On Wednesday, the Senate confirmed Kelly Loeffler as the new leader of the Small Business Administration, a move that marked a significant development in President Donald Trump’s cabinet.

The confirmation, which took place through a bipartisan vote, saw Loeffler appointed as the 18th official to join Trump’s administration, further shaping his cabinet as it continues to navigate the complexities of overseeing a diverse array of federal agencies.

The vote was close, with the Senate approving Loeffler’s nomination by a 52-46 margin. Notably, Nevada Democratic Senator Jacky Rosen crossed party lines to support Loeffler, joining 51 Republican senators in her favor.

While most Democrats opposed the appointment, with 46 voting against it, two Republican senators—Jerry Moran of Kansas and Dan Sullivan of Alaska—chose not to cast their votes.

The absence of their votes did not alter the outcome but highlighted the divided nature of the confirmation process.

Kelly Loeffler, who previously served as a U.S. senator from Georgia, was tapped to lead the Small Business Administration (SBA), a vital agency tasked with assisting small businesses across the country.

The SBA oversees a budget of approximately $1 billion, which is allocated toward providing loans, grants, and financial coaching to small-business owners who are crucial to the U.S. economy. Her appointment is seen as a critical one at a time when small businesses have been hit hard by the economic challenges of the pandemic and are in need of robust support and guidance.

Loeffler’s confirmation comes after a period of scrutiny and debate, especially given her relatively brief tenure in the Senate, where she was appointed in 2019 to fill the seat vacated by Senator Johnny Isakson.

Despite this, she had established a notable presence in Georgia’s political landscape before her Senate tenure ended, though her recent political career has been marked by polarizing moments.

As head of the SBA, Loeffler will have the task of overseeing the agency’s financial resources and ensuring that small-business owners, particularly those affected by the ongoing economic disruptions, receive the necessary support to help them thrive.

The Small Business Administration plays an essential role in fostering economic growth by making capital accessible to entrepreneurs who may struggle to secure funding through traditional means.

Through various loan programs, grants, and initiatives that promote business development, the SBA’s efforts are critical to the success of small businesses—an essential backbone of the American economy.

Loeffler’s leadership will be watched closely as she works to ensure that these services continue to meet the demands of a business environment undergoing significant transformation.

In the aftermath of the Senate vote, the confirmation of Kelly Loeffler represents not only a win for President Trump but also a continued evolution of the administration’s approach to federal governance.

With Loeffler now at the helm of the SBA, she will play a key role in shaping the future of small-business policy in the U.S., particularly as the nation recovers from the financial hardships of the pandemic.