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Carter Votes to Support Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19

Congressman Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (R-Ga.) voted today to replenish the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which ran out of money last week after Washington Democrats blocked a clean funding bill to support the program. The PPP is a new loan product created by the CARES Act for businesses with less than 500 employees that will be eligible for forgiveness if the business maintains payroll continuity and if the money is used on payroll costs, mortgage interest, rent or utility payments. This loan program is helping small businesses while keeping Americans employed. Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin estimated that the Paycheck Protection Program alone has already saved 30 million American jobs.

Additionally, the legislation passed in the United States House of Representatives today provides funding for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), testing, and health care providers.

"The Paycheck Protection Program is a lifeline for small businesses in the First District and across the country," said Carter. "A small business owner in the First District just told me this week that he is able to keep all of his employees employed because of the PPP. Unfortunately, the program was so popular it ran out of money. Instead of acting quickly to replenish the program, Washington Democrats blocked clean funding for more than a week threatening American livelihoods. While I'm very glad this funding was approved today, the delay and lapse in funding for the program is unacceptable. Congress must work together to deliver for the American people." 

The Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act approved by the House today includes:
  • $310 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program
  • $60 billion for Economic Injury Disaster Loan program
  • $75 billion for hospitals and health care providers for COVID-19 related expenses and lost revenue
  • $25 billion to research, develop, manufacture, purchase, administer, and expand capacity for COVID-19 tests