Tri City Herald - Democratic Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell of Washington state say the Department of Veterans Affairs needs to do a better job overseeing a federal program that aims to help small businesses that are owned and operated by disabled veterans.
The senators are questioning the effectiveness of the program, noting that as many as 1,400 contracts were awarded to ineligible businesses last year.
The program is operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Center for Veterans Enterprise (CVE).
As one of the most beautiful states in the union–and one of the richest in natural resources–Washington has a special interest in energy and environmental policy. And Maria has fought hard to uphold the state’s conservation tradition, while also working to bring our energy policy into the 21st century.
Maria knows Washington’s business community – because, as an executive at an innovative software company, she was part of it. And as a Senator, she’s led the way in helping businesses large and small throughout Washington grow, thrive, and create jobs.
Maria has taken a leadership role on safety and security issues, including defending our borders, strengthening our military, cracking down on gangs, and taking on drug crime in Washington communities
Middle-class families around Washington and across the country are facing tough times–and tough decisions about balancing the family checkbook each month. Maria has fought to strengthen the economic security of Washington families and cut taxes for middle-class families.
