Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Act of 2023

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I applaud Representative Schneider, Chairman Williams, Representative McGarvey, and Representative Ellzey for their dedication and commitment to our Nation's veterans.

Mr. Schneider has been a long-time champion of this legislation to codify the Boots to Business Program. Over the years, the committee has held a number of hearings examining SBA's programs that benefit veteran entrepreneurship, and we have heard from scores of veterans that the program has been a resounding success.

In fiscal year 2022, nearly 24,000 veterans, transitioning servicemembers, and military spouses received Boots to Business entrepreneurship training. Starting a business is not for the faint of heart. It takes courage, perseverance, resourcefulness, and leadership to launch a successful enterprise. Many of these qualities are inherent in those that serve our country.

Despite the skills and expertise, many servicemembers have difficulty transitioning to civilian life. A recent survey conducted by the Syracuse University Institute for Veterans and Military Families found 44 percent expressed difficulty with transitioning from military life, and 53 percent say they did not know what they wanted to do as civilians.

It is imperative that we enact this legislation and provide the certainty to veterans that this training will continue to be available to them as they leave the service.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1606, the Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Act, as amended, and I reserve the balance of my time.
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Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, let me first thank all of our veterans who have dedicated their lives to service. Their dedication to our country and commitment to preserving our freedoms is greatly appreciated.

As our Nation's servicemembers complete their final tour and begin their transition back to civilian life, it is important that we provide opportunities for them to pursue the American Dream. Owning and running a successful small business is the epitome of that dream.

Codifying the Boots to Business Program would allow thousands of servicemembers, their spouses, and veterans to receive vital training on how to build a successful small business.

I thank Mr. Schneider, Chairman Williams, Mr. McGarvey, and Mr. Ellzey for their bipartisan work on this bill.

Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1606, the Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Act.

This bipartisan legislation provides statutory authority for the Boots to Business Program, which provides entrepreneurship training to individuals including veterans and active members of the Armed Forces, to be administered by the Small Business Administration.

The Boots to Business program provides entrepreneurship education and training, offering a general understanding of entrepreneurship and relevant business ownership principles.

Through this program, veterans learn about the abilities, information, and tools required to start a business, such as how to create a business plan and the resources offered by the Small Business Administration.

Active-Duty Service members, including National Guard and Reserves, Veterans, and their spouses are eligible to participate in the program.

Our veterans dedicated their lives to protecting the freedom of all Americans and it is critical that they are armed with the tools, resources, and training to be successful as they return to civilian life.

This bill plays an important role in smoothing that transition and constitutes an important step in preparing veterans to thrive in the private sector.

Notably, many of the same skills that are fundamental in entrepreneurship and business ownership have already been developed in veterans through their time in the military, including leadership, problem solving, and discipline.

This program will help veterans leverage those skill sets towards career success in civilian life.

I am proud to say that Houston is home to over 280,000 veterans and is ranked 10th nationally for the newest businesses per capita.

This bill will help connect Houston's veterans with the wealth of opportunities for small business entrepreneurship across the city.

Further, this bill will help address the ongoing crisis of homelessness among America's veterans on a national scale.

Today, more than 1 in 10 people experiencing homelessness are veterans who fearlessly and selflessly served our Nation.

They have kept their promise to serve our Nation; they have willingly risked their lives to protect the country we all love.

We must now ensure that we keep our promises to our veterans and provide them with the support they deserve as they pursue success in civilian life.

This bill is an important part of that effort.

By providing entrepreneurship training and support, we can help give veterans the tools they need to get back on their feet and achieve greater financial security.

Our Nation has a proud legacy of appreciation and commitment to the men and women who have worn the uniform in defense of this country.

We must be united in seeing that every soldier, sailor, airman, and marine is welcomed back with all the care and compassion this grateful Nation can bestow.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 1606 and in equipping our veterans with the tools, resources, and training for their long-term success.

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