Majority Leader Schumer Floor Remarks On The Confirmation Of Isabel Guzman As Small Business Administrator And Implementation Of The American Rescue Plan
Washington, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) today spoke on the Senate floor regarding the importance of confirming Isabel Guzman as Small Business Administrator later today and her role in implementing the benefits of the American Rescue Plan for small businesses. Below are Senator Schumer’s remarks, which can also be viewed here:
The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed just how important the federal government can be in helping workers, families and businesses during a time of crisis. Congress has passed trillions of dollars in urgent relief and we have relied on federal agencies to implement that aid quickly, reliably, competently.
So while it might not normally be as high profile as other cabinet agencies, the Small Business Administration has recently been in the spotlight. Over the last 12 months, the Small Business Administration has overseen two pandemic-related programs that will dole out more than $1 trillion to our nation’s small businesses, non-profits, and religious institutions. Moving forward, it will play a prominent role in implementing the American Rescue Plan.
And today, the Senate will vote on President Biden’s nominee to take on that important job: Ms. Isabel Guzman.
Ms. Guzman could not be more ready. She comes from a family of small business owners herself. Her dad ran his own veterinary clinic. Not only is Ms. Guzman a veteran of the Small Business Administration, serving as deputy chief of staff in the Obama Administration, she has just finished a stint as a top official at California’s Office of Business and Economic Development—helping support the 5th largest economy in the world.
For many Americans, opening and operating a business of their own is a part of the American dream. I have every confidence that under Ms. Guzman’s leadership, the SBA will help small business owners hold onto their dreams until our economy comes roaring back.
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