Today, Rep. Grace F. Napolitano (D-El Monte), released the following statement after the House passed the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, interim Coronavirus (COVID-19) relief legislation to further aid small businesses and hospitals:
"Today's legislation is an important next step in ensuring the well-being of our nation's small businesses, families, and communities. I continue to hear from many frustrated constituents, including small business owners, who have not yet received critical assistance. This bill improves and bolsters the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) by providing $310 billion in additional funding, with $60 billion for community-based lenders, banks, and credit unions to help businesses in our communities. To ensure this does not turn into another bailout for the wealthy and big corporations, we must conduct rigorous oversight and hold the administration accountable for every dollar approved.
"Our legislation also provides $75 billion for our hospitals and our health care workers, which can be used to meet such needs as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for our brave health care workers. It additionally invests $25 billion in testing which is key to reopening our economy and resuming our lives.
"While this is not the last round of Coronavirus relief packages, this funding is badly needed and will strengthen PPP to help our local businesses. As we look toward other measures in our ongoing pandemic response, I will continue to focus on meeting the needs of all San Gabriel Valley families and businesses."