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Floor Speech

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Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I thank Representatives Molinaro and Pappas for introducing the ThinkDIFFERENTLY About Disability Employment Act.

Earlier in the year, our committee heard testimony about the importance of supporting individuals with disabilities. Not only do they have the skills and desire to work, but hiring people with disabilities directly benefits the company they work for and the overall economy.

Through this bipartisan legislation, the SBA can collaborate with the National Council on Disability to help employers hire people with disabilities and provide much-needed support to these entrepreneurs.

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Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New Hampshire (Mr. Pappas), the cosponsor of the legislation.

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Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 44.1 million Americans are individuals with disabilities. It is important to ensure that all Americans are included and accommodated in the workplace and business community. However, only 26 percent of people with disabilities participate in America's labor force.

One such way to improve these numbers is through entrepreneurship. There are about 1.8 million small businesses owned by people with disabilities in the U.S. Owning a small business is a major pathway for all Americans, especially people with disabilities, to achieve self- sufficiency.

Today's legislation would require the SBA to enter an MOU with the National Council on Disability to promote entrepreneurship and employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Madam Speaker, I thank Mr. Molinaro and Mr. Pappas for their collaboration, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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