[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 50 (Wednesday, March 17, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S1611]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                CONFIRMATION OF ISABELLA CASILLAS GUZMAN

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. President, I rise today to support the 
confirmation of Isabel Guzman, a dedicated public servant and 
successful small businesswoman, to lead the Small Business 
Administration.
  Small businesses are a cornerstone of Maryland's economy, creating 
jobs, driving innovation, and anchoring communities. Isabel Guzman's 
extensive leadership experience serving at SBA under the Obama 
administration and running her own small businesses positions her well 
to support our small business communities as we finish the fight 
against the COVID-19 pandemic and address the unique challenges faced 
by women- and minority-owned small businesses across Maryland.
  In her new role as SBA Administrator, she will inherit an economic 
crisis compounded by a mismanaged pandemic that has devastated the 
small business community from retail to restaurants and bars to sole-
proprietorships. She will be charged not only with administering 
critical small business relief programs, including the Economic Injury 
Disaster Loan Program and the Paycheck Protection Program, but also 
with building back better to shape the environment for a thriving small 
business community. I look forward to working closely with her to 
ensure that we build an inclusive economy that encourages and supports 
local entrepreneurs.

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