Each fiscal year, the Secretary of 
     Veterans Affairs shall, in consultation with the Assistant 
     Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment and Training and 
     the Administrator of the Small Business Administration, 
     identify small business concerns owned and controlled by 
     veterans in the United States. The Secretary shall inform 
     each small business concern identified under this paragraph 
     that information on Federal procurement is available from the 
     Administrator.
       (c) Self-Employment Opportunities.--The Secretary of Labor, 
     the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and the Administrator of 
     the Small Business Administration shall enter into a 
     memorandum of understanding to provide for coordination of 
     vocational rehabilitation services, technical and managerial 
     assistance, and financial assistance to veterans, including 
     service-disabled veterans, seeking to employ themselves by 
     forming or expanding small business concerns. The memorandum 
     of understanding shall include recommendations for expanding 
     existing programs or establishing new programs to provide 
     such services or assistance to such veterans.

                  TITLE VII--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

     SEC. 701. ADMINISTRATOR'S ORDER.

       The Administrator of the Small Business Administration 
     shall strengthen and reissue the Administrator's order 
     regarding the 3d sentence of section 4(b)(1) of the Small 
     Business Act (15 U.S.C. 633(b)(1)), relating to 
     nondiscrimination and special considerations for veterans, 
     and take all necessary steps to ensure that its provisions 
     are fully and vigorously implemented.

     SEC. 702. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION OFFICE OF ADVOCACY.

       Section 202 of Public Law 94-305 (15 U.S.C. 634b) is 
     amended--
       (1) in paragraph (10), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (2) in paragraph (11), by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting ``; and''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(12) evaluate the efforts of each department and agency 
     of the United States, and of private industry, to assist 
     small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans, as 
     defined in section 3(q) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 
     632(q)), and small business concerns owned and controlled by 
     serviced-disabled veterans, as defined in such section 3(q), 
     and to provide statistical information on the utilization of 
     such programs by such small business concerns, and to make 
     appropriate recommendations to the Administrator of the Small 
     Business Administration and to Congress in order to promote 
     the establishment and growth of those small business 
     concerns.''.

     SEC. 703. STUDY OF FIXED-ASSET SMALL BUSINESS LOANS.

