Legion supports bill to address businesses posing as service-disabled veteran owned

The American Legion is supporting legislation aimed at reducing stolen valor from small businesses falsely self-certifying as Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs).

Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, introduced the Stop Stolen Valor for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Contractors Act, as well as the Accountability in Women-Owned Small Business Contracting Act. The bills would require federal agencies to only take credit for contract awards made to certified WOSBs and SDVOSBs.

“There are no real consequences if federal agencies do not meet their goals to support women-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses. Failure has become routine,” Ernst said in a press release. “As departments continue to take credit for contract awards made to ineligible businesses, I’m fighting to bring accountability to federal contracting.”

“Loopholes allowing small businesses to self-certify as Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) cause imposters to take advantage of government contracting benefits exclusive for SDVOSBs. This has directly led to stolen valor and fraud against the American taxpayer,” said American Legion National Commander Vincent J. “Jim” Troiola. “These egregious practices must end now, that is why The American Legion is proud to support the Stop Stolen Valor for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Contractors Act of 2023 and applaud Senator Ernst’s leadership on behalf of our nation’s heroes.”