Assistant Speaker Ben Ray Luján

From the Office of Assistant Speaker Ben Ray Luján:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. House Assistant Speaker Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued the following statement on the passage of the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act – vital legislation to address the COVID-19 pandemic and support small businesses, hospitals and frontline workers, and bolster testing across the United States:

“In a matter of weeks, the COVID-19 pandemic has touched the lives of each and every American. The passage of today’s legislation is an important step forward that will expand testing, provide greater support to small businesses, hospitals and frontline workers, and help us combat this pandemic.

“But we recognize that much more must be done – the American people are counting on us. Local, state, and tribal governments are facing dire financial challenges and need more direct relief. This must be a priority in the next legislative package. Together, we will overcome this crisis.” 

The interim funding package includes: 

• $310 billion in additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program, with $30 billion designated for community lenders, small banks, and credit unions; and $30 billion for medium-sized credit unions and banks;
• $50 billion for Small Business Administration disaster lending, translating into more than $350 billion in loans and $10 billion in SBA disaster grants, including measures to ensure farmers can access this assistance;
• $75 billion to provide resources and assistance for hospitals and health care workers, including for Personal Protective Equipment; and
• $25 billion to bolster COVID-19 testing across the United States.