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Larson Supports Dedicated Funding for Veteran-Owned Businesses

November 17, 2015

Washington - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) announced his support for H.R. 3997 and the establishment of a Veterans Business Enterprise (VBE) program. This bill was announced as an alternative to H.R. 1694, which would recognize veteran-owned small businesses under the Disadvantaged Business Enterprises program (DBE) without allocating additional funding. In contrast, the VBE would be funded at the same level as the existing DBE program.

“Our veterans deserve the same advantages that are currently enjoyed by minorities and women," said Larson. "The Disadvantaged Business Program was designed to promote minority- and women-owned small businesses. Expanding eligibility to participate in the DBE program without increasing funding levels would cram veterans into a program that would be underfunded and unable to accomplish its mandate. I am proud to support this bill as a sensible alternative. Under this proposal, a full ten percent of federal highway and transit contracts will go to veteran-owned small businesses. We can promote opportunities for veterans without pulling the rug out from under women- and minority-owned businesses in the process."

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Issues:Veterans