[{"_1":2,"_121":-5,"_122":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,109],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},"mediaId",6543229,"mediaKeyId","3657877-3a3982f688b39fa7c4d254382890dbfb","parentId",3657877,"title","SBA administrator defends loan reforms, cites $630 million identified by 'Doge' team; members press on inspector general removal and data access","audioSeconds",217,"startMs",2988000,"endMs",3205000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3657877-3a3982f688b39fa7c4d254382890dbfb&start=2988&end=3205","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3657877-3a3982f688b39fa7c4d254382890dbfb/thumbnail_2988000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6543229/SBA-administrator-defends-loan-reforms-cites-630-million-identified-by-Doge-team-members-press-on-inspector-general-removal-and-data-access","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6543229-394fa0e7ccff5890937bc9e97f7edac2/orig.mp4?Expires=1775254294&Signature=Hj8vEJpjL6et73A1kJxtMgG3PV2k43cdtZULDjS40r6bIMQRtZPrmPOEHi3Pmbub1RfI-~7YaliEdqVhn6H0bIa7wdvX7Io5Pz5SMlVsJQPOlaR7EZF2CbGUJro4L2WKnow1411JrV8FyZsCXq6vgsqqwX7jKUAHUfyvF99VU4GE7M2Vyhyy09FNe5EMtXwt14E~jops8PCtsVLlrrll-1k2XZ6TUKqxnCwM9~XLufJTFwdqX2hLVXFXlPJQLzDuEwXteRNo6d-uTa9MJo7sLA~2R4MbBoXeSz4pdg4qOh4LgPN7o9r7BLaL1SaSXniKpwcWDj57EUqFqPAO6AHF8Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","U.S. House Committee on Small Business","date","2025-05-29T17:55:38Z","article","Administrator Kelly Loeffler outlined changes to SBA lending and oversight she said were intended to reduce fraud and restore program integrity. She told the House Small Business Committee the agency reinstated lender fees, tightened underwriting standards, and implemented identity and citizenship verification steps to ensure loan eligibility.

On fraud detection Loeffler credited an internal data team—referred to repeatedly in the hearing as the “Doge” team—with identifying $630,000,000 in fraudulent loans and locating loans approved for ineligible recipients. In response to direct questions about the provenance of the fraud figures, Loeffler said the team was composed of vetted federal employees and that the work helped the agency “cancel” loans to ineligible recipients.

Why it matters: Members across the aisle pressed for specifics about the data access and vetting used by the Doge team and asked whether the team had access to personnel files and personally identifiable information. Several Democrats described the committee’s difficulty obtaining records and called for in‑camera review of pertinent case files. Loeffler said the team members are federal employees who were vetted and that the agency is willing to work with the committee on review procedures.

Inspector general and oversight concerns: Members voiced concern about the firing of the SBA inspector general who served under the prior administration. Representative Scolton and others called the post a critical independent watchdog role; Loeffler said the administration is working on a nomination and will have someone in the seat “as soon as it’s confirmed in the Senate.” Committee members pressed for a timeline and for assurances the new IG nominee will be independent and skilled in auditing and oversight.

Loan program results and defaults: Loeffler told the committee the 7(a) program was previously mismanaged, saying earlier underwriting changes had produced negative cash flow and defaults. She said the agency reversed those policies and that loan approvals increased in the current administration’s first 100 days (witness statements cited an 80% increase in approvals compared to the same period under the previous administration). Members requested more documentation on defaults, loan cancellation decisions and the underlying data used by the fraud‑detection effort.

Next steps: committee members asked for access to the records and documentation underpinning the fraud figures and sought information about the vetting and authorities allowing the Doge team to access SBA systems. The administrator committed to cooperating with oversight requests and to providing nominations and updates about the inspector general vacancy.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Budgeting for Growth: Testimony from SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler","oneSentenceSummary","Administrator Kelly Loeffler told the House Small Business Committee the agency has tightened underwriting and identification checks and credited a data team with identifying roughly $630 million in fraudulent loans.","taxTitle","Small Business: House Committee, Standing Committees - House & Senate, Congressional Hearings Compilation, Legislative, Federal","taxId",1829,"location","","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6543235,"Administrator Loeffler says SBA will move regional offices out of ‘sanctuary’ jurisdictions; members raise access concerns",7128,1994000,9122000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3657877-3a3982f688b39fa7c4d254382890dbfb&start=1994&end=9122","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3657877-3a3982f688b39fa7c4d254382890dbfb/thumbnail_1994000.jpg","/articles/6543235/Administrator-Loeffler-says-SBA-will-move-regional-offices-out-of-sanctuary-jurisdictions-members-raise-access-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6543235-b33e7f888ba93e7cefa8c216674b4224/orig.mp4?Expires=1775254294&Signature=V8onw4jW27YUXqerIfiFYxQVzJrIexDyq-X9Yx3mST1MwhYTwCZcF7eCKs34FFwEPb~BMBH~SQe6R9rLR7WUOwqPazm4bplesWO9TCn5RKInZ~aL~YCocQKfXv9wvVS1-i84qXTU8hrFfIR-T4dgmNCwgJvtAALTMJwnhorPTmT0GaIPQvM~9Ep~vJ2xi9r1qRTPqzRg0IORGbLpDrzgCNn4xtE63XwzV6WGPgfFQmw~E3wlHLyiG7Wrm72-Mnxw6JRmFqhY3aDx76zfyw8i1E4e~bvY5gSA6TobwdvTqXY1Gb~zkKQpTAOlje5WUXMlDfVK-DXP6Kxge0s-I3Ieag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Administrator Kelly Loeffler told the House Small Business Committee that the SBA has begun relocating some offices out of jurisdictions the administration described as refusing to enforce federal immigration law. In her opening testimony she said the agency had “begun relocating SBA offices out of sanctuary cities that refused to enforce federal immigration law.”

