WASHINGTON – United States Senators Mary L. Landrieu, D-La. and Olympia J. Snowe, R-Maine, Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, today sent letters to Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Karen Mills and Inspector General Peg Gustafson requesting recommendations for programs within the SBA that could be eliminated or substantially reduced, without undermining the agency’s ability to serve the needs of small business owners.

Senators Landrieu and Snowe said in the letters, “As the new Congress convenes, the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship will begin the session by examining and assessing the need, efficiency and effectiveness of programs within the Small Business Administration.

“Like the American people, Congress must continue to evaluate and determine what spending is necessary to meet current needs and demands while identifying and eliminating needless spending. Accordingly, we take this responsibility seriously and will dedicate time and effort in this Congress to determine the best path forward.”

With the elimination of duplicative, ineffective, or redundant programs, Senators Landrieu and Snowe have committed to undertake a careful examination of ways to improve small business programs within the SBA and across Federal agencies. The Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship will hold a hearing to help move forward with this effort and requested that the Administrator provide the recommendations no later than February 10, 2011.

To view a copy of the letter to Administrator Mills, please click here.

To view a copy of the letter to Inspector General Gustafson, please click here.