Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) made the following statement after signing a discharge petition urging the House to consider H.R. 8265, the Paycheck Protection Program Extension Act:
"The Paycheck Protection Program served as a lifeline to small businesses, allowing them to keep employees on payroll and sustain our economy during this national crisis. More than $500 billion in forgivable loans have been distributed nationwide, including more than $20 billion in Pennsylvania, alone. The average loan was $110,000. Today, I signed a discharge petition to urge the House to consider the Paycheck Protection Program Extension Act.
"This bill would allow certain businesses that have experienced a severe economic downturn, with at least a 25% decrease in revenue, to access a second loan from the $138 billion in unspent PPP funding. Importantly, it extends eligibility to 501(c)(6) organizations, including non-profits and local chambers, who have played a critical role in supporting businesses during this pandemic.
"There is no conceivable reason to allow this program, which has already supported nearly 80,000 PA-9 jobs, to remain dormant. Without it, there would be millions of Americans unemployed. I hope Democrats join Republicans to provide additional, needed relief for employees and employers across the country."