Dear Emgage advocates
Back in March, President Biden nominated Dilawar Syed to be the deputy administrator of the Small Business Administration — his confirmation would make him the highest-ranking American Muslim in the Biden administration (and in any administration in US history).
The Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship held a hearing on Syed’s nomination in April. Under normal circumstances, he would have been confirmed by now.
But some committee members are refusing to even allow a simple “yes” or “no” vote on Syed’s nomination — they’re denying something as simple as a quorum. Syed deserves a vote.
WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT FOR A NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION TO ALLOW A VOTE ON SYED’S NOMINATION TO ALLOW A VOTE ON SEPTEMBER 21 ON SYED'S NOMINATION.
It’s a matter of pride for every Muslim American and all those who believe that anyone, no matter their background, can rise up to serve our nation. Unfortunately, several senators have repeatedly not shown up to committee meetings and denied quorum –– a first-ever in the history of the Small Business Committee –– to stall Dilawar’s confirmation. They have emphasized his national origin in memos and his connection and work in the American Muslim community all the while ignoring his eminent qualifications as a business leader.
This is un-American.
Our Constitution explicitly states that “no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States.” The Religious Test Clause protects all Americans who aspire to serve in government from religious discrimination.
Syed is eminently qualified. An entrepreneur with 20+ years of business experience alongside a history of public service from his role as the founding chairman of the California Entrepreneurship Task Force to his recent responsibilities on the Silicon Valley Recovery Roundtable helping the region bounce back from COVID. During the Obama Administration, he chaired the White House’s AAPIs’ Economic Growth Committee to help small businesses recover after the 2008 financial crisis in under-served regions. He has been endorsed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and more than three dozen leading business groups.
Syed is an American Muslim entrepreneur and a job creator who worked hard to live the American Dream and dedicated his life to helping entrepreneurs in under-served communities across the country.
It is well-past time for the Senate to perform its constitutional duty and hold a vote on Syed — so he can start lifting entrepreneurs and small business owners across America, especially as another COVID surge ravages Main Street businesses.
Fortunately, you can make a big difference right now. Several senators are on the fence and need to hear from their constituents on this nomination.
In solidarity,
Wa'el Alzayat, CEO of Emgage Action
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3425 US HWY 98 N
Lakeland, FL 33809
United States
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