The U.S. Senate confirmed former Georgia Senator Kelly Loeffler as Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) on February 19, 2025, cementing her return to Washington as a key ally in President Donald Trump’s second-term administration.
Confirmation Details
Loeffler secured confirmation in a 52-46 vote largely along party lines, with only one Democrat – Nevada Senator Jacky Rosen – joining Republicans to approve her nomination. Georgia Senators Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff both opposed the nomination, citing concerns about politicizing the agency.
Political Background
The 54-year-old business executive turned politician previously served 11 months in the Senate after being appointed in 2019 by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp. Her brief congressional tenure featured:
- A “100% Trump voting record” during legislative sessions
- Controversial opposition to certifying 2020 election results
- High-profile clashes with WNBA players over social justice advocacy
SBA Leadership Agenda
At her confirmation hearing, Loeffler outlined three priorities for the $1.2 billion agency:
| Priority | Action Plan |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Reform | Simplify loan applications & reduce compliance burdens |
| Disaster Response | Accelerate Economic Injury Disaster Loan processing |
| Tech Modernization | Implement AI-driven resource matching systems |
Senate Small Business Committee Chair Joni Ernst (R-IA) praised Loeffler’s “real-world business experience,” referencing her previous role as CEO of financial platform Bakkt. Critics including Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) expressed concerns about her partisan history influencing agency operations.
Georgia Political Implications
The confirmation maintains Georgia’s outsized influence in federal policymaking. Loeffler becomes the fourth Georgian currently serving in a cabinet-level position, joining Agriculture Secretary Austin Scott and EPA Administrator Rick Allen.
“This isn’t just a win for small businesses – it’s a victory for Georgia values,” said state GOP Chair Josh McKoon in a statement following the vote.
Loeffler is expected to be sworn in immediately and will oversee the SBA’s 3,000 employees managing $40 billion in active loan guarantees. Her appointment signals tighter alignment between the agency and White House priorities as Trump pushes tax cuts for small businesses.
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