[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 132 (Thursday, July 31, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S4978]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                      Nomination of Casey Mulligan

  Ms. ERNST. Madam President, today the Senate will vote to advance the 
nomination of Dr. Casey Mulligan to be the Chief Counsel of the Office 
of Advocacy at the Small Business Administration. I strongly urge my 
colleagues to vote yes in support of his nomination.
  Over the past few years, the cost of regulations for small businesses 
has been out of control. The previous administration created more than 
1,100 final rules, costing $1.8 trillion. The Biden administration's 
regulatory costs were 600 times higher than that of the first Trump 
administration, and 3.7 times higher than that of the Obama 
administration.
  In stark contrast, during his first 6 months back in office, 
President Trump's deregulatory actions have already saved an estimated 
$86 billion and 52.2 million hours in paperwork.
  Small businesses back in Iowa and across the country can now spend 
more time building their business and hiring employees, instead of 
dealing with pointless redtape.
  While SBA Administrator Loeffler and the White House are working hard 
every day to optimize the regulatory landscape, small businesses 
deserve a Senate-confirmed Chief Counsel to help advance this mission. 
The Office of Chief Counsel For Advocacy has been vacant, without a 
Senate-confirmed occupant, for nearly a decade. This key role champions 
the interests and protection of small businesses, and President Trump 
nominated a highly qualified individual for this role.
  Dr. Casey Mulligan's unique mix of academic success and real-world 
experience makes him an ideal candidate for this job. Dr. Mulligan 
received his Ph.D. in economics from the University of Chicago, where 
he currently serves as an economics professor. In addition, Dr. 
Mulligan also owns two small consulting and economic research 
businesses.
  Over the years, he has conducted extensive research on the economic 
effects of regulation on small businesses. At the SBA Office of 
Advocacy, Dr. Mulligan will serve as an advocate for small businesses 
nationwide.
  The Office of Advocacy's duty remains the same regardless of party: 
to stand up for the little guy and warn regulators when their proposals 
could harm small firms.
  Dr. Mulligan understands the significance of Main Street and the need 
to evaluate every burden placed on America's entrepreneurs.
  Again, I urge my colleagues to support the confirmation of Dr. 
Mulligan as Chief Counsel of the Office of Advocacy at SBA.
  I yield the floor.