Thune: Kelly Loeffler to Bring Accountability and Transparency to SBA
“I look forward to working with her to support small businesses and to strengthen our economy.”
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WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor:
Thune’s remarks below (as delivered):
"Mr. President, later today the Senate will vote to confirm former Senator Kelly Loeffler to lead the Small Business Administration.
“Small business is in Kelly Loeffler’s blood.
“She grew up on her family’s fourth-generation farm in Illinois.
“In addition to the farm, her dad ran a small trucking company.
“And as a young woman, Kelly Loeffler worked in the soybean fields and waited tables at small restaurants in the heartland.
“And she was the first person in her family to graduate from college before embarking on a successful career in business herself.
“As Senator Loeffler put it, she has spent her life, and I quote, ‘working in small businesses, starting them, growing them, and helping them succeed.
“Helping small businesses succeed, Mr. President.
“That’s the work of the Small Business Administration.
“As a former staffer at the SBA under President Reagan, I know how important it is that this agency be an effective partner and champion of small business.
“And I know that’s how Kelly Loeffler will run the SBA.
“Mr. President, most of us know Kelly from her time serving here in the United States Senate.
“She may have only served for one year, but it was a critical year for small business policy.
“Of course, in 2020 the mission was helping small businesses survive.
“Senator Loeffler worked to help Georgia small businesses keep their doors open and their employees on the payroll.
“She sought to ensure critical support was getting to small businesses in her state and around the country.
“And she was a leader in SBA oversight – especially in ensuring that relief meant for small businesses wasn’t going to abortion providers in violation of federal law.
“Mr. President, it’s been a challenging few years for small businesses.
“First, there was the pandemic.
“Then, inflation.
“Workforce challenges.
“Burdensome regulations.
“Natural disasters have struck many parts of the country, and small businesses suffered as SBA allowed its disaster loan account to run dry.
“Mr. President, America’s entrepreneurs are one of our greatest assets.
“And they have a big role to play in our future prosperity.
“Senator Loeffler will be their champion.
“She will refocus the SBA to be a more effective partner to small businesses, help entrepreneurs make their dreams reality, and help our entire economy grow by helping to grow Main Street.
“She plans to modernize the SBA and make it more responsive to the needs of the Americans it’s supposed to serve.
“And she’s pledged to bring accountability and transparency where it’s sorely needed.
“Mr. President, Kelly Loeffler knows there’s nothing small about small business.
“Every decision an entrepreneur makes is a big decision.
“It’s their livelihood, their dreams, and their future that’s on the line.
“Kelly Loeffler understands this.
“And I look forward to working with her to support small businesses and to strengthen our economy.”
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