House Committee on Veterans' Affairs

News

• Current Press Releases
• 109th Congress Press Releases

For more information, contact: Brian Lawrence, (202) 225-3527

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Steve Buyer of Indiana is pleased that his plan to include veterans’ programs in the economic stimulus package has received support from prominent veterans’ groups.

As former Chairman and current Ranking Republican Member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Steve Buyer has worked to ensure veterans have the opportunity to succeed in the civilian workforce after their military service. Ranking Member Buyer, along with Deputy Ranking Member Cliff Stearns of Florida, sent a letter to President Barack Obama and congressional leaders in December encouraging them to include over $2 billion for veterans’ initiatives.

“Economic recovery can only occur with sustainable job growth, and the key elements to this success are small businesses,” Buyer said. “Because veterans are self-driven and goal oriented, they are perfect candidates for entrepreneurship. I am pleased that a number of veterans’ organizations share this perspective and support our recommendation to include $1 billion to help veterans establish and operate small businesses, and an additional $357 million to increase employment training and job placement programs for veterans, especially homeless women veterans.”

The Buyer-Stearns plan would also add nearly $1 billion to current funding levels for construction projects and maintenance at VA medical facilities and cemeteries. Veterans groups voicing support for some or all of Buyer’s stimulus package proposals include The American Legion, the Disabled American Veterans, Vietnam Veterans of America, Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), the Military Order of the Purple Heart, and the Association for Service Disabled Veterans.

 “Vietnam Veterans of America has always believed that veterans play an important role in our economy and job creation,” said Director Rick Weidman. “Ranking Member Buyer and Congressman Stearns have always been advocates for veterans’ employment and small business, and the proposals in their letter prove their commitment.”

“We support the idea of including veterans’ programs in the stimulus package and commend Ranking Member Buyer and Congressman Stearns for their leadership on this issue,” said Carl Blake, Legislative Director of PVA.

 “The Military Order of the Purple Heart applauds Chairman Buyer’s efforts to accelerate construction at VA Medical Centers and facilities. This will improve health care for veterans while stimulating the economy,” said Jeff Roy, National Commander.

“Successful economic stimulus plans must create employment opportunities and support for small businesses. Those who defended liberty are deserving of such focus,” Buyer said. “Veterans have a long history as leaders in America. They helped rebuild our nation after World War II, and if given the opportunity, they will again lead us out of today’s tough economic times. I hope veterans and their fraternal organizations will help me convince congressional leaders to include economic opportunities for veterans in the stimulus package.”

For more news from House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Republicans, please go to: 

http://republicans.veterans.house.gov/

###