Multiple committee members from large cities pushed back, saying moving district or regional offices could reduce access to counseling and technical assistance for urban small businesses that rely on nearby offices and federal buildings that are reachable by public transit. Representative Cisneros asked directly whether the New York City Federal Plaza office was closed; Loeffler replied the office was still open and that she would provide a current list of operating offices.

Why it matters: committee members said many small businesses—particularly in dense metropolitan markets—use nearby SBA district offices or partner counseling centers for in‑person assistance, multilingual help and technical assistance. Representatives from New Jersey, New York and California warned that removing local SBA staff or closing offices could make it harder for minority‑ and immigrant‑owned businesses and for small firms that depend on public transit to access services.

Committee requests and unanswered details: Members repeatedly asked the administrator for a list of specific offices that have 0 or 1 employees, and for the staffing levels at offices that might be moved. Loeffler said her team would supply the list but did not provide it at the hearing. Members also sought assurances that services currently provided through district offices would continue through Small Business Development Centers and other local partners; Loeffler said the agency is “streamlining” and relies on SBDCs and partner networks for delivery.

The broader dispute: some members tied office relocation to public‑safety concerns; others framed it as an access and equity issue. Representative Cisneros and others said moving offices out of major metropolitan areas could disproportionately harm minority‑owned and language‑diverse businesses. Loeffler framed the office moves as part of a broader effort to focus SBA resources on small business service delivery and to avoid “politicized” partnerships.

Next steps: committee staff requested a full, itemized list of field offices, headcounts and reorganization plans. Members said they will review the list when it is produced and may conduct further oversight depending on the agency’s response.","Administrator Kelly Loeffler told the House Small Business Committee the SBA is relocating regional offices from jurisdictions that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement; several members said moving offices could hurt small businesses in large metropolitan areas and asked for a list of affected offices.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6543240,"SBA proposes deep cuts, including elimination of 2,700 positions and funding for several small‑business counseling programs",1053,1510000,2563000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3657877-3a3982f688b39fa7c4d254382890dbfb&start=1510&end=2563","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3657877-3a3982f688b39fa7c4d254382890dbfb/thumbnail_1510000.jpg","/articles/6543240/SBA-proposes-deep-cuts-including-elimination-of-2700-positions-and-funding-for-several-smallbusiness-counseling-programs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6543240-ae9450dde729c742eb36b0e42fa8efd3/orig.mp4?Expires=1775254294&Signature=Dssyt47lGkX4IuZqYEtad2DPLsNzMu2GzWIdqr6YCBClVNcxBHQhMPjkqw2a51OIFmxl5FSdcQUBi2VU77gtMTz7jVBf7U9O0VO-QqA57HKV9UHmRXq6vVqnOkTE7vz1VehxJhKhjbZogcM4D6ogUVvT8tuT4PVGZihsAxWs99BhC7sJnKP9RtrZ9qDru8bUUiY2CjafOWnejcpfZ0Xc7sbUZrChTUO0icy0artyacRTYAGEJhU-TxiVIYmG7QAEqNvi98t4yQDZlKrZNk9kJQ454XUQlofizuYMABDUjxpXb72za5Pwkj2jsZGtn~6yHytzWJtn84x6UJJz9UxzQg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Chairman Williams and ranking member Velasquez exchanged pointed opening remarks as the House Committee on Small Business held a hearing on the Small Business Administration’s fiscal 2026 budget and organizational changes. Administrator Kelly Loeffler told the panel the administration’s proposal returns the agency to a “mission” focus and is meant to “streamline services, eliminate waste, and ensure every taxpayer dollar delivers measurable results for America’s small businesses.”

