U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono questioned Kelly Loeffler, President Trump's nominee for Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA), during a confirmation hearing in Washington, D.C. Senator Hirono focused on Ms. Loeffler's loyalty to President Trump and her commitment to implementing SBA programs according to the law.
Ms. Loeffler, who previously served as a U.S. Senator for Georgia, faced scrutiny over her opposition to Planned Parenthood health centers receiving Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans during the pandemic. Despite SBA's determination that these centers were eligible, Ms. Loeffler opposed their inclusion based on ideological grounds.
“During the pandemic, you opposed Planned Parenthood health centers receiving PPP loans for ideological reasons even though, like other nonprofits, they were eligible for loans as later determined by SBA’s own Inspector General,” said Senator Hirono.
Senator Hirono also addressed Ms. Loeffler's stance on President Trump's decision to pardon individuals involved in the January 6 insurrection at the Capitol. Ms. Loeffler expressed strong support for these pardons, stating that those convicted were denied due process.
“They were not denied due process because they were tried and found guilty and some of them even admitted their guilt,” responded Senator Hirono.
The discussion further covered President Trump's proposal to eliminate FEMA and leave disaster relief efforts to individual states. Senator Hirono highlighted the role of FEMA and SBA in recovery efforts following wildfires in Lahaina.
“I have seen the devastation in Lahaina and the role FEMA and SBA played in the recovery," said Senator Hirono.
Ms. Loeffler stated her disagreement with eliminating federal disaster response roles and emphasized continued support for relief efforts.