Reps. Crow, Fitzpatrick, Kim, and Schneider Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Support National Veterans Small Business Week

WASHINGTON — Today, Representatives Jason Crow (D-CO-06), Army veteran, Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Young Kim (R-CA-40), and Brad Schneider (D-IL-10)  introduced the bipartisan resolution, "Supporting the goals and ideals of National Veterans Small Business Week." This resolution supports veterans and the Small Business Administration (SBA) programs that support those veterans who start and own small businesses. Programs include funding for veteran-owned small businesses, training for veteran entrepreneurship, and support for veteran contracting. The resolution honors the nearly 2 million veteran-owned small businesses that employ over 5 million individuals.

The 10th annual National Veterans Small Business Week will be celebrated October 30 through November 3, 2023, and will focus on different topics relating to veteran business ownership throughout the week – including transition assistance, entrepreneurial training, stakeholders and resources, access to capital, government contracting, and disaster assistance.

"Our district is home to over 35,000 veterans who drive our local economy in a strong small business state,” said Congressman Crow. "This Veterans Small Business Week, I’m glad to continue our bipartisan work to empower veterans and their families with the resources needed to build thriving small businesses.”

“Many veterans continue to contribute to our communities, using their leadership skills as small business owners,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “Our veterans had our backs as they fought for our freedom, and we must support them as they contribute to our local economies. I’m proud to join a bipartisan group of colleagues in recognizing Veterans Small Business Week."

“Veteran entrepreneurs are heroes who not only served our country in uniform but also serve their communities, creating jobs and supporting our local economies,” said Congresswoman Kim. “We must have the backs of the brave men and women in our military who had ours. I’m proud to join in introducing this bipartisan resolution to honor National Veterans Small Business Week and show our appreciation for veteran-owned businesses. I’ll keep fighting on the Financial Services Committee to reduce regulatory costs for small business owners and ensure all Americans have the resources they need to make their American dream a reality.”

“The contributions that veterans make to the strength and success of our nation extends beyond their service in our armed forces to the many valuable skills and entrepreneurial ideas they bring to the table,” said Congressman Schneider. “Recognizing and promoting veterans’ success in entrepreneurship is key to helping our communities grow and flourish economically.”

Reps. Crow, Fitzpatrick, Kim, and Schneider were joined in introducing the resolution by House Small Business Committee Ranking Member Nydia Velázquez (D-NY-07), and Reps. Ann McLane Kuster (D-NH-02), Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL-27), Madeleine Dean (D-PA-04), Susie Lee (D-NV-03), Dina Titus (D-NV-01), Juan Vargas (D-CA-52), Alex Mooney (R-WV-02), and Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06).

A former Army Ranger serving combat tours in Afghanistan and Iraq, Congressman Crow has consistently fought to give Colorado’s veterans a voice in Congress and help our nation fulfill its sacred promise to care for veterans and their families. These efforts include helping pass into law the PACT Act – the largest expansion of veterans health benefits in US history, protecting veterans benefits in the face of proposed cuts to critical federal programs, and successfully establishing the Global War on Terrorism Memorial on the National Mall alongside bipartisan veteran For Country Caucus members.

Read the full text of the resolution here.