Fitzpatrick, Kim show support for veteran-owned small businesses

In a show of their commitment to the nation’s veteran-owned small businesses, U.S. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Young Kim (R-CA) introduced a bipartisan resolution last week supporting National Veterans Small Business Week.  

“More than 2.5 million successful veteran entrepreneurs, after dedicated service in our nation’s uniform, continue to give back to our communities and employ roughly 5 million Americans. These men and women are heroes who not only helped protect America’s freedoms but also directly support our local economy,” said Rep. Kim, who serves as ranking member of the U.S. House Small Business Subcommittee on Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Workforce Development.

Reps. Fitzpatrick and Kim joined sponsor U.S. Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO) to introduce House Resolution 777 to recognize the veteran small business community during National Veterans Small Business Week, which was celebrated by Congress and the U.S. Small Business Administration from Nov. 1 through Nov. 5. 

Veteran-owned businesses make up more than 9 percent of all businesses in the United States and generate approximately $1 trillion in annual revenue, according to the text of the resolution.

“Veterans are one of the most highly skilled workforces in America’s history – the product of rigorous training, an ironclad commitment to teamwork, and the remarkable ability to succeed where others might fail,” Rep. Fitzpatrick said. “I am proud to join my bipartisan colleagues to recognize the tremendous contributions and accomplishments of veteran-owned small businesses throughout the country.”

The resolution notes the U.S. House of Representatives support for veterans through the Small Business Administration, which funds veteran-owned small businesses, trains veterans for entrepreneurship, and supports veteran contracting. 

“As our small business owners continue to adapt during the COVID-19 pandemic, we must ensure Congress shows unwavering bipartisan commitment to support them,” Rep. Kim said.