The central policy item under scrutiny was a reduction in SBA staff and a proposal to remove funding for several entrepreneurial development programs. Ranking Member Velasquez said in her opening statement that the administrator had proposed eliminating 2,700 employees, “representing a 43% cut to agency staff,” and warned that the reductions could erase institutional knowledge and customer service capacity. Loeffler acknowledged the staffing change to the committee, saying the agency has “reduced the agency headcount by 2,700 employees, returning it to the same size that it was during the first Trump administration.”

Why it matters: committee members said the cuts directly affect services that small firms rely on, particularly counseling, veterans programs and women’s business centers. Multiple members pressed Loeffler for a list of offices and reorganization plans submitted to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) on March 13 and April 14 and for monthly progress reports beginning in May. Loeffler committed to work with the committee on providing information but did not provide the requested OPM documents during the hearing.

Committee members and witnesses also disputed how far the cuts go. Representative Tran and others raised the budget’s proposed elimination of 15 entrepreneurial development grants, including women’s business centers and other local counseling programs; a member later put the total reduction for the 15 programs at roughly $167,000,000. Loeffler said the agency intends to refocus delivery through the SBA’s network of 1,000 small business development centers and the district offices, while also asserting the budget maintains support for veterans through SBDC partnerships and a separate $10,000,000 increase proposed for veteran‑focused services.

Members sought specifics on implementation and near‑term impacts. Velasquez asked how many employees left under deferred resignations and where field operations had seen cuts; Loeffler answered that the headcount was reduced by 2,700 and said there were 35 offices with “0 or 1 employee” when her team reviewed the footprint. Ranking members asked for granular numbers and copies of the reorganization plans; Loeffler agreed to work with the committee and supply additional information.

What stayed unresolved: members requested—and repeatedly pressed for—documentary evidence (RIF and OPM submissions, monthly progress reports) and a jurisdictional breakdown showing which local offices would be changed or closed. Loeffler said the agency would provide more detailed numbers and promised cooperation on oversight requests but did not produce the full documents during the hearing.

Looking ahead: several members signaled plans for follow‑up oversight, and the committee asked for prompt production of the reorganization plans and monthly reports. The issues—staffing levels, service continuity for local counseling networks, and the future of women’s business centers and veterans outreach programs—are likely to recur in additional hearings and in written oversight requests.","At a House Small Business Committee hearing, Administrator Kelly Loeffler defended a Trump administration budget proposal that trims SBA headcount and would eliminate funding for multiple entrepreneurial development programs; Democrats and some Republican members pressed for details and documents.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":91,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":94,"_51":105,"_53":106,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":107,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":108,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6543221,"Lawmakers press SBA on plan to take over student‑loan portfolio as members question fit with agency mission",7049,8559000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3657877-3a3982f688b39fa7c4d254382890dbfb&start=1510&end=8559","/articles/6543221/Lawmakers-press-SBA-on-plan-to-take-over-studentloan-portfolio-as-members-question-fit-with-agency-mission","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6543221-d9cc3fdf3ca19e90371e791162f249e3/orig.mp4?Expires=1775254294&Signature=S2N5w0cBw6-fJqQY0toKiqke1GiCJFx4Ak39SGWCJcNcUs2tS1aAdLtW-VwmJq9nthCYlyRb08uahLWy-8RY1yfK3tuVXaB3jmT-zifEHr429WorWKwHtE1vl1Hka2ZU04rxfiArWkSKlh3ZtHXlfwxDyfBqBCzsdm1ImeZbJYkQElO48f2-qYrSxpkBlld6tVnBJ9uN9g96~kQwm5fn6ghFHGL~EQBSiYJT-bUYX~PEZjgJZzA21Qm2fU3iUUEtQao~jhzBIdkRSWscGCIVxbVtO08Z5EA-0f~w~3uZUbJS9yENvUioZM7Fo9oSXUbXUN01wvkftjJUQjGeB7Reww__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Members of the House Small Business Committee asked the administrator to explain how the SBA, which the administration is simultaneously resizing, will administer the federal student‑loan portfolio after a White House announcement transferring the portfolio to SBA. Ranking Member Velasquez directly asked, “where are student loans mentioned in the agency’s mission? What does this have to do with assisting small firms?” and pressed how the SBA intended to take on a new mission while reducing staff.

Loeffler said the administration would work through implementation details with the White House and that the SBA would “be working with the White House and this administration to ensure, these any of these plans, as they're developed, will be carried out.” She noted the SBA is already a large government‑guaranteed lender and asserted the agency has experience managing large loan portfolios. The administrator did not provide a timeline or a detailed plan during the hearing; she told members a nomination for inspector general is being prepared and pledged to provide additional follow‑up information as plans are developed.

