The chair of the House Small Business Committee has once again urged President Joe Biden to nominate a candidate for the long-vacant position advocating for small-business owners.
Roger Williams, R-Texas, sent a third letter to Biden on Friday, emphasizing the importance of filling the chief counsel for advocacy position at the Small Business Administration (SBA). Despite previous appeals to the Biden administration in February 2023 and April 28, the position has remained unfilled since January 2017 when Darryl DePriest left.
For the past six years, Major Clark, deputy chief counsel for advocacy, has assumed the duties of the chief counsel.
Williams expressed his frustration with the lack of response or action from the Biden administration, emphasizing the crucial role the Office of Advocacy plays in monitoring regulatory burdens and supporting small businesses. He urged Biden to nominate a qualified candidate promptly.
The SBA advocacy position acts as an independent voice for small businesses within the federal government and ensures compliance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act, Williams noted.
Highlighting the challenges faced by small businesses due to regulatory burdens, Williams underscored the urgency of filling the position. He cited data showing a significant increase in regulatory costs and paperwork under the current administration.
The SBA’s Office of Advocacy, established by Congress in 1976, is led by the chief counsel, who requires presidential appointment and Senate confirmation.
Despite former President Donald Trump’s nomination of David Tryon for the role in 2018, the nomination never proceeded to a full Senate vote.
Recent reports indicate that the SBA Office of Advocacy has provided minimal savings for small business owners despite increased regulatory activity and engagement with federal agencies.
