House and Senate GOP Demand SBA Documents Amid Voter Registration Allegations
Republican leaders in Congress are demanding documents from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) following allegations that the agency is engaged in partisan voter registration outreach in key swing states such as Michigan. The joint letter, sent by Rep. Roger Williams (R-TX) and Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA), accuses the SBA of shirking its responsibilities to small businesses in favor of registering voters in Democratic areas.
Congressional Oversight Obstructed
The letter highlights allegations that the SBA has failed to respond to requests for calendars, travel records, and other documents related to the activities of senior officials, including Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman. Williams and Ernst argue that this lack of transparency hinders their constitutional oversight responsibilities.
Lawsuit Filed by Watchdog Group
The allegations against the SBA have prompted a lawsuit by the Heritage Foundation and its Oversight Project executive director, Mike Howell. The lawsuit seeks documents related to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the SBA and the Michigan Department of State, which allegedly includes efforts to promote voter registration.
SBA Response
The SBA declined to comment on the lawsuit, citing ongoing legal matters.
Democratic Response
Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-NY), the top Democrat on Williams’ committee, has expressed dismay at the subpoenas issued by the panel, stating that they depart from the committee’s previous bipartisan cooperation.
Background
In March, the SBA announced a voter registration agreement with the Michigan agency. Williams’ committee issued subpoenas in May for SBA aides related to allegations of diverting resources away from assisting small businesses toward partisan ends.
