During a recent hearing of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Chair Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) expressed her support for William Kirk as the nominee for Inspector General of the Small Business Administration (SBA). Ernst described Kirk as a strong candidate for the position, emphasizing his background and commitment to accountability.
Ernst discussed her SBA Fraud Enforcement Extension Act, which has passed out of committee. The legislation is designed to extend the statute of limitations for crimes related to COVID-19 relief fraud and provide additional time for investigations into fraudulent activities that targeted federal pandemic assistance programs.
In her remarks, Ernst stated: “Today, we are considering Mr. William Kirk as the nominee for a very important position of SBA’s Inspector General.
“I am impressed with the strong track record and integrity of the individual here today and I appreciate the time you’ve spent meeting with me and my colleagues prior to this hearing.
“I want to take a minute to recognize your family and friends here supporting you today. I especially want to welcome your wife, Elizabeth, and your four children: Will, Ben, Alice, and Nicholas. Thank you for being here.
“Mr. Kirk, thank you for embracing the Committee’s standard, yet extensive, vetting of your experience and background in advance of today’s hearing and upcoming vote on your nomination.
“The role of Inspector General is critical and unique, requiring complete independence and impartiality to ensure effective oversight and accountability at the agency.
“Throughout my career, I have prioritized eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse in government. I appreciate the demands and challenges of the IG role having served as a county auditor, examining the local books and making sure everything was above board.
“I’ve continued that work, and in addition to being Chair of this Committee, I serve as Chair of the Inspectors General Caucus. I strongly value the partnership between IGs and Congress and the value they provide to the country.
“At SBA specifically, thorough investigations are needed to ensure that those who exploited the COVID relief programs are brought to justice and their illicit gains are returned to the American taxpayer.
“In 2020, small businesses needed help, and the American taxpayers graciously provided it.
“It is completely unacceptable that bad actors took advantage of this emergency assistance.
“The SBA’s Office of Inspector General estimated that more than $200 billion in potentially fraudulent COVID relief advances and loans were disbursed in the years following the pandemic.
“Taxpayers want to know where their money went, yet the federal government has done little to hold these criminals accountable.
“This must change – I’m proud to have worked across the aisle to pass out of Committee earlier this year S. 1199, the SBA Fraud Enforcement Extension Act, which extends the statute of limitations for crimes against the COVID-era programs and gives the SBA IG the time necessary to fully investigate and hold fraudsters accountable.
“Mr. Kirk, when we met, I shared with you my belief that we must take substantial action to identify and eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse. I look forward to working with you to recover these funds.
“I especially appreciate that today’s nominee for Inspector General brings firsthand experience to the IG role. Mr. Kirk previously served for three years at the Environmental Protection Agency’s OIG as Deputy Counsel to the IG and as Acting Counsel to the IG.
“While working for EPA Mr. Kirk received an Exceptional Service Award for his hard work dedication invaluable contributions Office Counsel OIG demonstrating exceptional character utmost integrity
“The Office of Inspector General at SBA is essential agency’s oversight pleased President acted swiftly nomination
“Again thank you Mr Kirk being here look forward testimony”
The hearing comes after reports from oversight bodies indicated over $200 billion may have been distributed through potentially fraudulent claims during pandemic-related aid programs by SBA.
