Visclosky April 29 Update on COVID-19

Press Release

I write to provide you with an update on efforts being taken by Congress to address the current COVID-19 pandemic.

First and foremost, I am pleased that on April 24, 2020, much overdue legislation was signed into law to replenish small business relief programs that recently expired, as well as provide further support to our nation's health-care system. Specifically, P.L. 116-139, the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, includes the following provisions:

* Appropriates an additional $310 billion for the Small Business Administration's (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). This program provides small businesses, nonprofits, and other eligible entities with loans of up to $10 million each, with up to eight weeks of average payroll and other costs forgiven if the business retains its employees and salary levels. Of the total funding included in P.L. 116-139 for the PPP, $60 billion is set aside exclusively for distribution by local community banks, credit unions, and other authorized PPP lenders with less than $50 billion in assets. The SBA has now resumed taking applications for this program.

* Provides $50 billion for the SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program and $10 billion for EIDL Emergency Advance funds. The EIDL program allows small businesses, nonprofits, and other entities to apply for low-interest loans of up to $2 million to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue due to COVID-19. These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills incurred during this public-health emergency.

* Includes $100 billion for our nation's health-care system. $75 billion is allocated to reimburse hospitals and health-care providers for COVID-19 expenses and lost revenue, as well as purchase additional supplies of personal protective equipment. $25 billion is provided to improve our nation's ability to develop, manufacture, and expand capacity for the testing of COVID-19.

I firmly believe that Congress must continue to regularly replenish funding for small business relief programs at the SBA as necessary and in a timely, nonpartisan fashion. It is unacceptable that small businesses in Northwest Indiana and across the country had to wait for over a week without access to the PPP and EIDL programs due to the inability of Congress to agree on a way forward. While I am grateful that negotiations resulted in improved legislation, including greater funding for the SBA and new funding for health care, I would emphasize that the American people cannot afford partisan brinksmanship during a time of crisis.

Looking forward, the House is now developing another legislative package to address COVID-19 -- and I strongly believe that it must do more to assist American families suffering from hardship. The House's proposal will seek to provide additional direct payments to Americans, improve paid leave and unemployment insurance, expand the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and allow the uninsured an additional opportunity to access health insurance on the federal marketplace.

Additionally, I am supportive of efforts being advocated for by House Democrats to implement enhanced workplace health and safety standards -- as well as hazard pay -- for frontline employees that continue to serve our country in this difficult time. This effort must be coupled with strong funding and procurement requirements in order to ensure that every nurse, doctor, and provider has access to necessary personal protective equipment. Establishing a robust supply chain for this equipment would also allow workers in other critical industries -- such as in the steel mills, trades, and grocery stores -- to access these supplies without creating undue harm to our hospitals. Finally, I am supportive of proposals being circulated in Congress to provide new financial support to the U.S. Postal Service, which is on the frontline ensuring that mail and packages are being delivered during this pandemic and that critical medical supplies reach their destinations.

As Congress proceeds, please do not hesitate to contact my office through my website, at https://visclosky.house.gov, or by phone, at 219-795-1844, should you have any concerns or thoughts regarding the federal government's response to this pandemic. I assure you that my office is always available to assist you to the best of our ability.

I hope this information is helpful. May you be healthy and safe.

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