Congressman Derek Tran Demands Answers from Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler
Washington, DC – Yesterday, Rep. Derek Tran questioned Small Business Administrator (SBA) Kelly Loeffler, who testified before the Small Business Committee. Rep. Tran held Administrator Loeffler accountable for reckless attempts to eliminate vital funding and support resources that uplift our nation’s small businesses.
Watch Rep. Tran’s full line of questioning HERE.
Rep. Tran sought answers on the most significant issues facing small businesses in California’s 45th district, including the widespread funding freezes of SBA funding through grants and contracts, and the abrupt cancellation of small business contracts terminated by federal agencies.
Administrator Loeffler’s proposed budget would eliminate 15 of SBA’s specialized Entrepreneurial Development programs, including the Orange County Women’s Business Center in Fullerton, a hub for women entrepreneurs in CA-45 that helped create over 500 jobs and 118 new businesses in 2024.
With every $1 invested in WBCs, $6 in new business revenue and $15 in economic activity are generated. Rep. Tran pressed Administrator Loeffler for answers about plans to cancel funding for these critical programs.
An excerpt of Rep. Tran’s remarks regarding funding cuts to Women’s Business Centers is as follows:
Administrator, I want to focus on the importance of Women’s Business Centers. Despite their proven track record of creating new jobs and empowering female entrepreneurs, you’re proposing they close their doors. This program is the definition of an efficient government program that has contributed to local economic growth and innovation. Under your plan, you’re proposing a one-size-fits-all approach to small business counseling. Administrator, why are you cancelling funding for a program that has bipartisan support and drives job creation?
Rep. Tran also underscored the unique needs of Veterans in the small business community, especially those transitioning from service to civilian life. He questioned the Trump Administration’s commitment to continue supporting Veteran-specific business development programs, such as the Veterans Business Outreach Centers and the Boots to Business program.
Congressman Derek Tran represents California’s 45th Congressional District. Serving his first term in Congress, Congressman Tran is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and House Small Business Committee, where he is Ranking Member of the Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations Subcommittee. Congressman Tran is the son of Vietnamese refugees, a Veteran, and fought for consumers as an attorney before entering Congress.