The Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, chaired by Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), has advanced President Trump’s nominee, William Kirk, for Inspector General of the Small Business Administration (SBA). The committee approved Kirk’s nomination by a narrow 10-9 vote.
During his confirmation hearing last month, Senator Ernst highlighted Kirk’s qualifications and his commitment to addressing fraud related to COVID-19 relief programs. “I’m excited to advance another terrific Trump nominee in Mr. Kirk,” said Ernst. “I look forward to working with him to ensure every dollar stolen by fraudsters is recovered. Congress must pass my SBA Fraud Enforcement Extension Act to give Mr. Kirk the time and tools necessary to fully investigate and hold these criminals accountable.”
The SBA Fraud Enforcement Extension Act, introduced by Ernst and passed out of committee, seeks to extend the statute of limitations for prosecuting COVID-19 related fraud cases. The legislation aims to support efforts by the Trump administration to recover an estimated $200 billion in potentially fraudulent advances and loans distributed as pandemic relief.
Ernst proposed this measure following a report indicating that the Biden administration’s SBA did not pursue nearly two million individuals suspected of misusing pandemic aid.
