Senate Confirms
On Wednesday, the Senate confirmed Kelly Loeffler as the new leader of the Small Business Administration, a move that marked a significant development in President Donald Trump’s cabinet. The confirmation, which took place through a bipartisan vote, saw Loeffler appointed as the 18th official to join Trump’s administration, further shaping his cabinet as it continues to navigate the complexities of overseeing a diverse array of federal agencies.
The vote was close, with the Senate approving Loeffler’s nomination by a 52-46 margin. Notably, Nevada Democratic Senator Jacky Rosen crossed party lines to support Loeffler, joining 51 Republican senators in her favor. While most Democrats opposed the appointment, with 46 voting against it, two Republican senators—Jerry Moran of Kansas and Dan Sullivan of Alaska—chose not to cast their votes. The absence of their votes did not alter the outcome but highlighted the divided nature of the confirmation process.
Kelly Loeffler, who previously served as a U.S. senator from Georgia, was tapped to lead the Small Business Administration (SBA), a vital agency tasked with assisting small businesses across the country. The SBA oversees a budget of approximately $1 billion, which is allocated toward providing loans, grants, and financial coaching to small-business owners who are crucial to the U.S. economy. Her appointment is seen as a critical one at a time when small businesses have been hit hard by the economic challenges of the pandemic and are in need of robust support and guidance.
