Republican lawmakers on the House and Senate Small Business committees are ramping up pressure on the Biden administration following allegations of electioneering activities within the Small Business Administration (SBA). Rep. Roger Williams (R-TX) and Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) have issued a joint statement expressing frustration with the administration’s perceived lack of cooperation in their oversight efforts.
The @SBAgov should be supporting American small businesses, not campaigning for Biden on the taxpayer’s dime.
@RepRWilliams and I will continue fighting for transparency: https://t.co/8uGTU8SSDS— Joni Ernst (@SenJoniErnst) May 9, 2024
Williams and Ernst emphasized the importance of oversight in ensuring accountability within the SBA, criticizing what they described as the agency’s “stonewalling” and disregard for congressional inquiries. Despite facing resistance, the lawmakers reiterated their determination to pursue answers on behalf of the American people.
The House committee, led by Williams, took decisive action by subpoenaing SBA chief of staff Arthur Plews and adviser Tyler Robinson after they failed to appear for a scheduled interview and withheld requested documents. The investigation centers on the SBA’s alleged collaboration with the Michigan Department of State to promote voter registration, particularly in light of Michigan’s significance in President Biden’s electoral strategy.
Ernst, the ranking member on the Senate panel, has raised additional concerns about potential violations of the Hatch Act following the emergence of an undercover video purportedly showing an SBA adviser discussing partisan political activities.
BREAKING: O’Keefe Media Uncovers who is really running the White House. Undercover cameras catch Special Advisor @SBAgov call former @facebook Board Member @WHCOS @ZientsJeff27574 “the second most powerful person in Washington” where “whatever this guy says, it’s what the… pic.twitter.com/vLeollXEFX
— James O'Keefe (@JamesOKeefeIII) April 17, 2024
Ernst has called for a thorough investigation into these allegations to uphold ethical standards within the federal government.
Furthermore, Ernst has called attention to telework abuse within the SBA, citing data from the Government Accountability Office indicating low office attendance among agency employees. Both lawmakers underscored the importance of maintaining the SBA’s focus on supporting small businesses and avoiding involvement in partisan political endeavors.
In their statement, Williams and Ernst urged SBA Administrator Isabel Guzman and the SBA to cooperate fully with congressional inquiries and address the allegations of electioneering swiftly and transparently. They emphasized the need for accountability to uphold the integrity of the SBA’s mission.
