Veterans Affairs Committee passes Boozman bill
Posted on Friday, July 18, 2008
BENTON COUNTY - On June 16, the Veteran-Owned Small Business Protection and Clarification Act of 2008 was recommended by the Veterans Affairs Committee for a vote by the full U. S. House of Representatives.
The bill, H. R. 6221, which was introduced and later amended by U. S. Rep. John Boozman, R-Ark., would require the secretary of Veterans Affairs to include in each contract the secretary enters for the acquisition of goods and services a provision that requires the business to comply with the contracting goals and preferences for small-business concerns owned or controlled by veterans.
The legislation would require the Veterans Affairs Department to require companies contracted to provide the department with goods and services to set aside at least 3 percent of their contracting funds to buy goods and services from service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses.
The bill would also authorize $ 10 million for the VA to conduct a five-year pilot program to expand the veterans' campus work-study program.
The legislation would create the Military Occupational Specialty Transition to train, for up to 12 months, unemployed veterans who do not have education or training benefits.
To become law, the bill must be passed by both the U. S. House and the U. S. Senate and be signed by the president.
The bill gives options to people who deserve them, Boozman said.
"The provisions to H. R. 6221 allow veterans more opportunities to further their careers by offering more training and jobs. It's essential for us to help provide these services to our veterans who have offered so much of their lives to honorably serve this country," he said.
Boozman is the ranking member of the Veterans Affairs Economic Opportunity Subcommittee.
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