Ernst Calls for the Senate to Confirm Kelly Loeffler as SBA Administrator

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, spoke on the Senate floor in support of Kelly Loeffler to be confirmed as the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA).

Chair Ernst has highlighted Kelly Loeffler’s plan to fix the broken SBA and advanced her nomination out of committee on a bipartisan vote of 12-7.

Watch her full remarks here.

Ernst’s remarks as delivered:

“Mr. President, later today we have the opportunity to advance the nomination of the Honorable Kelly Loeffler to be the Administrator of the Small Business Administration.

“Senator Loeffler is immensely qualified for this role.

“As a successful businesswoman, it is abundantly clear that Senator Loeffler truly understands what it takes to be an entrepreneur and will be an effective voice for small businesses across America.

“Since President Trump’s election in November, optimism on Main Street has surged to its highest levels since 2018!

“Our nation’s job creators – small businesses – are excited about the prospect of having a dedicated and knowledgeable leader at the helm of SBA.

“Last week, the Small Business Committee, where I serve as Chair, favorably reported her nomination out with a bipartisan vote — a sure sign that my friends on both sides of the aisle believe she is fit to lead SBA. 

“Senator Loeffler will bring accountability back to the agency and promote policies that will truly benefit American small businesses.

“As evidenced in her nomination hearing, Senator Loeffler’s experience and her expertise make her the right person to lead the SBA and advocate for our small businesses.

“Growing up on her family’s farm in Bloomington, Illinois, Senator Loeffler experienced firsthand the problems facing America’s farmers and small business owners.

“And as a fellow farm girl myself, I look forward to having some more Midwest common sense in Washington D.C.!

“Senator Loeffler also witnessed her parents start up a small trucking business and navigate complex rules and regulations.

“She understands the struggles small businesses face because you know what, she has experienced them. 

“Fortunately, Senator Loeffler is ready to cut the red tape and reduce the burdens that so many of our job creators still face today.

“Senator Loeffler is also a successful entrepreneur.

“She was the first employee and CEO of a financial technology company.

“Through her hard work and tenacity, she aggressively grew the company and took it public within three years.

“Additionally, Senator Loeffler knows what it means to work for Main Street and the American people.

“During COVID, as a U.S. Senator, she worked tirelessly to bring relief to the people of Georgia, specifically through the Paycheck Protection Program.

“However, she, like me, recognizes that some took advantage of this program, and they need to be held accountable.

“During her confirmation hearing, Senator Loeffler detailed her zero-tolerance policy for waste, fraud, and abuse in the SBA.

“Mr. President, that should be welcome news for all of us.

“In addition, Senator Loeffler indicated the need for a full-scale audit – I started my political career as an auditor so I agree with this – the full-scale audit at the SBA to uncover any improper spending, and stated she would rely on that data to make the best decisions for the future of SBA.

“Senator Loeffler also noted the importance of working with Congress, particularly when it comes to disaster relief.

“She recognized the tragedy of the SBA’s disaster shortfall – which lasted for 66 days in the middle of back-to-back natural disasters – she recognized that this should never happen again. 

“SBA’s vital role in the disaster process cannot be overstated, and we must ensure we have an Administrator who will alert Congress at the first signs of any concerns.

“The SBA needs a strong leader with a proven track record in business management, and Senator Loeffler brings all of that and more to the table.

“I look forward to working with Senator Loeffler to ensure small businesses all across America can thrive and maintain these high levels of optimism we’re already seeing under this administration.

“I urge my colleagues to advance her nomination. Support her with a yes vote.”

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