SmallBusinessNewz

The government's slow, and as a result, Sandy Baruah still hasn't been confirmed (or completely rejected) as a permanent head of the Small Business Administration.  He has, however, been granted the title of "acting administrator."

Baruah was nominated about two months ago by President Bush, and this development means Baruah should hold the position at least until Bush leaves office.  It's a good first step toward a longer tenure, too, although somewhat predictable squabbles have formed across party lines.

The one more serious problem that's dogging Baruah is his stand on giving government contracts to female-owned businesses.  Elizabeth Olson reported, "Senator John F. Kerry . . . accused President Bush on Thursday of circumventing the confirmation process and of undercutting efforts to open government contracting opportunities for women."

Senator Olympia J. Snowe voiced some concerns from the other side of the aisle, and Olson noted, "Lawmakers were further irked because the Small Business Administration sent a final draft of the women's contracting rule to the Office of Budget and Management."

Baruah isn't saying much one way or the other.  This could be interpreted as a sign he's confident in keeping his job regardless of the single issue.