Chairman Williams and Rep. Ellzey Op-Ed: Main Street Is The New Front Line For American Strength

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the following Op-Ed by Congressman Roger Williams (R-TX), Chairman of the House Committee on Small Business, and Congressman Jake Ellzey (R-TX) appeared in Stars and Stripes.

"America's veterans don't stop serving when they come home; they find a new mission. For many, that mission is on Main Street. This Veterans Day, we honor the men and women who traded their uniforms for business plans and continue to strengthen our nation through entrepreneurship.

"Across the country, veteran-owned small businesses form a community of service and strength with more than 1.6 million of them employing over three million Americans and generating nearly a trillion dollars in economic activity. Those numbers reflect more than economic success; they reflect service to our country in another form. The same qualities that kept units moving in combat now keep communities working here at home.

"Each veteran-owned business is a story of determination. Walk into one and you'll see the same habits that defined their time in uniform-discipline, precision, and pride in a job done right. They are the first to unlock the doors in the morning and the last to turn off the lights at night. Their drive isn't about profit alone; it's about purpose.

"A soldier who learned logistics overseas now runs a trucking company in Tennessee. A Marine who fearlessly led a unit in the armed forces now leads a team of electricians in Texas. An Air Force mechanic now owns a repair shop that keeps his town running. Their businesses anchor communities, restore confidence in local economies, and provide fellow veterans and civilians alike with an opportunity to build something bigger than themselves.

"That's why Main Street is the new frontline of American strength. Our ability to compete, produce, and stay independent depends on the people who open their doors every morning and keep this country and our economy working. Every time a veteran hires a worker, rebuilds a shop, or invests in their community, they reinforce the base of America's economy and the foundation of its security.

"For the past few weeks, many of those same veterans were held back by the Democrat Shutdown, which froze key U.S. Small Business Administration programs, halting loan guarantees and cutting off critical contracting pathways for veteran entrepreneurs. This also meant veteran-owned small businesses lost access to capital, contracts were stalled, and the hard-earned progress they've made slipped away.

"Veterans shouldn't have to watch their own government stand in the way of their success. They have already done their part for this country. When Washington stalls, it's not bureaucrats that suffer-it's small business owners waiting on loans, contractors ready to hire, and veterans counting on opportunities that suddenly vanish.

"Economic strength is national strength. In a world where foreign competitors test our resolve and our industries face constant pressure, we cannot afford to rely on anyone else for our prosperity. America's veterans understand that better than anyone. They know how to adapt when plans fall apart, lead effectively under pressure, and stay mission-focused regardless of the challenge. Those same qualities that win wars also win markets.

"As Members of the House Committee on Small Business, we know the importance of ensuring our government serves those who've served our country. That means cutting red tape, expanding access to capital, and protecting programs like Boots to Business, which give veterans the tools to turn their leadership into opportunities.

"If we want America to stay strong, we must keep Main Street strong. That means standing with the men and women who have stood for us by ensuring that every veteran can access the resources, capital, and freedom to build and grow their business.

"This Veterans Day serves as a poignant reminder that gratitude alone is not enough. The best way to honor those who have served is to ensure that opportunities match their ambitions and to clear the path, so their hard work continues to propel America forward.

"Main Street is the new frontline for American strength. When veterans lead the charge, America always wins."

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