Sen. Durbin supports bill to give veteran small businesses access to federal surplus program.
Sen. Durbin supports bill to give veteran small businesses access to federal surplus program.
U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin (D-IL) and David Vitter (R-LA) on Wednesday expressed support for passage of the Veterans Small Business Enhancement Act through the Small Business Committee.
The bill allows veteran-owned small businesses to participate in the General Services Administration’s (GSA) surplus property program. Specifically, the bill would expand access to the federal surplus program to include veteran-owned small businesses. The surplus property program makes available excess federal property, such as vehicles, computers, office equipment, tools and heavy construction equipment at no cost.
U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) has introduced similar legislation in the House.
“I am proud to join Senator Vitter and Representative Duckworth in introducing the Veterans Small Business Enhancement Act to encourage small business growth and give veteran opportunities to succeed,” Durbin said. “Veterans throughout Illinois have already contacted me to let me know how the surplus property program could help them reduce overhead costs and invest those resources in growing their business and creating jobs. This is common sense legislation that I look forward to voting in favor of on the Senate floor.”
The bill next moves on to the full Senate for a vote.
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