March 08, 2023

Duckworth Calls on Colleagues to Swiftly Confirm Dilawar Syed as SBA Deputy Administrator

 

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship (SBE), today called on Senate Republicans to finally allow a vote on the nomination of Dilawar Syed to be Deputy Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA), after more than two years of needless obstruction. During her remarks at today’s SBE hearing, Duckworth also secured commitment from Syed that, if confirmed, he would help ensure federal resources reach small business and entrepreneurs that need them most in historically underserved communities. Additionally, Duckworth and Syed discussed how his most recent role at the State Department would help inform how the SBA assists small businesses in trade—whether shipping products overseas or building supply chain partnerships with foreign allies. Video of Senator Duckworth’s remarks during the hearing can be found here. 

“One of my top priorities is helping small businesses—particularly those in historically underserved communities—access resources and capital to grow and expand,” said Duckworth. “I’m pleased Mr. Syed agrees that more can be done to make sure federal resources successfully reach entrepreneurs and small businesses who truly need them most—and I know his experience will help him get the job done. It’s long past time Republicans stop standing in our way and let us confirm Mr. Syed as SBA Deputy Administrator so he can help all small businesses thrive both in markets here at home and abroad.”

Duckworth has been a vocal supporter of confirming Dilawar Syed to serve as SBA Deputy Administrator ever since he was first nominated by President Biden. Additionally, while visiting Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood last year with SBA Administrator Isabella Guzman, Duckworth emphasized her commitment to empowering underrepresented entrepreneurs. Duckworth also helped introduce legislation that would increase fairness and equity in federal contracting to help small businesses owned by socially and disadvantaged individuals, including minorities, women and Veterans, secure federal contracts.

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