       (a)  In General.--The Comptroller General shall conduct a 
     study on whether there would exist any additional risk or 
     cost to the United States if--
       (1) up to 10 percent of the loans guaranteed under chapter 
     37 of title 38, United States Code, were made for the 
     acquisition or construction of fixed assets used in a trade 
     or business rather than for the construction or purchase of 
     residential buildings; and
       (2) such loans for acquisition or construction of fixed 
     assets were for a term of not more than 10 years and the 
     terms regarding eligibility, loan limits, interest, fees, and 
     down payment were the same as for other loans guaranteed 
     under such chapter.
       (b) Report.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the 
     enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall transmit 
     the report described in subsection (a) to the Committees on 
     Veterans' Affairs and the Committees on Small Business of the 
     House of Representatives and the Senate.
       (2) Contents of report.--The report required by paragraph 
     (1) shall specifically address the following:
       (A) With respect to the change in the veterans' housing 
     loan program contemplated under subsection (a):
       (i) The increase or decrease in administrative costs to the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs.
       (ii) The increase or decrease in the degree of exposure of 
     the United States as the guarantor of the loans.
       (iii) The increase or decrease in the Federal subsidy rate 
     that would be possible.
       (iv) Any increase in the interest rate or fees charged to 
     the borrower or lender that would be required to maintain 
     present program costs.
       (B) Information regarding the delinquency rates, default 
     rates, length of time required for recovery after default, 
     for fixed-asset business loans, of a size and duration 
     comparable to those contemplated under subsection (a), made 
     available in the private market or under section 503 of the 
     Small Business Investment Act.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Pease). Pursuant to the rule, the 
gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Talent) and the gentlewoman from New York 
(Mrs. McCarthy) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Talent).
  Mr. TALENT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, in November 1998, the Small Business Administration's 
Veterans Affairs Task Force for Entrepreneurship filed its report. The 
task force examined all SBA programs, including business development, 
education and training, financial assistance, government contracting 
and advocacy to determine ways to improve SBA's ability to assist 
veterans. The task force identified certain high priority 
recommendations. It is the purpose of this bill, H.R. 1568, to 
implement those high priority recommendations.
  First, the task force recommended guaranteed loan opportunities. H.R. 
1568 makes veterans eligible for funds under the microloan, Delta Loan 
and State Development Company programs. This enables veterans to access 
capital markets currently available to women, low-income, minority 
entrepreneurs and other business owners possessing the capability to 
operate successful business concerns.
  Second, the task force identified an outreach program to assist 
disabled veterans in business training and management assistance. H.R. 
1568 amends the Small Business Development Act to require the Secretary 
of Veterans Affairs, the Administrator of the Small Business 
Administration and the small business development center associations 
to train all veterans, including disabled veterans, in business 
training and management assistance, procurement opportunities and other 
business areas.
  Third, the task force urged a veterans company or corporation to 
address veterans small business issues. The Veterans Entrepreneurship 
and Small Business Development Act creates the National Veterans 
Business Development Corporation. This corporation will coordinate 
private and public resources from Federal organizations, for example, 
the SBA and the Department of Veterans Affairs, to establish and 
maintain a network of information and assistance centers for use by 
veterans and the public. H.R. 1568 requires the National Veterans 
Business Development Corporation to become self-sustaining by 
eliminating the corporation's minimal Federal funding in 4 years.
  Fourth, the task force sought a regulation classifying veteran-owned 
businesses as a socially and economically disadvantaged business group. 
Rather than a regulation, H.R. 1568 affords veteran-owned small 
businesses an opportunity to compete on the same level with small 
business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically 
disadvantaged individuals.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Illinois 
(Mr. Phelps) for offering his amendment which guarantees that 
reservists in different businesses, say, plumbing, electrician or 
contractor small business owners who are called to active duty, 
guarantees them the ability to access loans to keep the business afloat 
while the reservist/small business owner serves our country. Mr. 
Speaker, the law already protects employees called to active duty as it 
should. Thanks to this amendment, it will soon provide some protection 
to the small business owner.
  Mr. Speaker, we all recognize our Armed Forces safeguard our freedoms 
and liberty at great sacrifice to our servicemen. Our veterans 
liberated Europe and the Pacific in the 1940s, they stopped the spread 
of communism in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, and they freed oppressed 
peoples in the 1980s and 1990s. These men and women willingly 
sacrificed for their country. H.R. 1568, the Veterans Entrepreneurship 
and Small Business Development Act of 1999, provides them the 
opportunity to enjoy the fruits of their labor and the blessings of 
liberty which they secured.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1568.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume. I thank the gentleman

[[Page 14613]]

