Small Business Administration Administrator Kelly Loeffler blamed Democrats for halting veterans services during the government shutdown. (Dustin Chambers/Reuters)
She said Democrats "continue to block pay for more than 1 million active-duty military members," adding that the Trump administration is "pursuing every option" to support the military during the shutdown.
The theme for this year’s NVSBW — "Veteran-Owned, American Made" — was intended to highlight how veteran-owned small businesses drive U.S. manufacturing, strengthen national security and contribute more than $1 trillion in annual sales to the economy.
TRUMP'S 'NUCLEAR' DEMAND NOT LANDING FOR SENATE REPUBLICANS AMID SHUTDOWN
In a statement, the SBA said that all related events — including in-person and virtual training sessions, capital access workshops, and government contracting resources — have been suspended.
"The cancellation underscores how widely the shutdown has disrupted services and opportunities for those who have already sacrificed so much," the agency said.
Democratic leaders have urged Republicans to begin negotiating an extension of expiring health insurance subsidies as part of efforts to reopen the government.
Senate Democrats, led by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., have blocked the GOP’s plan to reopen the government at least 13 times since the shutdown began, according to the White House.
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Meanwhile, President Donald Trump said Sunday he will only negotiate once the government is reopened.
Louis Casiano is a reporter for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to louis.casiano@fox.com.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/sba-chief-kelly-loeffler-blames-senate-democrats-canceling-veterans-business-week