The Senate confirmed Dilawar Syed, a Pakistani-American businessman, as the deputy administrator of the Small Business Administration, making him the highest-ranking Muslim in the Biden administration.
In a 54-42 vote Syed was approved more than two years after he was nominated for the position in March 2021, ending a blockade by Republicans.
Syed will be the highest-ranking Muslim official in the US government.
"The SBA has not had a Senate-confirmed deputy for more than five years, and Mr. Syed is exactly the right person for the job," said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
"Mr. Syed will add to the dynamism and diversity of the Biden administration, as the highest-ranking Muslim official in the executive branch".
Currently, Syed serves as a special representative for commercial and business affairs at the State Department.