from Missouri (Mr. Talent) who is the chairman of the Committee on 
Small Business and I thank the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. 
Velazquez), the ranking member. I think this is something that can show 
that our committee works very well together, certainly for our veterans 
but also for our small businesses.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of an important piece of legislation 
that ensures our veterans the resources and access to capital needed to 
start or expand a small business. As a cosponsor of this legislation, I 
believe the Veterans Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development 
Act of 1999 remedies many of the inequities veterans face when looking 
for small business assistance. Thousands of brave men and women have 
fought for our country and the freedoms we cherish. Unfortunately when 
they return to civilian life, veterans encounter numerous barriers when 
they are attempting to start up or expand their businesses.
  This can range from a lack of training to difficulty securing 
adequate capital. H.R. 1568 helps these men and women become 
entrepreneurs and embrace the American dream for which they fought so 
hard to preserve. It is apparent that small businesses have become the 
backbone of our economy and continue to provide invaluable services. 
Currently, out of a total business population of 23.2 million, 5.5 
million are owned or operated by veterans.
  The district I represent on Long Island, New York, is dependent on 
the success of veteran-owned small businesses. Although a number of 
programs exist at the Small Business Administration to provide 
assistance, many are not targeted at veterans.
  One obvious concern involves the lack of centralized resources from 
which veterans can obtain information on programs and capital 
specifically created for them. This legislation would create an Office 
of Veterans Business Development and an associate administrator within 
the SBA to promote veteran opportunities. In addition, it calls for the 
creation of an Advisory Committee on Veterans Business Affairs to serve 
as an independent source of advice, policy and recommendations to the 
SBA, the Congress and the President.
  Lastly, H.R. 1568 also addresses concerns raised by disabled 
veterans. Currently there are over 104,000 service-disabled veterans in 
the business community. The Veterans Entrepreneurship and Small 
Business Development Act establishes a 5 percent subcontracting goal 
for service disabled veterans. By taking this step, we are ensuring 
that veterans, especially those injured fighting for their country, 
have equal opportunity to government contracts. Too often we see our 
veterans neglected in their time of need. Under this legislation, 
veterans will receive greater access to capital and training, programs 
that will allow them to succeed in a market system they fought so hard 
to protect. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. TALENT. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Bartlett).
  Mr. BARTLETT of Maryland. Mr. Speaker, it is time we keep our 
promises to veterans. I am proud to be a supporter of H.R. 1568, the 
Veterans Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Act of 1999. 
This is a bill which deserves the support of every Member of the House.
  It was almost a year ago at a joint House subcommittee hearing on May 
20, 1998, that representatives of veterans advocacy groups universally 
blasted the Small Business Administration, SBA, for decades of ignoring 
congressional mandates to give veterans and veteran-owned small 
businesses appropriate consideration. That was a hearing I cochaired of 
the Subcommittee on Government Programs and Oversight of the Committee 
on Small Business along with the gentleman from New York (Mr. Quinn), 
who chairs the Subcommittee on Benefits of the Committee on Veterans' 
Affairs.
  We as a Nation must keep the promises we have made to those who 
served in our Armed Forces. If we do not keep our promises to veterans, 
we suffer more than shame and dishonor. How this Nation treats our 
veterans directly impacts the lives and the families of veterans and 
those currently on active duty. It also affects our ability to recruit 
capable men and women to serve in the future.
  It is ironic that SBA would have had such a shameful record when 
entrepreneurial assistance to veterans dates back to World War II and 
is one of the great success stories of the Federal Government under the 
GI bill. This current bill is all about keeping promises. H.R. 1568 
incorporates the recommendations from that May 20 hearing. It is a good 
bill. It is a bill that I hope will help restore the faith of our 
veterans.
  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may 
consume to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Velazquez), the ranking 
member.
  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 
1568, the Veterans Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Act 
of 1999. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the gentleman 
from Missouri (Mr. Talent), the chairman of the Committee on Small 
Business, for introducing this legislation and for his continuing 
commitment to our veteran community. I would also like to thank the 
gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. McCarthy) for her work on behalf of 
veterans both in the committee and in the House.
  Throughout America's history, countless men and women have served our 
country and fought for its ideals as members of our armed services. 
However, when veterans return to civilian life, they have also 
encountered barriers to starting or expanding a business.
  Although there are a number of programs at the SBA to provide 
assistance, many of these are not specifically targeted at veterans. 
The legislation before us today seeks to remedy some of the 
inequalities that our service men and women face upon their return to 
civilian life. In doing so, H.R. 1568 will provide greater opportunity 
for the 5.5 million businesses owned or operated by veterans. 
Additionally, this bill will help the 104,000 service disabled veterans 
within the business community.
  This legislation, H.R. 1568, will give a boost to veterans seeking to 
start their own business by creating a National Veterans Development 
Corporation to provide training and counseling. Additionally, it 
establishes a veterans advisory board to counsel SBA on veterans issues 
and expands veterans' access to capital and Federal contracting 
opportunities.
  Often overlooked is the fact that many current small business owners 
also serve in the Reserves or National Guard. When the call to serve 
comes, they selflessly heed it and leave their business behind. 
Unfortunately, too often this results in economic hardship. I would 
like to thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Phelps) for offering an 
amendment that provides these individuals with the capital and 
expertise they need to continue their businesses. The call-up during 
Kosovo has demonstrated the importance of our Reserves, and I commend 
the gentleman from Illinois for helping our service men and women.
  This is the time of year in which we celebrate the liberties that 
members of our armed services have fought so hard to attain for every 
citizen of this great Nation. This legislation will help ensure that 
those individuals that have placed their lives in jeopardy for this 
country will be able to fulfill the American dream. With all they have 
done for us, this is the least that we can do. I strongly support the 
goals of this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.
  Mr. Speaker, at this time I would also like to take this opportunity 
to recognize Mike Klier, one of the Democratic committee staff who 
worked on this legislation and will be leaving shortly. Mike has been a 
valuable member of the Committee on Small Business staff and will be 
sorely missed. On behalf of the members of the committee, I want to 
thank him and wish him good luck.

