WASHINGTON – United States Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship Chair Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., today released the following statement after President Barack Obama announced the return of the U.S. Small Business Administrator to a cabinet-level position, as it had been under previous administrations.

“It is really good news that the President is returning SBA Administrator Karen Mills to a Cabinet level position. I have been urging this move even before the President took his oath of office, and I am pleased the President fulfilled my recommendation to include a voice for America’s job creators in his Cabinet. I am confident Administrator Mills will be a strong voice in the Cabinet during this recovery, and I will count on the Administrator to keep small business issues at the forefront of the conversation.

“During my time serving on the Small Business Committee, I have seen how critical the SBA is in providing disaster loans during times of crisis and helping get capital into the hands of small business owners. I need to see the details of the President’s plan and review any plan put before Congress, however I am open to streamlining the government, particularly if it will achieve savings and greater efficiency. Rest assured, I will continue to work to ensure any plan would enhance the SBA’s ability to help entrepreneurs and support small businesses.”

Senator Landrieu sent a letter to President-elect Obama in December 2008 asking for the elevation, and Chair Landrieu and Ranking Member Snowe sent a joint letter in January 2009.

To see Chair Landrieu’s December 2008 letter, click here.

To see Chair Landrieu and Ranking Member Snowe’s January 2009 letter, click here.