House chairman raises concern over vacant watchdog position, urges Biden to take action
Republican Urges President Biden to Fill Vacant Position Advocating for Small Businesses
The top Republican on the House Small Business Committee has sent a third letter to President Joe Biden, demanding the nomination of a replacement for a long-vacant position that advocates on behalf of small-business owners. Chairman Roger Williams (R-TX) expressed concern after multiple requests have gone unanswered for over a year.
Unanswered Requests for Over a Year
In the letter, Chairman Williams follows up on multiple correspondences to the White House, urging Biden to nominate a chief counsel for advocacy at the Small Business Administration. This crucial position serves as an “independent voice for small businesses within the federal government” and ensures compliance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act. The committee first wrote to the Biden administration on Feb. 16, 2023, and then again on April 28, 2023.
“In the year since we made the initial request to nominate someone, small businesses have continued to deal with an unprecedented onslaught of regulations,” Williams writes in the letter. “Your Administration has added nearly 280 million hours of paperwork and $447 billion in regulatory costs to American businesses.”
The Office of Advocacy within the SBA was created by Congress in 1976. The office is led by the chief counsel, who is appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. However, the position has remained vacant since January 2017 when Darryl DePriest left. Currently, Major Clark, the deputy chief counsel for advocacy, is performing the chief counsel’s duties.
Urgent Need for Action
“We wrote to President Biden a year ago – at the beginning of this Congress – and again last April but have still not received any response or action on our request,” Williams said. “This is completely unacceptable as the Office of Advocacy serves as a watchdog against burdensome regulations and works to help Main Street thrive. I strongly urge the President to quickly nominate a qualified candidate and hope he understands how important this position is.”
The agency has been operating without a chief counsel for the last six years, with Clark stepping in to fulfill the role temporarily. Former President Donald Trump nominated David Tryon in 2018, but the nomination never went before the full Senate for a vote.
The Washington Examiner has reached out to the White House for comment.
What specific steps is Chairman Williams urging President Biden to take in order to prioritize the nomination and appointment of a qualified individual to the Small Business Advocate position
Ouse and President Biden, requesting the nomination of a Small Business Advocate. The position, which has been vacant for more than a year, plays a crucial role in representing the interests and needs of small-business owners across the country.
Chairman Williams emphasizes the urgency of filling this position, particularly in light of the ongoing economic recovery efforts and the challenges faced by small businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He highlights the important role that small businesses play in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and fostering innovation.
Without a dedicated advocate to champion their cause, small-business owners may struggle to navigate the complex regulatory landscape, access capital and resources, and overcome the various hurdles they encounter daily. The Small Business Advocate position provides a voice for these entrepreneurs, ensuring that their concerns are heard at the highest levels of government.
A Champion for Small Business Owners
As Chairman of the House Small Business Committee, Chairman Williams understands the vital role that small businesses play in our economy. He recognizes the need for a strong advocate who can address the unique challenges faced by small-business owners and help create an environment conducive to their success.
In his letter to President Biden, Chairman Williams urges the administration to prioritize the nomination and appointment of a qualified individual to this important role. He emphasizes the bipartisan nature of the Small Business Committee and highlights the need for collaboration between both sides of the aisle in supporting small businesses.
Supporting Small Business Recovery
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges for small-business owners, with many forced to close their doors permanently. While various relief efforts and economic stimulus packages have been implemented, a dedicated advocate is essential to ensure that the unique needs of small businesses are fully addressed.
Chairman Williams calls on President Biden to act swiftly in filling the Small Business Advocate position, as time is of the essence. The economic recovery is heavily dependent on the success of small businesses, and they require immediate support to rebuild, innovate, and create jobs.
Furthermore, Chairman Williams proposes that the new Small Business Advocate be given the necessary authority and resources to effectively carry out their responsibilities. This includes direct access to the President, regular communication channels, and the ability to work closely with relevant agencies and stakeholders to shape policies that benefit small businesses.
A Response is Urgently Needed
Chairman Williams concludes his letter by expressing his disappointment with the lack of response thus far. He urges President Biden to prioritize this matter and provide a timely and comprehensive response to his previous requests.
The voice of small-business owners must not be ignored, and the Small Business Advocate position is crucial in ensuring their concerns are addressed and their contributions recognized. Chairman Williams remains committed to advocating for small businesses and looks forward to a prompt resolution from the Biden administration.
The appointment of a qualified individual as the Small Business Advocate would demonstrate the administration’s commitment to supporting small businesses and their role in driving economic growth and job creation. As the economic recovery continues, it is essential that small businesses receive the necessary support and representation in order to thrive and contribute to a robust and resilient economy.
Time is of the essence, and Chairman Williams’s call for action should be heeded. President Biden has the opportunity to make a significant impact on the small-business community by promptly filling the vacant Small Business Advocate position. Doing so would send a strong message that the administration recognizes the importance of small businesses and is dedicated to championing their cause.
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