[[Page 14614]]


  Mr. TALENT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 15 seconds to thank the 
distinguished ranking member for her comments and join her in her 
comments about Mike. We wish him all the best.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. 
Gilman), the distinguished chairman of the Committee on International 
Relations.
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this 
time.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pledge my support for this measure, the 
Veterans Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Act which 
authorizes technical, financial and procurement assistance to veteran-
owned businesses through a variety of ways. I commend the gentleman 
from Missouri (Mr. Talent) and the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. 
McCarthy) for bringing this measure to the floor at this time.
  As veterans make the transition from honorably serving their Nation 
to the competitive business world of our Nation, they confront many 
obstacles that stand in their way of achieving success. As national 
leaders, we have a responsibility to help these men and women in 
helping them realize their dreams. The Veterans Small Business Act has 
the power to do just that, to return hope to the courageous many who 
find themselves currently slipping on once sturdy ground.
  H.R. 1568 effectively expands the eligibility for certain small 
business assistance programs to include veterans, while additionally 
directing the SBA to assist veteran-owned small businesses through the 
creation of new development agencies and offices, such as the National 
Veterans Business Development Center. This bill will strengthen and 
expand existing small business assistance programs to ensure the 
longevity of programs already proven to work, like the renowned 
microloan and Delta Loan programs. In doing so, veterans will receive a 
much needed boost economically in the small business sector, an area 
that has been dampened by insufficient funding and technical assistance 
in the past.
  With the economy still booming as we approach the millennium, it is 
imperative that we act sensibly and provide for veterans in small 
businesses while we have the funding to do so. Veterans affairs should 
be our top priority in this Congress. It is our duty as patriots to aid 
those who were willing to sacrifice for our Nation.
  In closing, I urge my colleagues to support this worthy legislation 
providing small business assistance to veterans as we work to improve 
their welfare in this country.
  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may 
consume to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pascrell).

                              {time}  1515

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Committee on Small 
Business and as a veteran myself, I rise today to encourage the swift 
passage of the Veterans Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development 
Act of 1999. It is an outstanding piece of legislation that will go a 
long way in assisting the veterans of our Nation.
  Last week our chairman, the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Talent), and 
our ranking member, the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Velazquez) once 
again demonstrated their commitment to passing meaningful bipartisan 
legislation when our committee voted unanimously in support of the 
measure now before the House. I want to credit both of them for their 
dedication to our Nation's small businesses and to our nation's 
veterans. H.R. 1568 will help veterans who are attempting to start 
their own small businesses. It will accomplish this in several ways:
  First, by creating an Associate Administrator for Veterans Business 
Development at the Small Business Administration. The bill ensures that 
veterans will have full access to all SBA programs and will guarantee 
them a seat at the table, and they have earned it.
  It will accomplish and establish a national veterans' business 
development corporation which will organize public and private 
resources to help assist veterans with financing and advice.
  The legislation will establish also within a very successful SCORE 
program the appointment of a national veterans business coordinator. 
The program is comprised of retired executives who provide advice and 
technical assistance through a network of volunteers.
  And lastly, this measure provides a 5 percent goal for government 
contracting with small business concerns owned and controlled by 
service disabled veterans.
  We have adjusted the wheels of other SBA programs, Mr. Speaker, in 
order to respond to the needs of women and minorities. We are right to 
do so today for veterans. We need to readjust them to respond to the 
needs of our veterans, and that is exactly what this bill accomplishes.
  Members of the military put themselves at a great risk to protect 
American interests around the world. And in return for this service, 
the Federal Government has made a commitment to both active duty and 
retired military personnel to provide certain benefits. With the 
measure before us today, we attempt to go beyond those benefits that 
the VA provides. We aim to bring veteran owned businesses into the 
winners circle of those small businesses that thrive and prosper year 
after year.
  As a veteran, I have always maintained a personal commitment to 
protecting the rights of those who have served, and I have striven to 
be an advocate on their behalf. Two weekends ago in our district, we 
had a veterans registration drive, Mr. Speaker. Four hundred fifty 
veterans signed up, bringing those heroes to the point where they can 
access the benefits they have earned. Many of our veterans do not even 
know what they are entitled to. We cannot sit by idly and let that 
exist.
  This bill is another aspect of that commitment to those who have made 
the ultimate commitment to our Nation. It will ensure that veterans 
have greater access to capital and business training programs, and for 
those entrepreneurial veterans, among them 48,000 in my own district, I 
believe throughout America making access, making veterans available and 
reaching out to them in a very positive way is what we should be all 
about. I believe this measure will lower the barriers they face, our 
veterans, help them build and develop businesses that will flourish.
  Our veterans helped shape the prosperity our Nation currently enjoys. 
This bill, will help these veterans share in that very prosperity. It 
is the right thing to do.
  As a cosponsor of this legislation, I urge my colleagues to support 
H.R. 1568, the Veterans Entrepreneurship Small Business Development Act 
of 1999.
  Mr. TALENT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 1 minute just to comment to 
the gentleman's speech. As always, he inspires me and particularly in 
this field. There is no stronger advocate for veterans than the 
gentleman from New Jersey. He is absolutely correct, and maybe I should 
quote one of the witnesses from one of the veterans organizations who 
testified in support of this bill, when one of the members of the 
committee asked him what was available in terms of outreach programs 
for veterans, and he responded by saying:
  ``Look, the good thing about this bill is it lets us help ourselves. 
We set up these assistance centers, and then we will have veterans in 
these communities networking and connecting veterans with 
entrepreneurship opportunities and, by the way, going beyond that, to 
do other things that can help veterans and their families. I think it's 
a tremendous way of increasing the infrastructure available for 
veterans' assistance.''
  Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. 
Stump), the chairman of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and I want 
to thank him for his work on this bill and his advocacy on behalf of 
veterans.
  Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this 
time. I just want to take this opportunity to thank the chairman, the 
gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Talent) of the Committee on Small 
Business, and

