Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (PA-8) has reintroduced the Fairness to Veterans for Infrastructure Investment Act (H.R. 1694) with bipartisan support.
The proposed legislation would would allow veteran-owned business to more easily get a leg up on federally-funded transportation projects.
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As it stands right now, states have special contracts that go to small businesses that are controlled by specific groups of people “who have been designated for contracting preferences,” explained the press release. Currently, Veteran Owned Small Businesses are not included in the groups that have 10 percent of funding allotted through the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21). The Fairness to Veterans for Infrastructure Investment Act. (H.R. 1694) will make sure that these businesses are included.
“Our veterans are the most highly skilled workforce in America’s history – the product of rigorous training, an iron-clad commitment to teamwork and the remarkable ability to succeed where others might fail. We need Fairness to Veterans so we are leveraging the unique strengths of veteran entrepreneurs to address the challenges at home,” explained Fitzpatrick, a republican, in a press release.
“It is a misconception that this 10 percent is solely relegated to road and infrastructure construction firms. There are in fact a variety of industries involved, such as personnel, admin, engineering, landscaping, utilities and IT, so this is an issue that affects all veteran owned small businesses,” said Joe Sharpe, director of The American Legion’s Veterans Employment & Education Division in an article on the American Legion’s website.
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“The American Legion has worked with Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick and other leaders to ensure that veterans are not disadvantaged by other government procurement program established by law. The Fairness to Veterans for Infrastructure Investment Act is a simple and effective approach that levels the playing field for our veteran small business owners,” Sharpe said.
The legislation is endorsed by The American Legion.
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Fitzptarick introduced the legislation with Democrat Cheri Bustos of Illinois and Republican Don Young of Alaska.
