Oversight Hearing: Strengthening Accountability, Supporting Small Businesses
Washington, D.C. – This week, Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee Chairman Dave Joyce (R-OH), Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK), and FSGG members conducted an oversight hearing with Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Kelly Loeffler.
Lawmakers underscored the shared goal of fostering pro-growth environments where entrepreneurs can start, grow, and succeed – while reinforcing their Article I oversight responsibilities to ensure the SBA operates effectively, efficiently, and responsibly.
Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee Chairman Dave Joyce said, "The breadth of SBA’s impact is extensive, and SBA plays a critical role in the growth and development of small businesses and ultimately to the economy of this country. There are different perspectives on how best to support small entrepreneurs.
"The Administration is proposing a $172 million rural fund, while Congress continues to fund the discrete EDP award programs that it has for several years. Neither is the right or wrong answer. But we need to work together to ensure the backbone of our economy has the support it needs to flourish into the future. Administrator Loeffler, that is why your appearance before us today is so important."
Full remarks as prepared for delivery are available here.
Chairman Cole said, "America has never lacked in entrepreneurial drive and innovative vision. What has made our country exceptional is our willingness to let that spirit flourish. From our earliest merchants to Main Street today, small businesses have created jobs, fueled growth, and expanded opportunity for generations.
"Congress and the Small Business Administration share a common objective: creating an environment where entrepreneurs can succeed. While the agency carries out its mission every day, this Committee has the responsibility to provide oversight, evaluate results, and work alongside the Administration to ensure federal programs remain effective, accountable, and responsive to the needs of job creators."
Full remarks as prepared for delivery are available here.
SBA Administrator Loeffler said, "As a former small business owner and financial services executive, I committed to leading the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) with the discipline of a top-tier financial institution – grounded in data integrity, efficiency, accountability, transparency, and measurable results.
"The Fiscal Year 2027 Budget reflects our commitment to restoring trust in an agency that rivals the largest banks in America for small business lending. That’s why President Trump often calls it the biggest bank in America. He knows that small business is big business."
Full remarks as prepared for delivery are available here.
Republican FSGG Appropriators, including Subcommittee Chairman Joyce, Chairman Cole, and Representatives Ashley Hinson, Michael Cloud, Chuck Edwards, and Mark Alford, raised a broad range of questions on SBA initiatives, challenges facing constituents, and efforts to improve program effectiveness and accountability. Members examined issues ranging from agency reorganization and application processing times to statutory requirements and potential future rulemakings, emphasizing the importance of efficient, transparent, and responsive service for America's small businesses.
Lawmakers also focused on current vetting procedures, preventing fraud, addressing lingering COVID-era program integrity challenges, and ensuring small businesses impacted by natural disasters receive timely and effective assistance. Throughout the hearing, Appropriators highlighted Administrator Loeffler's visits to their districts, noting that those firsthand experiences on Main Streets and in agricultural communities provided valuable insight into the unique challenges and opportunities facing local job creators.
The hearing reaffirmed the House Appropriations Committee's commitment to responsible oversight, thoughtful stewardship of taxpayer dollars, and ensuring the Small Business Administration remains a strong, accountable partner for America's entrepreneurs and small businesses.
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