To: Paycheck Protection Program
“It’s critical that we protect the economic health
of our small businesses
and workers, as well as the physical health of all
Americans.”
Health Care Enhancement Act
Thursday April 23, 2020
Congressman Paul Cook (R-Apple Valley)
expressed his support for House of Representatives Bill #266, the Paycheck
Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, which passed the House
today with overwhelming bipartisan support. The Legislation passed the Senate
on Tuesday, April 21, 2020 and President Trump is expected to sign the Bill
into law.
HR 266 delivers continued critical funding to address the effects of the
Coronavirus. It provides nearly $500 billion in additional funding to support
small businesses and healthcare providers and for additional testing.
Specifically, the Bill
replenishes emergency funding for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP),
which provides critical small business loans and grants. Funding for this
program, recently depleted, allows businesses to keep workers on payroll during
the quarantine. Secretary of the Treasury Steven Munchin estimated that the PPP
has already saved more than 30 million American jobs.
In addition
to funding for small businesses, this legislation also supports hospitals and
healthcare workers by providing funds to reimburse hospitals and healthcare
providers for lost revenues and expenses related to the Coronavirus. It also
expands testing which will help identify areas where new cases are occurring.
Although, the Congressman
was not present for the vote, he filed an entry for the Congressional Record,
indicating his support for this legislation.
Representative
Cook says, “The COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc on the lives
of Americans. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and we need to
provide the support necessary to keep them afloat. While we’re making progress
in combatting the virus, it’s critical that we protect the economic health of
our small businesses and workers, as well as the physical health of all
Americans.”