Crow Cracks Down on Red-Tape; Signs on as Original Co-Sponsor of VA-SBA Act

This week, Congressman Jason Crow, a member of the Small Business Committee and former Army Ranger, signed on as an original co-sponsor of the Verification Alignment and Service-Disabled Business Adjustment (VA-SBA) Act. The bill, introduced by Rep. Trent Kelly (R-MS) helps streamline duplicate programs for service-disabled veterans-owned small businesses (SDVOSB) and veterans-owned small businesses (VOSB) under the Small Business Administration (SBA) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), eliminating confusion, red tape, and redundancy between the two agencies and helping veterans better navigate the certification process.

Currently, the VA certifies SDVOSBs and VOSBs that participate in federal contracting preference programs. However, SDVOSBs need to be both verified by the VA to qualify for VA contracts and self-certify through the SBA to obtain federal contracts from all other federal government agencies. The VA-SBA Act would require SBA to certify all SDVOSB and VOSB applications, as it does for all other small businesses, and eliminate the redundant program at the VA.

"Veterans are uniquely qualified and have a valuable perspective as they start and manage small businesses. They have also proven to go above and beyond to hire other veterans, including those who have been injured in the line of duty. This bill reduces confusion and ensures we cut back on unnecessary red tape to ensure our government can provide the support and resources our veterans deserve," said Rep. Jason Crow. "There is a sacred promise in America, that if you step up to serve, we will be there when you take off the uniform, and this bill does exactly that for veterans that own small businesses. I thank the Small Business Committee Chairwoman Velázquez and Ranking Member Chabot for their efforts in prioritizing support for veterans."

"Our nation's veterans learn skills while serving that make them top notch entrepreneurs," said Steve Chabot (OH-01-R). "With 2.52 million small businesses majority-owned by veterans, it's important they have access to the resources they need to start a small business without the red tape and confusion that can come from government agencies. The VA-SBA Act will open doors for veteran-owned small businesses and expedite the process of becoming an entrepreneur. I look forward to ensuring veterans are able to continue their contributions to the American economy. I thank the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Ranking Member Roe, Rep. Kelly, and Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Ranking Member General Bergman for their dedication and leadership to ensure this program gets a necessary update. America's heroes deserve the full support of Congress in all aspects of life, especially as they work to bring their business dreams to life."