Why it matters: committee members said redirecting student‑loan servicing and oversight to an agency focused on small businesses raises statutory, operational and oversight questions. Members asked how the SBA would staff and manage the portfolio, what statutory authority the transfer would rely on, and whether the change would divert resources from small business programs.

Next steps: the committee requested more detailed implementation plans and a timeline. Loeffler said the agency would provide details as they are finalized and committed to working with committee oversight staff.","Committee members asked Administrator Kelly Loeffler how the SBA—already proposing major staff cuts and reorganization—will assume administration of the federal student‑loan portfolio; the administrator said the White House is developing plans and the SBA will coordinate but did not present a detailed implementation schedule at the hearing.",{"_33":110,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":111,"_41":112,"_43":113,"_45":114,"_47":115,"_49":116,"_51":117,"_53":118,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":119,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":120,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6543225,"SBA backs increased lending for manufacturers and launches onshoring portal as lawmakers debate tariffs and exemptions",2619,2151000,4770000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3657877-3a3982f688b39fa7c4d254382890dbfb&start=2151&end=4770","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3657877-3a3982f688b39fa7c4d254382890dbfb/thumbnail_2151000.jpg","/articles/6543225/SBA-backs-increased-lending-for-manufacturers-and-launches-onshoring-portal-as-lawmakers-debate-tariffs-and-exemptions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6543225-4a3e58a1555369bd528d726f8ad872d2/orig.mp4?Expires=1775254294&Signature=moQnsshaUXQLQY4j~ocf8S1lG-3QsrJjIitjR3uihONG7W0t3wsfSZrTlOZi1yTK2knVvERCCO0xE2T~LRKfAUMQdSW5gFK-l9C-VIByi6kY5bfY9lhA4Uxx~TiFTK4nClnZm6BxvmoSpcLtJk-UrD9bSLVCVDlU40DItoaW4XCcrGGDj6TxoIHe2EnwlcQq1aYRFyaYAtaSW7sa~QnaRVPLatxsdtc8dzAZ7PcS4PvdYBw1UTgcuiAhSgQCuGQLd~C4owKORRkvMF~37z6BY9wEImYY5~Y9hPkJbg0OHbBzEg0BDON1~HsTjTMV6uktKoLzuXoHKoXDlHitYyz51Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lawmakers and Administrator Kelly Loeffler used the hearing to press the administration’s trade and industrial strategy for small manufacturers. Chairman Williams introduced HR 3174, the Made in America Manufacturing Finance Act, and asked Loeffler how increasing SBA loan size would help manufacturers. Williams said HR 3174 “increases the maximum SBA loan size for small manufacturers from $5,000,000 to $10,000,000.”

Loeffler told the committee that doubling that loan cap “will provide needed access, not just for capital equipment, but for hiring and investing in R&D” and called it complementary to administration tax proposals designed to spur investment. She also described the SBA’s newly launched onshoring portal and said it lists “over 1,000,000 domestically sourced manufacturing” sources that small firms can use to strengthen domestic supply chains.

Why it matters: several members—particularly representatives from manufacturing districts—pressed whether tariffs and reciprocal trade measures were creating uncertainty for small manufacturers. Some members asked the SBA to advocate for tariff exemptions for small firms; Loeffler repeatedly framed the administration’s approach as “fair trade” designed to restore U.S. manufacturing competitiveness and encouraged firms to use onshoring resources.

Committee exchange on tariffs: members pressed whether the administration would consider exemptions for small businesses; Loeffler declined to endorse a blanket small‑business exemption, stressing instead the administration’s aim for a “level playing field” and that onshoring resources could help firms avoid tariff exposure.

Outcomes and next steps: representatives from both parties said they want more data on how tariffs are affecting small manufacturers and requested outreach to local manufacturing businesses. The committee signaled interest in HR 3174, and the administrator said she hopes it will receive bipartisan support.","At the Small Business Committee hearing, members discussed tariffs, trade impacts on small manufacturers and legislation to raise SBA loan caps for manufacturers. Administrator Kelly Loeffler supported a bill to double loan limits for manufacturers and highlighted a new onshoring portal to help small firms find U.S. suppliers.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

SBA administrator defends loan reforms, cites $630 million identified by 'Doge' team; members press on inspector general removal and data access

Administrator Loeffler says SBA will move regional offices out of ‘sanctuary’ jurisdictions; members raise access concerns

SBA proposes deep cuts, including elimination of 2,700 positions and funding for several small‑business counseling programs

Lawmakers press SBA on plan to take over student‑loan portfolio as members question fit with agency mission

SBA backs increased lending for manufacturers and launches onshoring portal as lawmakers debate tariffs and exemptions