Washington, D.C. – April 23, 2020, U.S. Rep. Randy Weber (R-TX) released the following statement on the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act:  

“During this pandemic, twenty-two million American workers have been laid off; small businesses have been forced to shut their doors—some forever—due to government orders to cease or limit operations.  Our citizens are having to make incredibly tough decisions about their physical and financial health. Through no fault of their own, they are suffering.  Therefore, where government has intervened, Congress has a necessary role in bolstering the health and safety of our citizens and our economy.  Americans need relief now.

“Today Congress passed The Payroll Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act to provide an additional $321 billion in funding to the PPP—funding necessary to sustain small businesses and protect jobs.  This legislation also includes $50 billion for the Disaster Loans Program, as well as an additional $10 billion for Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) grants, $75 billion to support hospitals, and $25 billion to expand testing efforts.

“While I have serious concerns with the massive amount of spending that bears no offsets and has all relevant budgetary controls waived, I realize the need to stabilize our citizens and our economy.  Therefore, I support this legislation.  Even more important than this much-needed relief, Americans need their leaders to find the quickest path to reopening our economy.  America needs—and wants—to get back work.  Congress needs to lead the way."

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