Rep. Velázquez Confronts SBA Admin Kelly Loeffler on Unanswered Oversight Requests

Unanswered Oversight Requests

• 🏛️ Rep. Nydia Velázquez expressed strong dissatisfaction with the SBA's response to nine letters seeking information on major agency changes.
• ❓ She stated that questions were ignored, documents were not provided, and demanded a commitment to fully and promptly respond to all oversight requests.
• 💬 Administrator Kelly Loeffler claimed the agency has responded to every letter and focused on transparency, but Velázquez deemed this response "unacceptable."

SBA Workforce Reductions

• 📉 Velázquez questioned the number of employees who resigned through the deferred resignation program and inquired about workforce reductions.
• 📊 Loeffler stated that the agency headcount was reduced by 2,700 employees, returning it to the size during the first Trump administration.
• ⚠️ Velázquez specifically asked if the office of field operations saw a 20% cut, which Loeffler denied, stating it had been depleted under the Biden administration.
• 📍 Loeffler mentioned streamlining the agency and right-sizing it to focus on small businesses, noting that 35 offices had zero or one employee.

Information Disclosure

• 📄 Velázquez requested copies of the agency's reduction in force and reorganization plans submitted to OPM, as well as monthly reports.
• 🤝 Loeffler stated they would be happy to work with the committee and share information as appropriate, but Velázquez insisted on receiving the submitted plans.

Elon Musk and Reconciliation Bill

• 🐦 Velázquez noted that Loeffler had praised Elon Musk on Twitter and asked if she supported his position on the congressional spending bill.
• 💰 Musk had called the bill a "disgusting abomination," and Velázquez questioned if Loeffler agreed with his warning that the bill would bankrupt the federal government.