U.S. Senate confirms Dilawar Syed to lead Small Business Administration
WASHINGTON – After more than two years of delay, the U.S. Senate on Thursday confirmed Dilwar Syed as deputy commissioner for the Small Business Administration (SBA).
He will thus be the highest-ranking Muslim official in the U.S. government.
Born in Pakistan, Syed is a California-based entrepreneur involved in software, health care, and artificial intelligence.
President Joe Biden first nominated him in 2021, but Republicans did not show up to vote. Biden nominated him again in 2023.
In a statement, Sen. Ben Cardin, chairman of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, said the confirmation process was fraught with unacceptable delay tactics, unfounded accusations, and unrelated controversies.
He said Syed has shown patience and perseverance.
He said America’s small businesses and communities would benefit from his role.
During the Obama administration, Syed promoted the State Department’s Global Entrepreneurship Program.
He also chaired the White House Initiative on Economic Growth Committee of the Commission.
Syed was also formerly associated with Emgage, the National Muslim American Political Action Committee.
That group has come under criticism in the past for its alleged ties to pro-Israel groups.
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