[[Page 14615]]

his ranking member, the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Velazquez), and 
all of the members of this committee for the tremendous efforts that 
they have put forth in bringing this bill before the House today.
  I think that the reasoned report of the Congressional Commission of 
Veterans Transition Assistance pretty much says it all with regards to 
this bill, and I quote: As a matter of fundamental fairness, Congress 
should accord veterans a full opportunity to participate in the 
economic system that their services sustained. That certainly is this 
bill's objective, and many of our veterans will benefit from this.
  And once again my congratulations to the chairman of the committee on 
this.
  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he 
may consume to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Phelps).
  Mr. PHELPS. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank first the gentlewoman from 
New York (Mrs. McCarthy) for yielding me the time and the opportunity. 
I certainly want to thank the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Talent) for 
his hard work on such a valuable piece of legislation and for allowing 
me to incorporate my bill, the Military Reservists Small Business Act 
to the Veterans Entrepreneurship and Small Business Act and also not to 
overlook the ranking member, the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. 
Velazquez), for her leadership and her help and assistance. As a new 
Member, I certainly appreciate it.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support this very important legislation 
which I have cosponsored. The Veterans Entrepreneurship and Small 
Business Development Act will ensure that those who have helped sustain 
the American economy through their military service and sacrifice will 
deservedly receive a fair share of assistance through the Small 
Business Administration.
  This legislation includes veterans in the full range of programs and 
services at SBA and establishes some key additional programs 
specifically for veterans. I specially support the program which 
incorporates my legislation to assist military reservists who have been 
called to service in Kosovo. This program ensures that reservists who 
are small business owners or entrepreneurs do not have to risk their 
business while risking their lives for the principles of freedom and 
human rights.
  This program offers three types of assistance by first authorizing a 
deferral of loan repayments on any direct loan from the SBA; secondly, 
establish a low-interest loan, economic injury loan program to provide 
interim operating capital to any small business if the departure of a 
military reservist to key active duty causes economic harm. And 
finally, directing SBA and all of its private sector partners to engage 
in outreach training and counseling programs to assist businesses that 
might experience significant disruption due to the effects of military 
reservists reporting to duty in Kosovo.
  The upcoming Fourth of July holiday reminds us all of the importance 
of independence and freedom. Veterans have fought hard for their 
country, and this measure gives us the opportunity to recognize their 
efforts by supporting their entrepreneurial efforts. We can never repay 
veterans for their sacrifices, but we can certainly assist their 
efforts to become as successful in business as they have been in the 
military.
  This legislation ensures that veterans even after their service is 
over have the opportunity to continue contributing to our national 
security by creating jobs and strengthening our economy.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge you and colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 
1568, the Veterans Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Act 
of 1999.
  Mr. TALENT. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
California (Mrs. Bono).
  Mrs. BONO. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise in support of H.R. 1568, 
the Veterans Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Act of 
1999. Of all individuals Congress attempts to assist, I believe the men 
and women who served our country in war and peace are especially 
deserving of our help and special consideration. Over 30 military and 
veterans service organizations representing more than 12 million 
veterans support H.R. 1568. These organizations are not asking for a 
handout. All they want is for us to let them help themselves.
  One of the most important functions of this bill is to create a 
national veterans' business development corporation. This corporation 
