WASHINGTON — Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship Chair Ben Cardin (D-Md.) today issued the following statement after the committee advanced the nomination of Dilawar Syed to be U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Deputy Administrator by a vote of 10-9:

“Dilawar Syed has a proven track record of scaling startups and meeting market demands.  He’s had leadership roles in business, entrepreneurship, and public service.  And in his most recent position as the State Department’s Special Representative for Commercial and Business Affairs, he has broadened his knowledge on matters related to trade and exports,” said Chair Cardin.  “It has been more than two years since Mr. Syed was first nominated for the position of Deputy Administrator. I want to add my appreciation for his patience and perseverance during this confirmation process marked by unacceptable delaying tactics, spurious accusations, and unrelated controversies. The position of Deputy Administrator has been vacant for nearly five years over two administrations. This is a disservice to the small business owners throughout our nation, and it is about time we get this done.”

Since he was first nominated for this position, Syed’s nomination has broad support in the small business community, earning endorsements from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Black Chambers, National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce & Entrepreneurship, Small Business Roundtable, Small Business Majority, and more than 150 civic, government, higher education and business leaders and organizations.

The committee held a hearing on Syed’s nomination on March 8.

A video of today’s business meeting is available here (0:52).

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