[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15990]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     VETERANS ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND BENEFITS IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2003

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. RAHM EMANUEL

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 23, 2003

  Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1460, the 
Veterans Entrepreneurship Act of 2003. This is essential legislation 
which ensures that those courageous and honorable men and women who 
served in our armed forces have the opportunity to receive valuable 
educational and professional opportunities in the areas of 
entrepreneurship and business.
  Veterans have served this country with distinction throughout its 
history, and many have risked their lives for our benefit. Especially 
in the wake of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, we should 
take steps to help our veterans successfully transition to civilian 
life.
  The educational assistance provided by the Department of Veterans' 
Affairs is a benefit these veterans have earned, and it is important 
that they be able to use this assistance for valuable courses in the 
field of entrepreneurship, which teaches pragmatic and creative 
business practices useful in any field. In addition, by making it 
easier for disabled veterans to receive government contracts for their 
small businesses, this bill continues the partnership between these 
individuals and the government, and helps them to succeed in today's 
struggling economy. Operating a small business is a difficult but 
worthwhile endeavor, and veterans should have every opportunity to use 
their talents to aid the U.S. economy by starting new ventures based on 
their personal ingenuity.
  Mr. Speaker, I applaud Representative Renzi and the other Members of 
the Committees on Veterans' Affairs and Small Business for introducing 
this legislation and bringing it to the floor today. It serves as a 
symbol of support for the heroes who have admirably protected our 
freedom and served this Nation in the armed forces.

                          ____________________