will fund centers throughout the country to provide technical 
assistance for interested veterans, and with the support of veterans 
groups there is a provision in this bill to make certain that after 4 
years these centers will become self-sufficient. I can think of no 
better way for Congress to give veterans a means toward achieving 
financial independence.
  H.R. 1568 also establishes an Office of Veterans Business Development 
at the Small Business Administration. Over the years, Congress has 
encouraged the SBA to take up the cause of helping veterans. However, 
it is apparent that we need to strengthen our will. Hopefully this 
office within the SBA will serve as a means to highlight and serve the 
needs of veterans in business.
  Riverside County in California, a significant part of which I 
represent, has 143,380 veterans. My resolve to help these brave men and 
women will never wane. Mr. Speaker, I want to make sure our veterans 
have the best chance available to make it on their own. With a little 
bit of technical assistance, our veterans will take charge and find the 
success they so rightly deserve.
  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as she 
may consume to the gentlewoman from the Virgin Islands (Mrs. 
Christensen).
  Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding this 
time to me. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1568, the 
Veterans Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Act of 1999, 
to also commend our chairman, the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Talent) 
for introducing this bill and to commend both him and our ranking 
member for their untiring efforts on behalf of small businesses in this 
country.
  Mr. Speaker, there have been several bills brought to this floor 
today that recognize meaningful and tangible ways the contributions our 
Nation's veterans have made and the debt this country owes to them. I 
am proud to support them all.
  As we all are aware, veterans, particularly those who served during 
and since Vietnam, encounter many barriers in transitioning to civilian 
life. Part of this transitioning includes obtaining meaningful 
employment or starting their own businesses. Our disabled veterans, 
like other citizens and residents with special health care needs, have 
particularly difficult times entering the economic mainstream. H.R. 
1568 seeks to break down many of those barriers.
  One of the most significant things this legislation does is to create 
a national veterans business development corporation charged with 
increasing entrepreneurship and technical assistance to veterans. It 
also requires that small businesses owned by veterans be included in 
all government contracting and sets a goal. And it creates a small 
business relief program for reservists and members of the National 
Guard who own small businesses when they are called up to active duty. 
Passage of the Veterans Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development 
Act of 1999 will ensure that veterans, even after their service is 
over, have the opportunity to pursue their dreams to achieve success 
and to share in the prosperity of this great Nation.
  In sum, this bill enables our veterans to become self-sufficient. 
With all that they have done for this country, as has been said 
earlier, this is the least that we can do for them. I urge my 
colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 1568.
  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, we have no additional 
speakers, and if the chairman is prepared, I can go ahead and close?
  Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  We called upon our veterans to endure the hardships of war and being

[[Page 14616]]

away from home. They serve proudly without question. Many have made a 
career out of this service, however when we continue downsizing in our 
military force an influx of servicemen and women are entering civilian 
life only to encounter a lack of assistance when attempting to start a 
business for themselves. The Veterans Entrepreneurship and Small 
Business Development Act provides the resources they need to succeed in 
their transition to private sector. Their success not only benefits 
them but also the surrounding community overall economy.
  As we approach July 4 weekend and reflect upon the liberties that we 
fought so hard to obtain, we should not forget the men and women who 
continue to fight to protect these liberties. By passing this 
legislation, we are providing our veterans with the tools that will 
allow them to make that dream they fought for a reality.

