Rep. Steve Stivers
U.S. Rep. Steve Stivers (R-OH) recently introduced a bipartisan resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives to commemorate and acknowledge U.S. veteran-owned small businesses.
“Through my military service, I’ve heard stories from many veterans who applied the skills they developed during serving our country to create jobs and to strengthen their local economies,” Rep. Stivers said. “Their efforts should not go unnoticed, especially not during this uniquely challenging time for small businesses.”
Rep. Stivers on Nov. 5 signed on as an original cosponsor of House Resolution (H.Res.) 1211 with sponsor U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL) to honor veteran and military entrepreneurs by designating an annual Veteran-Owned Small Business Week. U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) also is an original cosponsor of the legislation.
H.Res. 1211 would highlight veteran small business owners for their entrepreneurial spirit and hard work, according to the text of the resolution. The resolution points out that there are more than 2.5 million veteran-owned businesses in the United States, which represent more than 9 percent of all U.S. firms. Those veteran-owned businesses employ more than 5 million people and generate an annual payroll of $195 billion and more than $1.14 trillion in annual sales.
“This resolution is an important way to show support for those veterans who not only served our nation, but took it one step further, and chose to serve their local communities through entrepreneurship,” said Rep. Stivers. “Through their bold leadership skills, adaptability, and tenacity, I am confident that these men and women will continue to better our communities.”
The resolution has been referred to both the U.S. House Veterans’ Affairs Committee and the U.S. House Small Business Committee for consideration.