                              {time}  1530

  I urge my colleagues to support this bill and help veterans succeed 
in the business community.
  Mr. TALENT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I do not know what more could be said about this bill. 
It has the broadest coalition that I have ever seen supporting a 
veterans bill in terms of the veterans service organizations. As I said 
before, it helps these veterans in helping themselves and I think 
remedies some injustices from long past in terms of how we treat them 
in terms of procurement and loans and entrepreneurial opportunities.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, this important piece of 
legislation will help veterans establish and develop small businesses. 
By creating an Office of Veterans Business Development within the Small 
Business Administration, we will ensure that our veterans will be able 
to compete in the small business world. This office will formulate, 
execute, and promote the policies and programs of the Small Business 
Administration that provide assistance to small business concerns owned 
and controlled by veterans, including service-disabled veterans. It is 
important that we reward these important citizens with business 
opportunities such as these.
  This bill directs the Veterans Affairs Secretary and the Small 
Business Administration's Administrator to enter into a memorandum of 
understanding with respect to entrepreneurial assistance to veterans, 
including service-disabled veterans, through small business development 
centers and Veterans Affairs facilities. I find it encouraging that 
this assistance includes the conducting of studies concerning the 
operation of small businesses by veterans, the training of veterans in 
small business management, and the teaching of Internet and other 
academic instruction. This bill also provides assistance and 
information to veterans concerning Federal, State and local agencies 
and helps to address the concerns of these veterans.
  Finally, the creation of the 15 member advisory committee will also 
greatly assist the veterans. This committee will work in conjunction 
with the Small Business Administration to review programs in the public 
and private sectors that may affect small businesses owned by veterans. 
This committee also will collect business information and monitor other 
programs and agencies that may affect the growth and development of 
small businesses owned by veterans.
  Small business is a vital sector of the business world. In my home 
State of Texas, almost four million Texans work in businesses with less 
than 500 employees, generating a total payroll of about $100 billion a 
year. This sector of business is growing. From 1992 to 1996, small 
businesses have added 162,201 new jobs. In 1998, Texas businesses with 
less than 100 employees employed 42.4 percent of the Texas, non-farm 
workforce (up from 40.6 percent in 1996). Small and medium businesses 
account for more than 67 percent of the Texas workforce.
  Small businesses are the economic backbone for many of our 
communities throughout this nation. This legislation is designed to 
allow our veterans to prosper in this business world. It is our way of 
paying them back for years of service to our Nation.
  Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, 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 Velazquez, the Committee's Ranking Democrat, for bringing this 
important legislation before the House. In developing this legislation, 
Jim listened to hard-working veterans 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-
entreprenuers--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 enterpreneurs--success which will benefit all Americans.
  H.R. 1568 is an excellent bill, and I again thank Chairman Jim Talent 
and Congresswoman Velazquez, the Ranking Democratic Member of the Small 
Business Committee, for their strong support for America's veterans.
  Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
speak on behalf of two important veterans' bills today--H.R. 1568 and 
H.J. Res. 34.
  H.R. 1568, the Veteran's Entrepreneurship and Small Business 
Development Act of 1999 will significantly improve services to veterans 
by the Small Business Administration. Many veterans have the necessary 
skills and motivation to successfully operate their own businesses, but 
lack the resources to initiate such enterprise. This bipartisan 
legislation, supported by veterans all over the country and by 
organizations such as the Vietnam Veterans of America, the American 
Legion, the Disabled American Veterans, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 
and the Reserve Officers Association, will provide a substantial boost 
to the entrepreneurial aspirations of the nation's veterans, especially 
veterans with service-related disabilities.
  This important legislation will establish a National Veterans 
Business Development Center to provide small business assistance to 
veterans through public and private sector initiatives and 
partnerships. It will also strengthen the SBA's Office of Veterans 
Business Development and create a permanent advisory committee on 
veteran's business affairs. In addition, the Microloan and Delta Loan 
Program will be made available to veterans to finance a new business or 
expand an already existing company.
  I am also pleased to speak on behalf of H.J. Res. 34, a Resolution 
congratulating and commending the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). This 
admirable organization is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year 
in working for the rights and needs of American veterans. The VFW 
currently represents the interests of 2,000,000 veterans who have 
served in wars ranging from World War I and II, to Korea and Vietnam, 
to the more recent Persian Gulf War and conflict in Bosnia.
  Mr. Speaker, our veterans have served this nation with honor and 
dignity, they have made tremendous sacrifices for our liberty, and they 
deserve our utmost support. That is why I intend to vote in favor of 
H.R. 1568 and H.R. Res. 34.
  Mr. TALENT. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Pease). The question is on the motion 
offered the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Talent) that the House suspend 
the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1568, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof), the rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.




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